Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator of an embodiment comprises: a cabinet forming a storage chamber; a door opening / closing the storage chamber; a first hinge mechanism connecting the upper side of the door rotatably to the cabinet; and a second hinge mechanism connecting the lower side of the door rotatably to the cabinet, wherein the first hinge mechanism comprises a first pin unit which is installed on the upper side of the door and includes a plurality of pins, and a first hinge body which is installed on the cabinet and is provided with first pin slots in which the plurality of pins of the first pin unit are accommodated, and the second hinge mechanism comprises a second pin unit which is installed on the lower side of the door and is provided with a plurality of pins, and a second hinge body which is installed on the cabinet and is provided with second pin slots in which the plurality of pins of the second pin unit are accommodated. In the process of opening the door, the virtual center for rotation of the door may be moved.

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 low temperatures 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 door opens while the virtual center of rotation of the door moves, thereby preventing interference with surrounding structures during the door opening process.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which the door can rotate smoothly during the rotation process of the door by using a pin unit having a plurality of eccentric pin centers to rotate the door.

[0009] 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.

[0010] The first hinge mechanism may include a first pin unit installed on the upper side of the door and having a plurality of pins, and a first hinge body installed in the cabinet and having a first pin slot in which the plurality of pins of the first pin unit are received.

[0011] The second hinge mechanism may include a second pin unit installed on the lower side of the door and having a plurality of pins, and a second hinge body installed in the cabinet and having a second pin slot in which the plurality of pins of the second pin unit are received.

[0012] During the opening process of the above door, the virtual center of rotation of the above door can move.

[0013] The plurality of pins of the first pin unit may include a first pin and a second pin that are spaced apart from each other. The plurality of pins of the second pin unit may include a third pin and a fourth pin that are spaced apart from each other.

[0014] The center of the first pin may coincide with the center of the third pin, and the center of the second pin may coincide with the center of the fourth pin.

[0015] The shape of the first pin slot may be the same as the shape of the second pin slot.

[0016] At least one of the first pin unit and the second pin unit may include three or more pins spaced apart from each other.

[0017] Among the three or more pins, two or more pins may be arranged to be spaced apart in the Y-axis direction, which is the arrangement direction of the cabinet and door. Among the three or more pins, two or more pins may be arranged to be spaced apart in the X-axis direction intersecting the Y-axis direction.

[0018] The line connecting the centers of the three or more pins above may form an equilateral triangle or an unequal triangle.

[0019] The plurality of pins of the first pin unit may include a first pin and a second pin that are spaced apart from each other. The plurality of pins of the second pin unit may include a third pin and a fourth pin that are spaced apart from each other. At least one of the center of the first pin and the center of the second pin may be eccentric with at least one of the center of the third pin and the center of the fourth pin.

[0020] One of the centers of the first pin and the second pin may coincide with one of the centers of the third pin and the fourth pin. The other of the centers of the first pin and the second pin may be eccentric with the centers of the third pin and the fourth pin.

[0021] The shape of the first pin slot may be the same as the shape of the second pin slot.

[0022] The shape of the first pin slot may be different from the shape of the second pin slot.

[0023] When the first hinge mechanism is viewed from above, a line connecting the center of the pin that is eccentric with the first pin and the second pin and the center of the first pin and the center of the second pin may form an equilateral triangle or an unequal triangle.

[0024] The three different pin centers can be located on one or more circles having the same virtual center.

[0025] During the opening process of the above door, the virtual center of rotation may move along a central trajectory. The central trajectory may include one or more of a straight line and a curve.

[0026] At least a portion of the central trajectory may overlap the first pin slot or overlap the second pin slot.

[0027] The first pin slot may include a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion. The second pin slot may include a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion. At least a portion of the first portion or the second portion may have the same shape as the first portion or the second portion.

[0028] The first pin slot and the second pin slot may be formed to include a portion formed to be identical to a trajectory created by a point on a circle when the circle rolls, such as a cycloid trajectory, or to include a portion similar to the trajectory.

[0029] According to another aspect, a refrigerator may include a cabinet forming a storage compartment; a door for opening and closing the storage compartment; a first hinge mechanism having a plurality of pins for rotatably connecting an upper side of the door to the cabinet; and a second hinge mechanism having a plurality of pins for rotatably connecting a lower side of the door to the cabinet.

[0030] The center of one or more of the plurality of pins of the first hinge mechanism may be eccentric with the center of each of the plurality of pins of the second hinge mechanism.

[0031] According to another aspect, a refrigerator comprises: a cabinet forming a storage compartment; a door for opening and closing the storage compartment; a first hinge mechanism for allowing an upper side of the door to rotate relative to the cabinet; and a second hinge mechanism for allowing a lower side of the door to rotate relative to the cabinet. The first hinge mechanism may include a plurality of pins and a first pin slot for receiving the plurality of pins, and the second hinge mechanism may include a plurality of pins and a second pin slot for receiving the plurality of pins of the second hinge mechanism. The shape of the first pin slot may be different from the shape of the second pin slot. A portion of the first pin slot may be formed in the same shape as a portion of the second pin slot.

[0032] In one embodiment, the door opens as the virtual center of rotation of the door moves, thereby preventing interference with surrounding structures during the door opening process.

[0033] In one embodiment, the door is rotated using a plurality of pins with different centers, so that the opening angle of the door is increased while the door can be smoothly opened and closed by the plurality of pins and pin slots.

[0034] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a first hinge mechanism of a door according to the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the second hinge mechanism of the door of the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the first hinge mechanism according to the first embodiment.

