Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator according to the present invention comprises a damper member for reducing the moving speed of a hinge member pin moving along a guide slot of a bush member, and thus can prevent pin deformation or damage caused by collisions, between the pin and the bush member, which can be generated if a door is strongly opened or closed.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator including a hinge assembly.

[0002] A refrigerator is a home appliance that supplies cold air to a storage room through heat exchange with a refrigerant that circulates a cooling cycle, thereby keeping various types of storage objects fresh for a long period of time.

[0003] The refrigerator has a door that can open or close the front of the storage compartment.

[0004] The door can be implemented as a revolving door or a drawer door depending on the opening and closing method.

[0005] If the door is of a pivoting type, the door can be operated to open and close by pivoting away from the cabinet by a hinge assembly.

[0006] In this case, one side of the hinge assembly is fixed to the cabinet, and the door is connected to the other side of the hinge assembly so that it can rotate in one direction away from the cabinet.

[0007] Typically, a door rotates in one direction with its center of rotation fixed around its axis of rotation.

[0008] In this case, the center of rotation of the door is located inside the door, not outside the door.

[0009] Meanwhile, depending on the user's needs for a specific space where the refrigerator is to be installed, the refrigerator may be placed adjacent to a wall of the installation space.

[0010] However, if the refrigerator is installed adjacent to the wall of the installation space, the following problems may occur.

[0011] When the door is opened with the center of rotation of the door's rotation axis fixed inside the door, the front edge of the door protrudes laterally beyond the outer surface of the refrigerator cabinet, causing interference with the wall of the installation space, making it difficult for the door to open properly.

[0012] Accordingly, even when the refrigerator is installed adjacent to a wall of an installation space, a hinge assembly in which the center of rotation of the door changes can be used so that the door can be easily opened without interference from the wall of the installation space.

[0013] However, in the case of a hinge assembly in which the center of rotation of the door changes, there is a possibility that the parts that guide the rotation of the door may be damaged due to impact or collision between the parts during the process of opening or closing the door.

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of preventing deformation or breakage of pins due to collision between pins and bushing members that may occur when a door is opened or closed.

[0015] In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator capable of preventing deformation or damage to a door to which a bushing member is assembled when the door is opened and closed.

[0016] In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator capable of reducing collision noise between a pin and a bushing member of a hinge member that may occur when a door is opened and closed.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator whose door can be opened and closed with a smooth motion.

[0018] In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator whose door can be easily opened without interference by the wall of the installation space, even when the refrigerator is installed adjacent to the wall of the installation space.

[0019] The objectives of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Other objectives and advantages of the present invention not mentioned above can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a refrigerator comprises a cabinet including one or more storage compartments, one or more doors for opening and closing the storage compartments, and a hinge assembly having one side and the other side connected to the cabinet and the door, respectively, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a hinge member having one or more pins mounted thereon, a bush member including a guide slot for guiding movement of the pins, and a damper member mounted on the bush member for reducing a movement speed of the pins.

[0021] The above damper member is arranged on one side of the guide slot and can come into contact with the pin along a portion of the movement path of the pin.

[0022] The above damper member may include a pad portion that comes into contact with the pin, and a compression portion arranged on the back surface of the pad portion.

[0023] The above pad portion may be made of a harder material than the above compression portion.

[0024] The above compression member may include one or more hollow portions extending vertically therein.

[0025] The above compression member may have a constant width in the compression direction, or the width in the compression direction may decrease as it goes in one direction.

[0026] One surface of the compression portion in contact with the pad portion may have a curved surface or a convex surface.

[0027] The curvature of the surface of the pad portion in contact with the pin may match the curvature of the guide slot corresponding to the pad portion.

[0028] The corners on both sides of the pad portion that come into contact with the pin may be rounded.

[0029] The above bush member may include a damper mounting portion disposed on one side of the guide slot into which the damper member is inserted, and a damper opening portion in which a portion of the pad portion protrudes into the inside of the guide slot.

[0030] The pad portion protruding through the opening can move backward in the outward direction of the guide slot when it comes into contact with the pin, and can move forward in the inward direction of the guide slot when the contact with the pin is released.

[0031] A protrusion protruding outward is disposed on one surface of the damper member, and a protrusion guide portion extending along the movement direction of the pad portion to guide movement of the protrusion portion is disposed on the damper mounting portion, and the protrusion guide portion can control the maximum backward position and the maximum forward position of the pad portion.