[0038] An exploded perspective view of the second hinge mechanism according to the first embodiment of FIG. 5.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a top view of the first hinge mechanism to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body when the door is closed.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism viewed from below to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body when the door is closed.

[0041] Figures 8 and 9 are drawings showing the door opening process according to the first embodiment.

[0042] Figure 10 is a drawing showing the trajectory of the pins and the movement trajectory of the virtual rotation center of the door.

[0043] FIG. 11(A) is a drawing of the first hinge mechanism viewed from above to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 11(B) is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism viewed from below to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the second embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 12(A) is a drawing of the first hinge mechanism viewed from above to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 12(B) is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism viewed from below to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the third embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 13(A) is a drawing of the first hinge mechanism viewed from above to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 13(B) is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism viewed from below to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the fourth embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 14(A) is a drawing of the first hinge mechanism viewed from above to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 14(B) is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism viewed from below to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the fifth embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 15(A) is a drawing of the first hinge mechanism viewed from above to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 15(B) is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism viewed from below to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the sixth embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 16(A) is a drawing of the first hinge mechanism viewed from above to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the seventh embodiment, and FIG. 16(B) is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism viewed from below to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the seventh embodiment.

[0049] FIG. 17(A) is a drawing of the first hinge mechanism viewed from above to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the eighth embodiment, and FIG. 17(B) is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism viewed from below to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the eighth embodiment.

[0050] FIG. 18(A) is a drawing of the first hinge mechanism viewed from above to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the 9th embodiment, and FIG. 18(B) is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism viewed from below to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the 9th embodiment.

[0051] FIG. 19 (A) is a drawing of the first hinge mechanism viewed from above to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the 10th embodiment, and FIG. 19 (B) is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism viewed from below to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the 10th embodiment.

[0052] FIG. 20(A) is a drawing of the first hinge mechanism viewed from above to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the 11th embodiment, and FIG. 20(B) is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism viewed from below to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the 11th embodiment.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the refrigerator (1) according to the present embodiment may be installed independently in a kitchen or accommodated in a cabinet (P) (see FIG. 8) (or wall) indoors. When the refrigerator (1) is installed in a cabinet (P), the refrigerator (1) may be installed alone or arranged left and right together with other refrigerators.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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).

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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).

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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).

[0065] When a refrigerator (1) is installed inside a cabinet in an indoor space, the opening angle of the door (20) needs to be increased without the door (20) interfering with the cabinet during the opening process of the door (20).

[0066] In the present embodiment, the opening angle of the door (20) can be increased without interfering with the furniture by the first hinge mechanism (100) and the second hinge mechanism (200). For example, the first hinge mechanism (100) and the second hinge mechanism (200) can cause the door (20) to open while the virtual center of rotation of the door (20) moves.

[0067] Below, the first hinge mechanism (100) and the second hinge mechanism (200) are described in detail.

[0068] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a first hinge mechanism according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a second hinge mechanism according to the first embodiment.

[0069] FIG. 6 is a drawing of the first hinge mechanism viewed from above to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body when the door is closed, and FIG. 7 is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism viewed from below to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body when the door is closed.

[0070] Below, in the case of the first hinge mechanism, a plan view of the first hinge mechanism is shown, and in the case of the second hinge mechanism, a bottom view of the second hinge mechanism is shown.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 7, the first hinge mechanism (100) may further include a first pin unit (120) that operates with the first hinge body (110).

[0072] The above first pin unit (120) may be, for example, coupled to the upper side of the door (20) or formed integrally with the door (20).

[0073] The first pin unit (120) may include a first pin (122) and a second pin (124) that are spaced apart from each other. The first pin (122) may be referred to as a first upper pin, and the second pin (124) may be referred to as a second upper pin.

[0074] The first pin (122) and the second pin (124) may be formed integrally with the door (20). Alternatively, the first pin unit (120) may include a first plate (121) that supports the first pin (122) and the second pin (124), and the first plate (121) may be coupled to the door (20).

[0075] The first pin (122) and the second pin (124) may be formed integrally with the first plate (121) or may be coupled to the first plate (121).

[0076] The first fin (122) and the second fin (124) may be spaced apart in the front-back direction (or Y-axis direction) of the refrigerator or in the arrangement direction of the cabinet (10) and the door (20). In addition, the first fin (122) and the second fin (124) may also be spaced apart in the X-axis direction intersecting the Y-axis direction.

[0077] The second pin (124) may be positioned closer to the front (10a) of the cabinet (10) than the first pin (122). The first pin (122) may be positioned closer to the side of the door (20) adjacent to the furniture (P) than the second pin (124).

[0078] The first hinge body (110) may further include a first pin slot (112) in which the first pin (122) and the second pin (124) are received.

[0079] The above pin slot (112) may be a hole through which the first pin (122) and the second pin (124) pass, or a groove into which the first pin (122) and the second pin (124) are inserted.

[0080] The first pin slot (112) may include a first portion (113). The first portion (113) may extend in a direction intersecting the X-axis and the Y-axis. The first portion (113) may guide the first pin (122) during the opening and closing process of the door (20). The first portion (113) may extend in a curved shape.

[0081] The first pin slot (112) may further include a second portion (114) extending from the first portion (113). The second portion (114) may extend from a position spaced apart from both ends (113a, 113b) of the first portion (113). The second portion (114) may guide the second pin (124) during the opening and closing process of the door (20). The second portion (114) may extend in a curved shape.