[0032] One surface of the damper mounting portion that contacts the rear surface of the compression portion may have one or more protrusion patterns formed thereon, and there may be a space between adjacent protrusion patterns.

[0033] When the compression member is compressed, the compression member can be shaped to fill the space.

[0034] The above compression member may be made of an elastic material.

[0035] The above compression member may be a spring or an oil damper.

[0036] The above guide slot may include a first guide region, a third guide region, and a second guide region sequentially arranged along a movement path along which the pin moves, and the damper member may include a first damper member and a second damper member respectively arranged in the first guide region and the second guide region.

[0037] When the door is closed, at least one of the one or more pins may be positioned in the first guide area to pressurize the first damper member, and when the door is opened to a maximum angle, at least one of the one or more pins may be positioned in the second guide area to pressurize the second damper member.

[0038] When the door is opened and closed, the center of rotation of the door may change depending on the movement path of the pin.

[0039] The pins include a first pin and a second pin arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and when the door is opened and closed, the first pin and the second pin are constrained to the guide slot and can move along the guide slot.

[0040] The pins include first pins and second pins arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and the guide slots include first guide slots and second guide slots arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and when the door is opened and closed, the first pin is bound to the first guide slot and moves along the first guide slot, and when the door is opened and closed, the second pin is bound to the second guide slot and moves along the second guide slot.

[0041] The refrigerator according to the present invention includes a damper member that reduces the moving speed of a pin of a hinge member that moves along a guide slot of a bush member, thereby preventing deformation or breakage of the pin due to collision between the pin and the bush member that may occur when the door is forcefully opened or closed.

[0042] In addition, the refrigerator according to the present invention includes a damper member that reduces the moving speed of a pin of a hinge member that moves along a guide slot of a bush member, thereby preventing deformation or damage of a door to which the bush member is assembled.

[0043] In addition, the refrigerator according to the present invention includes a damper member that reduces the moving speed of the pin of the hinge member moving along the guide slot of the bush member, so that collision noise between the pin of the hinge member and the bush member can be reduced.

[0044] In addition, the refrigerator according to the present invention includes a damper member that reduces the movement speed of the pin of the hinge member that moves along the guide slot of the bush member, thereby enabling the door to be opened and closed with a smooth motion, thereby increasing the user's usability and improving the emotional quality.

[0045] In addition, the refrigerator according to the present invention can enable the door to be easily opened without interference by the wall of the installation space even when the refrigerator is installed adjacent to the wall of the installation space, since the center of rotation of the door changes according to the movement path of the pin when the door is opened and closed.

[0046] In addition to the effects described above, specific effects of the present invention are described below while explaining specific details for carrying out the invention.

[0047] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a refrigerator.

[0048] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first hinge assembly positioned on the upper portion of the first door.

[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates a first hinge assembly positioned on the upper portion of the first door and connected to the first door.

[0050] Figure 4 illustrates a bush member according to one embodiment from a downward direction.

[0051] Figure 5 illustrates a damper member according to one embodiment.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a damper member coupled to a bush member from above according to one embodiment.

[0053] FIGS. 7 to 9 are plan views illustrating a damper member coupled to a bush member in an upper direction according to another embodiment.

[0054] FIG. 10 is a bottom view illustrating a damper member coupled to a bush member according to another embodiment.

[0055] Figures 11 and 12 are plan views illustrating an oil damper and a spring, respectively, coupled to a bush member from an upper direction according to another embodiment.

[0056] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the second hinge assembly positioned at the bottom of the first door.

[0057] Figure 14 illustrates a second hinge assembly connected to the lower portion of the first door with the door closed.

[0058] FIG. 15 illustrates a second hinge assembly connected to the lower portion of the first door with the door open at an angle of 30 degrees.

[0059] FIG. 16 illustrates a second hinge assembly connected to the lower portion of the first door with the door open at a 45 degree angle.

[0060] FIG. 17 illustrates a second hinge assembly connected to the lower portion of the first door with the door open at an angle of 65 degrees.

[0061] Figure 18 illustrates a second hinge assembly connected to the lower portion of the first door with the door open to its maximum opening angle.

[0062] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a first hinge assembly according to another embodiment.

[0063] FIG. 20 is a plan view showing the damper member according to the embodiment of FIG. 19 coupled to the bush member from an upper direction.

[0064] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a second hinge assembly according to another embodiment.

[0065] Fig. 22 is a plan view showing the damper member according to the embodiment of Fig. 21 coupled to the bush member from an upper direction.

[0066] Fig. 23 is a plan view showing a bent portion formed on the inside of a bush member according to another embodiment, viewed from above.

[0067] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the technical idea of ​​the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of known technologies related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0068] Although terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0069] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0070] Hereinafter, the phrase "any configuration is placed on (or below)" a component or "on (or below)" a component may mean that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, and that other configurations may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0071] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component.

[0072] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" should not necessarily be construed to include all of the components or steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0073] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C to D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0074] Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to some embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0075] First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a refrigerator, a hinge assembly, and the connection relationship of each of the main components constituting the same according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0076] A refrigerator (1) may have an exterior formed by a cabinet (2) including one or more storage rooms, which are storage spaces for products, inside, and one or more doors that can open and close the open front of the cabinet (2).

[0077] The cabinet (2) may include an outer case (4) forming the outer surface of the refrigerator (1) and an inner case (3) forming the inner surface.

[0078] The outer case (4) and the inner case (3) are formed to have a space separated from each other, and the space separated can be filled with an insulating material to form a foaming area.

[0079] The inside of the inner case (3) can be divided into one or more storage spaces.

[0080] The inner case (3) may include one or more storage rooms, and for example, when multiple storage rooms are provided, it may include a first storage room (5) and a second storage room (6) arranged in a vertical direction.

[0081] For example, the first storage compartment (5) located at the top may be a refrigerator, and the second storage compartment (6) located at the bottom may be a freezer.

[0082] However, the positions of the first storage room (5) and the second storage room (6) are not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the positions of the first storage room (5) and the second storage room (6) may be swapped with each other, and may be arranged parallel to each other in the left-right direction.

[0083] The first storage room (5) can be opened and closed by a pair of first doors (10) arranged parallel to each other in the left and right directions.

[0084] A pair of first doors (10) can be arranged to be connected to the cabinet (2) so as to be rotatable from the cabinet (2) by hinge assemblies respectively arranged on one side and the other side of the cabinet (2).

[0085] For example, a first hinge assembly (30) that supports the upper side of the first door (10) may be arranged in the upper region of the first door (10), and a second hinge assembly (40) that supports the lower side of the first door (10) may be arranged in the lower region of the first door (10).

[0086] The second hinge assembly (40) can support the upper side of the second door (20) which is placed at the lower side of the first door (10).

[0087] Therefore, the second hinge assembly (40) can simultaneously support the lower side of the first door (10) and the upper side of the second door (20).

[0088] A third hinge assembly (50) that supports the lower side of the second door (20) may be placed in the lower area of ​​the second door (20).

[0089] A height adjustment member (51) for adjusting the vertical height difference of the refrigerator (1) can be placed in the third hinge assembly (50).

[0090] In this way, the first door (10) can be opened and closed rotatably from the cabinet (2) by the first hinge assembly (30) and the second hinge assembly (40), and the second door (20) can be opened and closed rotatably from the cabinet (2) by the second hinge assembly (40) and the third hinge assembly (50).

[0091] The first hinge assembly (30), the second hinge assembly (40), and the third hinge assembly (50) described in this specification may have different structures for fixing to the cabinet (2), but the operating mechanisms for rotating the first door (10) and the second door (20) to open and close may be the same.

[0092] Hereinafter, the first hinge assembly (30) and the second hinge assembly (40) will be described in detail, and the configuration and operating mechanism of the first hinge assembly (30) and the second hinge assembly (40) can be applied equally to the third hinge assembly (50), for which a detailed description is omitted.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a first hinge assembly (30) can be connected to the upper area of ​​the first door (10) located on the right side when viewed from the front of the refrigerator (1).

[0094] The first hinge assembly (30) connected to the upper area of ​​the first door (10) located on the left when viewed from the front of the refrigerator (1) may have the same structure as the first hinge assembly (30) located on the right or a structure with the left and right shapes swapped.

[0095] A front frame (11), a rear frame (13), and a side frame (12) are respectively arranged on the front, rear, and side of the first door (10), so that the front, rear, and side of the first door (10) can be finished, and an upper cap deco (14) is arranged on the upper surface of the first door (10), so that the upper surface of the first door (10) can be finished.

[0096] A door liner (18) may be placed on the rear of the first door (10) to provide a shape for mounting a storage structure such as a basket or other configurations, and to form the rear of the first door (10).