[0082] The first pin slot (112) may further include a third portion (115) extending from the first portion (113). The third portion (115) may be positioned on the opposite side of the second portion (114) from the first portion (113).

[0083] When the door (20) is closed, the first pin (122) can be positioned at the first end (113a) of the first part (113). During the opening process of the door (20), the first pin (122) can move toward the second end (113b) of the first part (113). In the maximum opening position of the door (20), the first pin (122) can contact or be in proximity to the second end (113b) of the first part (113).

[0084] When the door (20) is closed, the second pin (124) can be positioned at the third portion (115). During the opening process of the door (20), the second pin (124) can move past the first portion (113) to the second portion (114). In the maximum opening position of the door (20), the second pin (124) can contact or be in proximity to the end (114a) of the second portion (114).

[0085] The second hinge mechanism (200) may further include a second pin unit (220) that operates with the second hinge body (210). The second pin unit (220) may be, for example, coupled to the lower side of the door (20) or formed integrally with the door (20).

[0086] When the second hinge body (210) is coupled to the front of the cabinet (10), the second hinge body (210) may include a coupling portion (221) coupled to the cabinet and an extension portion (212) extending horizontally from the coupling portion (221). In this case, the second pin unit (220) may be connected to the extension portion (212).

[0087] The second pin unit (220) may include a third pin (222) and a fourth pin (224) that are spaced apart from each other. The third pin (222) may be referred to as a first lower pin, and the fourth pin (224) may be referred to as a second lower pin.

[0088] The third pin (222) and the fourth pin (224) may be formed integrally with the door (20). Alternatively, the second pin unit (220) may include a second plate (221) that supports the third pin (222) and the fourth pin (224), and the second plate (221) may be coupled to the door (20).

[0089] The third pin (222) and the fourth pin (224) may be formed integrally with the second plate (221) or may be coupled to the second plate (221).

[0090] The third fin (222) and the fourth fin (224) may be spaced apart in the front-back direction (or Y-axis direction) of the refrigerator or in the arrangement direction of the cabinet (10) and the door (20). In addition, the third fin (222) and the fourth fin (224) may also be spaced apart in the X-axis direction intersecting the Y-axis direction.

[0091] The third pin (222) may be positioned closer to the front (10a) of the cabinet (10) than the fourth pin (224). The fourth pin (224) may be positioned closer to the side of the door (20) adjacent to the furniture (P) than the third pin (222).

[0092] The second hinge body (210) may further include a second pin slot (214) in which the third pin (122) and the fourth pin (124) are received.

[0093] The second pin slot (114) may be a hole through which the third pin (222) and the second pin (224) pass, or a groove into which the third pin (222) and the fourth pin (224) are inserted.

[0094] The shape of the second pin slot (214) may be different from the shape of the first pin slot (112).

[0095] The second pin slot (214) may include a first part (215). The first part (215) may guide the fourth pin (224) during the opening and closing process of the door (20). The first part (215) may extend in a curved shape.

[0096] The second pin slot (214) may further include a second part (216) extending from the first part (215). The second part (216) may extend from a position spaced apart from both ends (215a, 215b) of the first part (215). The second part (216) may guide the third pin (122) during the opening and closing process of the door (20). The second part (216) may extend in a curved shape.

[0097] At least a portion of the first part (215) or the second part (216) may have the same shape as the first part (113) or the second part (114).

[0098] When the door (20) is closed, the fourth pin (224) can be positioned at the first end (215a) of the first part (215). During the opening process of the door (20), the fourth pin (224) can move toward the second end (215b) of the first part (215). In the maximum opening position of the door (20), the fourth pin (224) can contact or be close to the second end (215b) of the first part (215).

[0099] When the door (20) is closed, a part of the third pin (222) may be positioned in the first part (215), and another part may be positioned in the second part (216). During the opening process of the door (20), the third pin (222) may move toward the end (216a) of the second part (216). In the maximum opening position of the door (20), the third pin (224) may contact or be close to the end (216a) of the second part (216).

[0100] In the present embodiment, the first pin slot (112) and the second pin slot (214) may be designed to include a portion that is designed to be identical to a trajectory created by a point on a circle when the circle rolls, such as a cycloid trajectory, or may be designed to include a portion similar to the trajectory.

[0101] In the present embodiment, at least one of the center of the first pin (122) and the center of the second pin (124) may be eccentric with at least one of the center of the third pin (222) and the center of the fourth pin (224).

[0102] For example, the center of the first pin (122) may be eccentric with respect to the center of the third pin (222) and the fourth pin (244). The center of the second pin (124) may coincide with the center of the third pin (222). The center of the second pin (122) may be eccentric with respect to the center of the fourth pin (224).

[0103] Therefore, in the present embodiment, there may be at least three different pin centers. The three different pin centers may be located on one or more circles having the same virtual center.

[0104] Figures 8 and 9 are drawings showing the door opening process according to the first embodiment.

[0105] Figures 8 (A) to (B) and Figures 9 (A) and (B) show the state change of the first hinge mechanism during the door opening process, and Figure 9 (c) is a drawing showing the second hinge mechanism when the door is fully opened.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 9, the door (20) can be rotated in one direction to open the door (20) when the door (20) is closed. When the door (20) is rotated, the first pin unit (120) and the second pin unit (220) can be rotated together with the door (20).

[0107] When the door (20) is closed, the first pin (122) can come into contact with the first end (113a) of the first part (113). When the door (20) is closed, the second pin (124) can be positioned at the third part (115).