[0097] Accordingly, the rear of the first door (10) can be finished by the door liner (18) and the rear frame (13), and the rear frame (13) can be positioned higher than the door liner (18) to finish the rear of the upper area of ​​the first door (10).

[0098] Additionally, a gasket (19) may be placed on the rear of the first door (10).

[0099] For example, the gasket (19) may be positioned to surround the outer perimeter of the door liner (18).

[0100] The gasket (19) comes into contact with the front of the cabinet (2) when the first door (10) is closed, thereby sealing the first storage compartment (5), thereby preventing cold air from leaking from the first storage compartment (5).

[0101] The first door (10) can be formed to protrude upwards more than the top surface of the cabinet (2).

[0102] A hinge mounting portion (17) may be formed on one side of the first door (10) adjacent to the upper surface of one side of the cabinet (2) with a predetermined space sunken in from the rear and side of the first door (10) toward the front.

[0103] That is, the hinge mounting portion (17) can be formed at one corner where the rear and side of the first door (10) meet.

[0104] A side opening (16) may be formed in a portion of the side frame (12) corresponding to the hinge mounting portion (17).

[0105] When the first door (10) is opened, one side of the first hinge assembly (30) attached to the first door (10) can pass through the side opening (16).

[0106] A first hinge assembly (30) that allows the first door (10) to rotate rotatably from the cabinet (2) can be mounted on the hinge mounting portion (17).

[0107] The first hinge assembly (30) may include a first hinge member (101) that is fastened to the upper surface of the first door (10) exposed by the hinge mounting portion (17) on one side and fastened to the upper surface of the cabinet (2) on the other side.

[0108] The first hinge member (101) may include a cabinet joint (111) that is fixedly secured to the upper surface of the cabinet (2).

[0109] The cabinet joint (111) may be configured as a surface extending in a horizontal direction.

[0110] The cabinet joint (111) may be provided with a plurality of fastening holes through which fastening members for fastening the cabinet joint (111) to the cabinet (2) pass.

[0111] Additionally, the first hinge member (101) may include a door engaging member (121) that is secured and fixed to the upper surface of the first door (10).

[0112] A connecting portion (131) can be formed between the cabinet connecting portion (111) and the door connecting portion (121).

[0113] The connecting portion (131) extends so as to be inclined from one side of the cabinet connecting portion (111) to one side of the door connecting portion (121), thereby connecting one side of the cabinet connecting portion (111) and one side of the door connecting portion (121).

[0114] For example, the connecting portion (131) may extend upwardly from the end of the cabinet joint portion (111) toward the front of the refrigerator (1).

[0115] The door joint (121) is positioned on the upper surface corresponding to the hinge mounting portion (17) of the first door (10), and can be rotatably connected based on one side of the first door (10).

[0116] On one side of the door joint (121), a pair of pin joint holes (140) penetrating in the vertical direction can be arranged at a predetermined distance from each other.

[0117] A pair of pin coupling holes (140) can be connected to a first pin (151) and a second pin (152), which are a pair of pins (150) extending in the vertical direction.

[0118] Accordingly, the first pin (151) and the second pin (152) can also be formed spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance.

[0119] An imaginary line connecting the center of the first pin (151) and the center of the second pin (152) can be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the front of the first door (10).

[0120] The pin (150) connected to the pin coupling hole (140) can be connected to protrude in a long direction in the lower direction of the first hinge member (101).

[0121] The pin (150) may be formed to have a constant outer diameter overall, and an extension (153) having a larger outer diameter may be formed in some areas.

[0122] The extension (153) can be positioned to contact the lower surface of the first hinge member (101).

[0123] Referring further to FIGS. 4 and 6, the first hinge assembly (30) may include a bush member (200) that guides the movement of the pin (150).

[0124] The bush member (200) can be inserted and fixed into the bush insertion portion (17h) formed in the hinge mounting portion (17) of the first door (10).

[0125] The bush member (200) may include a bush body portion (210) having a guide slot (220) having a hollow space that provides a space into which a pin (150) protruding downward from the first hinge member (101) is inserted.

[0126] The bush body (210) can be formed so that the upper direction into which the pin (150) is inserted is open, and the lower direction, which is the opposite direction, is closed.

[0127] The bush body (210) can be formed in a shape corresponding to the guide slot (220).

[0128] The guide slot (220) can be formed to have an overall U-shape.

[0129] For example, the first end (213) and the second end (214), which are the two ends of the guide slot (220), may have a U-shape that is bent so as to face the front of the first door (10).

[0130] Therefore, the circumference of the first outer side (211) of the bush body part (210) facing the rear of the first door (10) may be longer than the circumference of the second outer side (212) of the bush body part (210) facing the front of the first door (10).

[0131] In this case, the first outer surface (211) of the bush body (210) may correspond to the outer guide line (224) of the guide slot (220), and the second outer surface (212) of the bush body (210) may correspond to the inner guide line (225) of the guide slot (220).

[0132] The first end (213) can connect one end of the outer guide line (224) and one end of the inner guide line (225), and the second end (214) can connect the other end of the outer guide line (224) and the other end of the inner guide line (225).

[0133] The guide slot (220) may have a shape in which various shapes of section areas, such as circular sections and / or straight sections, are connected.

[0134] A guide rib (230) can be formed along the upper edge of the bush body (210).

[0135] When the pin (150) of the first hinge member (101) is inserted into the guide slot (220) of the bush member (200) and moves along the guide slot (220), the guide rib (230) can guide the extension (153) of the pin (150) to slide along the upper surface of the guide rib (230).

[0136] That is, the pin (150) of the first hinge member (101) inserted into the guide slot (220) of the bush member (200) can play a role in causing movement of the first door (10) by sliding along the guide slot (220) while in contact with the guide rib (230).

[0137] Therefore, the bush member (200) can play a role in determining the rotational movement direction of the first door (10) while coming into contact with the pin (150).

[0138] The rotational movement direction of the first door (10) may vary depending on the shape of the guide slot (220) formed in the bush member (200).

[0139] One or more damper mounting portions (240) may be formed on the first outer surface (211) and / or the second outer surface (212) of the bushing body (210).

[0140] For example, the damper mounting portion (240) may be placed on the first outer surface (211) of the bush body portion (210) facing the rear of the first door (10).

[0141] For example, the damper mounting portion (240) can be arranged along the entire area of ​​the first outer surface (211).

[0142] Since the first outer surface (211) is formed to have a longer length than the second outer surface (212), the length of the damper mounting portion (240) arranged on the first outer surface (211) can be longer.

[0143] That is, the damper mounting portion (240) can be placed along one side of all paths along which the pin (150) moves.

[0144] In another embodiment, the damper mounting portion (240) may be disposed on the first outer surface (211) adjacent to the first end portion (213) and / or on the first outer surface (211) adjacent to the second end portion (214).

[0145] That is, the damper mounting portion (240) may be positioned along one side of a path along which the pin (150) moves.

[0146] In this case, the area of ​​the guide slot (220) corresponding to the damper mounting portion (240) positioned adjacent to the first end portion (213) may be defined as the first guide area (221), the area of ​​the guide slot (220) corresponding to the damper mounting portion (240) positioned adjacent to the second end portion (214) may be defined as the second guide area (222), and the area of ​​the guide slot (220) between the first guide area (221) and the second guide area (222) may be defined as the third guide area (223).

[0147] Accordingly, the guide slot (220) defining the movement path along which the pin (150) moves can be formed so that the first guide area (221), the third guide area (223), and the second guide area (222) are sequentially arranged along the movement path of the pin (150).

[0148] Additionally, the guide slot (220) can be described as having a second guide area (222), a third guide area (223), and a first guide area (221) sequentially arranged along the path along which the pin (150) moves.

[0149] The curvatures of the outer guide lines (224) of the guide slots (220) corresponding to the first guide area (221), the second guide area (222), and the third guide area (223) may be formed differently.

[0150] Additionally, guide areas having different curvatures may be included within the first guide area (221), the second guide area (222), and the third guide area (223).

[0151] For example, the third guide area (223) may include three guide areas having different curvatures.

[0152] The damper mounting portion (240) may be placed on the second outer surface (212) of the bush body portion (210) facing the front of the first door (10).

[0153] In this case, the damper mounting portion (240) may be arranged on the second outer surface (212) adjacent to the first end portion (213) and / or on the second outer surface (212) adjacent to the second end portion (214).

[0154] However, in order to secure sufficient space for forming the damper mounting portion (240), it is preferable that the damper mounting portion (240) be placed on the first outer surface (211) of the bush body portion (210).

[0155] In this case, when the damper mounting portions (240) are arranged in a pair, they can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

[0156] However, as explained above, it is not limited to this, and the damper mounting portion (240) may be arranged along the entire area of ​​the first outer surface (211).