[0108] In the process of the door (20) being rotated in one direction to open the door (20) as shown in (B) of Fig. 8, the first pin (122) may be spaced apart from the first end (113a), and the second pin (124) may be spaced apart from the third part (115).

[0109] As the door (20) is continuously opened, the second pin (124) moves past the first part (113) to the second part (114).

[0110] When the door (20) is opened at a predetermined angle greater than, for example, 90 degrees, the second pin (124) can contact the end (114a) of the second part (114). When the door (20) is further rotated while the second pin (124) is in contact with the end (114a) of the second part (114), the first pin (122) comes into contact with the second end (113b) of the first part (113).

[0111] In the maximum open position of the door (20), the second pin (124) can contact the end (114a) of the second part (114), and the first pin (122) can contact the second end (113b) of the first part (113).

[0112] In the present embodiment, the second pin (124) is described as contacting the end (114a) of the second part (114) and then the first pin (122) contacts the second end (113b) of the first part (113). However, depending on the position of the pin, it is also possible for the second pin (124) to contact the end (114a) of the second part (114) after the first pin (122) contacts the second end (113b) of the first part (113), and it is also possible for the contact points to be the same.

[0113] Referring to Fig. 7, when the door (20) is closed, the fourth pin (224) can contact the first end (215a) of the first part (215). A part of the third pin (222) can be located in the first part (215), and another part can be located in the second part (216).

[0114] Referring to (C) of FIG. 9, in the maximum open position of the door (20), the fourth pin (224) can contact the second end (215b) of the first part (215). The third pin (222) can contact the end (216a) of the second part (216).

[0115] Figure 10 is a drawing showing the trajectory of the pins and the movement trajectory of the virtual rotation center of the door.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, during the opening process of the door (20), the virtual center of rotation (C1) of the door (20) may move in a direction away from the furniture (P).

[0117] In this specification, the virtual center of rotation (C1) can move stepwise or continuously depending on the specific shape or curvature of the pin slot.

[0118] In the present embodiment, there are three different pin centers, and the three pin centers can be located on one or more virtual circles having the same virtual center. The center of the virtual circle is the virtual rotation center (C1) of the door (20). The virtual rotation center (C1) can move during the opening process of the door (20).

[0119] In the case of Fig. 10, the first pin can move along the first trajectory (T1), the second pin and the third pin can move along the second trajectory (T2), and the fourth pin can move along the third trajectory (T3). The virtual center of rotation (C1) can move along the center trajectory (TC). The center trajectory (TC) can move away from the front of the cabinet (10) during the opening process of the door (20).

[0120] The above central trajectory (TC) may include a straight line. As another example, the above central trajectory (TC) may include a curve.

[0121] Alternatively, the central trajectory (TC) may include straight lines and curves. For example, the central trajectory (TC) may include a first straight line, a curve, and a second curve. Alternatively, the central trajectory (TC) may include a first curve, a straight line, and a second curve.

[0122] The shape of the center trace (TC) can vary depending on the arrangement of the pins and the shape of the pin slots.

[0123] At least a portion of the central trajectory (TC) may overlap with the first pin slot (112) or overlap with the second pin slot (214).

[0124] In the present embodiment, 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.

[0125] In addition, a refrigerator is provided in which the door can rotate smoothly during the rotation process of the door by using a pin unit having a plurality of eccentric pin centers (for example, three pin centers) to rotate the door.

[0126] FIG. 11(A) is a drawing of the first hinge mechanism viewed from above to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 11(B) is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism viewed from below to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the second embodiment.

[0127] This embodiment is identical to the first embodiment in other respects, except that the shapes of the pin units and pin slots of each hinge mechanism are different.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 11, the first hinge body (110A) of the present embodiment may include a first pin slot (140A). The first pin slot (140A) may interact with a first pin unit (150A) provided in the door (20).

[0129] The second hinge body (210A) of the present embodiment may include a second pin slot (140B). The second pin slot (140B) may operate with a second pin unit (150B) provided in the door (20).

[0130] The above first pin unit (150A) may include a first pin (151), a second pin (152), and a third pin (154) that are spaced apart from each other. A line connecting the centers of each of the first pin (151), the second pin (152), and the third pin (154) may form an equilateral triangle or an equilateral triangle.

[0131] Two or more of the first to third pins (151, 152, 153) may be spaced apart in the Y-axis direction. Two or more of the first to third pins (151, 152, 153) may be spaced apart in the X-axis direction.

[0132] The first pin slot (140A) may include a first portion (141). The first pin slot (140A) may further include a second portion (142) extending in one direction from the first portion (141). The first pin slot (140A) may further include a third portion (143) extending in another direction from the first portion (141). An extension direction of the second portion (142) may intersect an extension direction of the third portion (143). The second portion (142) and the third portion (143) may be connected to each other on the outside of the first portion (141). In another aspect, the third portion (143) may be described as extending from the second portion (142).

[0133] The ends of the second part (142) and the third part (143) may be positioned closer to the front side (20a) of the door (20) than the first part (141). The second part (142) and the third part (143) may extend in a direction away from the front side (10a) of the cabinet (10) from the first part (141).

[0134] When the door (20) is closed, the first pin (151) may be located at an end of the second part (142). A part of the second pin (152) may be located at the first part (141), and another part may be located at the second part (142) or the third part (143). The third pin (153) may be located at one end of the first part (141).

[0135] During the opening process of the door (20), the first pin (151) can move from the end of the second part (142) toward the first part (141). The second pin (152) can move toward the end of the third part (143). The third pin (153) can move toward the other end of the first part (141).

[0136] The second pin unit (150B) may include a fourth pin (154), a fifth pin (155), and a sixth pin (156) that are spaced apart from each other. In the present embodiment, the second pin unit (150B) may be formed in the same shape as the first pin unit (150A). That is, the center of the first pin (151) may coincide with the center of the fourth pin (154), the center of the second pin (152) may coincide with the center of the fifth pin (155), and the center of the third pin (153) may coincide with the center of the sixth pin (156).

[0137] Additionally, in the present embodiment, the shape of the second pin slot (140B) may be the same as the shape of the first pin slot (140A). Therefore, the description of the second pin slot (140B) will be omitted.

[0138] Even in the present embodiment, since the door is rotated using at least three pins with different centers, there is an advantage in that the door (20) can be smoothly opened and closed by the plurality of pins and pin slots while increasing the opening angle of the door (20).

[0139] In the present embodiment, the virtual center of rotation of the door (20) is moved by three pins with different centers as an example, but it is also possible to move the virtual center of rotation by using four or more pins.

[0140] As another example, the shapes of the first pin slot (140A) and the second pin slot (140B) are the same, and it is also possible for the first pin unit to include two pins and the second pin unit to include two pins. However, one of the centers of the two pins of the first pin unit may coincide with the center of one of the two pins of the second pin unit, and the other of the centers of the two pins of the first pin unit may be eccentric with the center of each of the two pins of the second pin unit.

[0141] FIG. 12(A) is a drawing of the first hinge mechanism viewed from above to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 12(B) is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism viewed from below to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the third embodiment.

[0142] This embodiment is identical to the first embodiment in other respects, except that there is a difference in the second hinge mechanism. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described below.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 12, the first hinge body (110) of the present embodiment may include a first pin slot (112). The first pin slot (112) may interact with a first pin unit (120) provided in the door (20).

[0144] The second hinge body (210B) of the present embodiment may include a second pin slot (160). The second pin slot (160) may operate with a second pin unit (161) provided in the door (20).

[0145] The first pin unit (120) may include a first pin (122) and a second pin (124) that are spaced apart from each other. Since the shape of the first pin unit (120) and the first pin slot (112) is the same as that of the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0146] The second pin unit (161) may include a third pin (162) and a fourth pin (164) that are spaced apart from each other. The center of the third pin (162) may coincide with the center of the first pin (122). The center of the fourth pin (164) may coincide with the center of the second pin (124).

[0147] The shape of the second pin slot (160) may be the same as that of the first pin slot (160).

[0148] In the present embodiment, the virtual center of rotation of the door (20) can be moved using the first hinge mechanism and the second hinge mechanism of the same shape.

[0149] FIG. 13(A) is a drawing of the first hinge mechanism viewed from above to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 13(B) is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism viewed from below to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the fourth embodiment.

[0150] This embodiment is identical to the first embodiment in other respects, except that there is a difference in the second hinge mechanism. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described below.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 13, the first hinge body (110B) of the present embodiment may include a first pin slot (170). The first pin slot (170) may interact with a first pin unit (171a) provided in the door (20).

[0152] The second hinge body (210C) of the present embodiment may include a second pin slot (173). The second pin slot (173) may operate with a second pin unit (174a) provided in the door (20).

[0153] The first pin unit (171a) may include a first pin (171) and a second pin (172) that are spaced apart from each other. The first pin (171) and the second pin (172) may be spaced apart in the X-axis direction, for example. The first pin (171) and the second pin (172) may also be spaced apart in the Y-axis direction, for example. The first pin (171) may be positioned closer to the front surface (20a) of the door (20) than the second pin (172). The second pin (172) may be positioned closer to the first end (110B1) of the first hinge body (110B) adjacent to the furniture frame than the first pin (171).

[0154] The first pin slot (170) may include a first portion (170a). The first pin slot (170) may further include a second portion (170b) extending from the first portion (170a).

[0155] The second portion (170b) may, for example, extend from the first portion (170a) at a position spaced apart from both ends (170a1, 170a2) of the first portion (170a). The second portion (170b) may extend from the first portion (170a) in a direction away from the cabinet (10).

[0156] The second portion (170b) may extend from the first portion (170a) in a direction approaching the first end (110B1) of the first hinge body (110B).

[0157] When the door (20) is closed, the first pin (171) may be positioned in the second portion (170b). For example, the first pin (171) may contact an end of the second portion (170b). The second pin (172) may be positioned in the first portion (170a). For example, the second pin (172) may contact a first end (170a1) of the first portion (170a).

[0158] During the opening process of the door (20), the first pin (171) can move from the second portion (170b) to the first portion (170a). The second pin (172) can move from the first end (170a1) of the first portion (170a) to the second end (170a2). At the maximum opening position of the door (20), the second pin (172) can come into contact with the second end (170a2) of the first portion (170a).

[0159] The second pin unit (174a) may include a third pin (174) and a fourth pin (175) that are spaced apart from each other. The center of the third pin (174) may coincide with the center of the first pin (171). The center of the fourth pin (174) may coincide with the center of the second pin (172).

[0160] The second pin slot (173) may include a first part (173a) and a second part (173b). The shape of the second pin slot (173) may be the same as the shape of the first pin slot (170).

[0161] Since the shape of the first pin unit (120) and the first pin slot (112) are the same as those of the first embodiment, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0162] Even in the present embodiment, the virtual center of rotation of the door (20) can be moved using the first hinge mechanism and the second hinge mechanism of the same type.

[0163] FIG. 14(A) is a drawing of the first hinge mechanism viewed from above to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 14(B) is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism viewed from below to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the fifth embodiment.

[0164] This embodiment is identical to the first embodiment in other respects, except for the first hinge mechanism. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described below.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 14, the first hinge body (110C) of the present embodiment may include a first pin slot (180). The first pin slot (180) may operate with a first pin unit (181a) provided in the door (20).

[0166] The second hinge body (210D) of the present embodiment may include a second pin slot (183). The second pin slot (183) may operate with a second pin unit (184a) provided in the door (20).

[0167] The first pin unit (181a) may include a first pin (181) and a second pin (182) that are spaced apart from each other. The first pin (181) and the second pin (172) may be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction, for example. The first pin (181) and the second pin (182) may also be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction, for example. The first pin (181) may be positioned closer to the front surface (20a) of the door (20) than the second pin (182). The first pin (181) may be positioned closer to the first end (110C1) adjacent to the furniture unit than the second pin (182).

[0168] The first pin slot (180) may include a first portion (180a). The first pin slot (180) may further include a second portion (180b) extending from the first portion (180a).

[0169] The second portion (180b) may, for example, extend from the first portion (180a) at a position spaced apart from both ends (180a1, 180a2) of the first portion (180a). The second portion (180b) may extend from the first portion (180a) in a direction away from the cabinet (10).

[0170] The second portion (180b) may extend in a direction away from the first end (110C1) of the first hinge body (110C) in the first portion (180a).

[0171] When the door (20) is closed, the first pin (181) may be positioned in the first portion (180a). For example, the first pin (181) may contact the first end (180a1) of the first portion (180a). At least a portion of the second pin (182) may be positioned in the first portion.

[0172] In the process of opening the door (20), the first pin (181) can move from the first end (180a1) of the first part (180a) toward the second end (180a2). The second pin (182) can move toward the end of the second part (180b).

[0173] In the maximum open position of the door (20), the first pin (181) can contact the second end (180a2) of the first part (180a). The second pin (182) can contact the end of the second part (180b).

[0174] The second pin unit (184a) may include a third pin (184) and a fourth pin (185) that are spaced apart from each other. The center of the third pin (184) may coincide with the center of the first pin (181). The center of the fourth pin (184) may coincide with the center of the second pin (182).

[0175] The second pin slot (183) may include a first part (183a) and a second part (183b). The shape of the second pin slot (183) may be the same as the shape of the first pin slot (180). The shape of the second pin slot (183) may be the same as or similar to the shape of the second pin slot (214) of the first embodiment.

[0176] Even in the present embodiment, the virtual center of rotation of the door (20) can be moved using the first hinge mechanism and the second hinge mechanism of the same type.

[0177] FIG. 15(A) is a drawing of the first hinge mechanism viewed from above to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 15(B) is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism viewed from below to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the sixth embodiment.

[0178] Referring to FIG. 15, the first hinge body (110) of the present embodiment may include a first pin slot (112). The first pin slot (112) may interact with a first pin unit (120) provided in the door (20).

[0179] The second hinge body (210D) of the present embodiment may include a second pin slot (183). The second pin slot (183) may operate with a second pin unit (184a) provided in the door (20).

[0180] The first pin unit (120) may include a first pin (122) and a second pin (124) that are spaced apart from each other. The first pin unit (120) and the first pin slot (112) of the present embodiment are the same as the first pin unit (120) and the first pin slot (112) of the first embodiment, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0181] The second pin unit (184a) may include a third pin (184) and a fourth pin (185) that are spaced apart from each other. At least one of the center of the third pin (184) and the center of the fourth pin (185) may be eccentric with at least one of the center of the first pin (122) and the center of the second pin (124). For example, the center of the third pin (184) may be eccentric with the center of the first pin (122) and the center of the second pin (124). The center of the fourth pin (185) may coincide with the center of the second pin (124).

[0182] When viewed from the top of the first hinge mechanism, the lines connecting the centers of the three pins (for example, the first pin (122), the second pin (124), and the third pin (184)) may form an equilateral triangle or an unequal triangle.

[0183] The second pin slot (183) may include a first part (183a) and a second part (183b). Since the shape of the second pin slot (183) is the same as that of the second pin slot (183) of the fifth embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0184] At least a part of the first part (183a) or the second part (183b) may have the same shape as the first part (113) or the second part (114).

[0185] FIG. 16(A) is a drawing of the first hinge mechanism viewed from above to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the seventh embodiment, and FIG. 16(B) is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism viewed from below to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the seventh embodiment.

[0186] Referring to FIG. 16, the first hinge body (110) of the present embodiment may include a first pin slot (112). The first pin slot (112) may interact with a first pin unit (120) provided in the door (20).

[0187] The second hinge body (210C) of the present embodiment may include a second pin slot (173). The second pin slot (173) may operate with a second pin unit (174a) provided in the door (20).

[0188] The first pin unit (120) may include a first pin (122) and a second pin (124) that are spaced apart from each other. The first pin unit (120) and the first pin slot (112) of the present embodiment are the same as the first pin unit (120) and the first pin slot (112) of the first embodiment, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0189] The second pin unit (174a) may include a third pin (174) and a fourth pin (175) that are spaced apart from each other. At least one of the center of the third pin (174) and the center of the fourth pin (175) may be eccentric with at least one of the center of the first pin (122) and the center of the second pin (124). For example, the center of the fourth pin (175) may be eccentric with the center of the first pin (122) and the center of the second pin (124). The center of the third pin (174) may coincide with the center of the first pin (122).

[0190] The second pin slot (173) may include a first part (173a) and a second part (173b). Since the shape of the second pin slot (173) is the same as that of the second pin slot (173) of the fourth embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0191] At least a part of the first part (173a) or the second part (173b) may have the same shape as the first part (113) or the second part (114).

[0192] FIG. 17(A) is a drawing of the first hinge mechanism viewed from above to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the eighth embodiment, and FIG. 17(B) is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism viewed from below to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the eighth embodiment.

[0193] Referring to FIG. 17, the first hinge body (110B) of the present embodiment may include a first pin slot (170). The first pin slot (170) may interact with a first pin unit (171a) provided in the door (20).

[0194] The second hinge body (210B) of the present embodiment may include a second pin slot (160). The second pin slot (173) may operate with a second pin unit (161) provided in the door (20).

[0195] The first pin unit (171a) may include a first pin (171) and a second pin (171) that are spaced apart from each other. The first pin slot (170) may include a first portion (170a) and a second portion (170b).

[0196] Since the first pin unit (171a) and the first pin slot (170) of the present embodiment are the same as the first pin unit (171a) and the first pin slot (170) of the fourth embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0197] The second pin unit (161) may include a third pin (162) and a fourth pin (164) that are spaced apart from each other. At least one of the center of the third pin (162) and the center of the fourth pin (164) may be eccentric with at least one of the center of the first pin (171) and the center of the second pin (172). For example, the center of the fourth pin (164) may be eccentric with the center of the first pin (171) and the center of the second pin (172). The center of the third pin (162) may coincide with the center of the first pin (171).

[0198] Since the shape of the second pin slot (160) is the same as the shape of the second pin slot (160) of the third embodiment, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0199] At least a portion of a part forming the second pin slot (160) may have the same shape as the first part (170a) or the second part (170b).

[0200] FIG. 18(A) is a drawing of the first hinge mechanism viewed from above to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the 9th embodiment, and FIG. 18(B) is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism viewed from below to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the 9th embodiment.

[0201] Referring to FIG. 18, the first hinge body (110B) of the present embodiment may include a first pin slot (170). The first pin slot (170) may interact with a first pin unit (171a) provided in the door (20).

[0202] The second hinge body (210D) of the present embodiment may include a second pin slot (183). The second pin slot (183) may operate with a second pin unit (184a) provided in the door (20).

[0203] The first pin unit (171a) may include a first pin (171) and a second pin (171) that are spaced apart from each other. The first pin slot (170) may include a first portion (170a) and a second portion (170b).

[0204] Since the first pin unit (171a) and the first pin slot (170) of the present embodiment are the same as the first pin unit (171a) and the first pin slot (170) of the fourth embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0205] The second pin unit (184a) may include a third pin (184) and a fourth pin (185) that are spaced apart from each other. At least one of the center of the third pin (184) and the center of the fourth pin (185) may be eccentric with at least one of the center of the first pin (171) and the center of the second pin (172). For example, the center of the fourth pin (185) may be eccentric with the center of the first pin (171) and the center of the second pin (172). The center of the third pin (184) may coincide with the center of the second pin (172).

[0206] The second pin slot (183) may include a first part (183a) and a second part (183b). Since the shape of the second pin slot (183) is the same as that of the second pin slot (183) of the fifth embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0207] At least a part of the first part (183a) or the second part (183b) may have the same shape as the first part (170a) or the second part (170b).

[0208] FIG. 19 (A) is a drawing of the first hinge mechanism viewed from above to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the 10th embodiment, and FIG. 19 (B) is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism viewed from below to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the 10th embodiment.

[0209] Referring to FIG. 19, the first hinge body (110C) of the present embodiment may include a first pin slot (180). The first pin slot (180) may interact with a first pin unit (181a) provided in the door (20).

[0210] The second hinge body (210B) of the present embodiment may include a second pin slot (160). The second pin slot (160) may operate with a second pin unit (161) provided in the door (20).

[0211] The first pin unit (181a) may include a first pin (181) and a second pin (182) that are spaced apart from each other. The first pin slot (180) may include a first portion (180a) and a second portion (180b).

[0212] Since the first pin unit (181a) and the first pin slot (180) of the present embodiment are the same as the first pin unit (181a) and the first pin slot (180) of the fifth embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0213] The second pin unit (161) may include a third pin (162) and a fourth pin (164) that are spaced apart from each other. At least one of the center of the third pin (162) and the center of the fourth pin (164) may be eccentric with at least one of the center of the first pin (181) and the center of the second pin (182). For example, the center of the third pin (162) may be eccentric with the center of the first pin (171) and the center of the second pin (172). The center of the fourth pin (164) may coincide with the center of the second pin (182).

[0214] Since the shape of the second pin slot (160) is the same as the shape of the second pin slot (160) of the third embodiment, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0215] At least a portion of a part forming the second pin slot (160) may have the same shape as the first part (170a) or the second part (170b).

[0216] FIG. 20(A) is a drawing of the first hinge mechanism viewed from above to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the 11th embodiment, and FIG. 20(B) is a drawing of the second hinge mechanism viewed from below to show the relative positions of the pin and the hinge body in a closed state of the door according to the 11th embodiment.

[0217] Referring to FIG. 20, the first hinge body (110C) of the present embodiment may include a first pin slot (180). The first pin slot (180) may interact with a first pin unit (181a) provided in the door (20).

[0218] The second hinge body (210C) of the present embodiment may include a second pin slot (173). The second pin slot (173) may operate with a second pin unit (174a) provided in the door (20).

[0219] The first pin unit (181a) may include a first pin (181) and a second pin (182) that are spaced apart from each other. The first pin slot (180) may include a first portion (180a) and a second portion (180b).

[0220] Since the first pin unit (181a) and the first pin slot (180) of the present embodiment are the same as the first pin unit (181a) and the first pin slot (180) of the fifth embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0221] The second pin unit (174a) may include a third pin (174) and a fourth pin (175) that are spaced apart from each other. At least one of the center of the third pin (174) and the center of the fourth pin (175) may be eccentric with at least one of the center of the first pin (181) and the center of the second pin (182). For example, the center of the third pin (174) may be eccentric with the center of the first pin (181) and the center of the second pin (182). The center of the fourth pin (175) may coincide with the center of the second pin (182).

[0222] Since the shape of the second pin slot (173) is the same as the shape of the second pin slot (173) of the fourth embodiment, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0223] At least a part of the first part or the second part forming the second pin slot (173) may have the same shape as the first part (180a) or the second part (180b).

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 pin unit installed on the upper side of the above door and having a plurality of pins; A first hinge body is installed in the cabinet and includes a first pin slot in which a plurality of pins of the first pin unit are received, The second hinge mechanism is installed on the lower side of the door and includes a second pin unit having a plurality of pins, A second hinge body is installed in the above cabinet and includes a second pin slot in which a plurality of pins of the second pin unit are received, During the opening process of the above door, the virtual center of rotation of the door is the moving refrigerator.

2. In paragraph 1, The plurality of pins of the first pin unit include first pins and second pins spaced apart from each other, The plurality of pins of the second pin unit include a third pin and a fourth pin which are spaced apart from each other, A refrigerator wherein the center of the first pin coincides with the center of the third pin and the center of the second pin coincides with the center of the fourth pin.

3. In paragraph 2, A refrigerator wherein the shape of the first pin slot is the same as the shape of the second pin slot.

4. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator, wherein at least one of the first pin unit and the second pin unit includes three or more pins spaced apart from each other.

5. In paragraph 4, At least two pins among the three or more pins are arranged spaced apart in the Y-axis direction, which is the arrangement direction of the cabinet and door, A refrigerator in which two or more of the three or more pins are arranged spaced apart in the X-axis direction intersecting the Y-axis direction.

6. In paragraph 4, A refrigerator in which the lines connecting the three or more pins above form an equilateral triangle or an unequal triangle.

7. In paragraph 1, The plurality of pins of the first pin unit include first pins and second pins spaced apart from each other, The plurality of pins of the second pin unit include a third pin and a fourth pin which are spaced apart from each other, A refrigerator wherein at least one of the center of the first pin and the center of the second pin is eccentric with at least one of the center of the third pin and the center of the fourth pin.

8. In paragraph 7, One of the centers of the first pin and the second pin coincides with one of the centers of the third pin and the fourth pin, A refrigerator wherein one of the centers of the first pin and the second pin is eccentric with respect to the centers of the third pin and the fourth pin.

9. In paragraph 8, A refrigerator wherein the shape of the first pin slot is the same as the shape of the second pin slot.

10. In paragraph 8, A refrigerator wherein the shape of the first pin slot is different from the shape of the second pin slot.

11. In paragraph 8, A refrigerator in which, when the first hinge mechanism is viewed from above, the lines connecting the centers of the pins that are eccentric with the first pin and the second pin and the centers of the first pin and the second pin form an equilateral triangle or an unequal triangle.

12. In paragraph 8, A refrigerator in which three different pin centers are positioned on one or more circles having the same imaginary center.

13. In paragraph 8, During the opening process of the above door, the virtual center of rotation moves along the central trajectory, A refrigerator wherein the central trajectory comprises at least one of a straight line and a curve.

14. In paragraph 13, A refrigerator wherein at least a portion of the central trajectory overlaps the first pin slot or overlaps the second pin slot.

15. In paragraph 8, The first pin slot includes a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion, The second pin slot includes a first part and a second part extending from the first part, A refrigerator, wherein at least a portion of the first part or the second part has the same shape as the first part or the second part.

16. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the first pin slot and the second pin slot include a portion formed to be identical to a trajectory created by a point on a circle when the circle rolls, such as a cycloid trajectory, or include a portion similar to the trajectory.

17. Cabinet forming a storage room; A door for opening and closing the above storage room; A first hinge mechanism having a plurality of pins for rotatably connecting the upper side of the door to the cabinet; and A second hinge mechanism having a plurality of pins for rotatably connecting the lower side of the door to the cabinet, A refrigerator wherein the center of at least one pin among the plurality of pins of the first hinge mechanism is eccentric with the center of each of the plurality of pins of the second hinge mechanism.

18. Cabinet forming a storage room; A door for opening and closing the above storage room; A first hinge mechanism for allowing the upper side of the above door to rotate relative to the cabinet; A second hinge mechanism is included on the lower side of the door to enable the cabinet to rotate; The above first hinge mechanism, comprising a plurality of pins and a first pin slot for accommodating the plurality of pins; The above second hinge mechanism, comprising a plurality of pins and a second pin slot in which the plurality of pins of the second hinge mechanism are received; A refrigerator wherein the shape of the first pin slot is different from the shape of the second pin slot.

Images