[0157] For example, when the damper mounting portion (240) is arranged along the entire area of ​​the first outer surface (211), the interior of the damper mounting portion (240) may be formed to be divided into a plurality of spaced spaces.

[0158] The damper mounting portion (240) can be formed to open in a direction opposite to the direction in which the guide slot (220) is opened.

[0159] A damper opening (250) communicating with a guide slot (220) can be formed in the bush body portion (210) where the damper mounting portion (240) is placed.

[0160] A damper member (300) can be inserted into the damper mounting portion (240).

[0161] A first damper member (301) can be inserted into a damper mounting portion (240) adjacent to the first end portion (213), and a second damper member (302) can be inserted into a damper mounting portion (240) adjacent to the second end portion (214).

[0162] An open protrusion guide portion (241) may be formed on the upper surface of the damper mounting portion (240).

[0163] The protrusion guide portion (241) can serve to guide the movement of the damper member (300) in the forward and backward direction.

[0164] The movement of the damper member (300) in the forward and backward direction as referred to in this specification may mean the direction in which the damper member (300) is compressed.

[0165] Accordingly, the protrusion guide portion (241) can be formed in the form of an opening having a predetermined length and width along the forward and backward movement direction of the damper member (300).

[0166] Referring further to FIG. 5, the first damper member (301) will be described in more detail.

[0167] The first damper member (301) and the second damper member (302) may have the same structure or a structure with the left and right shapes changed, and the description of the first damper member (301) may be equally applied to the second damper member (302).

[0168] The first damper member (301) may include a first pad portion (311) and a first compression portion (321), and the second damper member (302) may include a second pad portion (312) and a second compression portion (322).

[0169] The damper member (300) can reduce the movement speed of the pin (150) by applying frictional force to the pin (150) by contacting the pin (150), thereby reducing the rotational movement speed of the first door (10).

[0170] The damper member (300) may include a compression member (320) and a pad member (310) disposed on one surface of the compression member (320).

[0171] The compression member (320) is not compressed when the damper member (300) does not contact the pin (150), and can be compressed when the damper member (300) contacts the pin (150).

[0172] For example, the compression portion (320) maintains its usual shape when the pad portion (310) does not come into contact with the pin (150), but its shape may be deformed when the pad portion (310) comes into contact with the pin (150).

[0173] Therefore, it is preferable that the compression portion (320) be made of a soft material with a lower hardness than the pad portion (310) so that the shape can be easily deformed.

[0174] For example, the compression member (320) may be made of an elastic material such as rubber, but is not limited thereto.

[0175] The compression member (320) can be formed to extend in the vertical direction to correspond to the vertical height of the damper mounting member (240).

[0176] One or more hollow portions (323) extending to be open in the vertical direction may be formed inside the compression portion (320).

[0177] As a hollow portion (323) is formed inside the compression portion (320), the compression portion (320) can be compressed and deformed more easily.

[0178] Meanwhile, since the front surface of the pad portion (310) is the part that comes into direct contact with the pin (150) as it moves, it is preferable that the pad portion (310) be made of a hard material with relatively high hardness in order to minimize damage or surface wear even from continuous friction.

[0179] For example, the pad portion (310) may be made of plastic material.

[0180] For example, the pad portion (310) may include, but is not limited to, polyoxymethylene (POM) having excellent impact resistance, wear resistance, and dimensional stability.

[0181] The pad portion (310) can be formed to extend in the vertical direction to correspond to the vertical height of the damper mounting portion (240).

[0182] When the first damper member (301) is inserted into the damper mounting portion (240), a portion of the first damper member (301) can protrude into the inside of the guide slot (220) through the damper opening (250) formed in the damper mounting portion (240).

[0183] In this case, at least a portion of the pad portion (310) of the first damper member (301) may protrude toward the inside of the guide slot (220).

[0184] The front surface of the pad portion (310) in contact with the pin (150) can be formed to have a curvature.

[0185] In this case, it is preferable that the curvature of the front surface of the pad portion (310) be formed to substantially match the curvature of the guide slot (220) positioned at a position corresponding to the pad portion (310).

[0186] In this way, when the curvature of the front surface of the pad portion (310) matches the curvature of the guide slot (220) corresponding to the pad portion (310), the pad portion (310) pressed by the pin (150) can completely move to the outside of the guide slot (220) through the damper opening (250).

[0187] Additionally, the pad portion (310) can be formed in a form in which the thickness decreases or increases as it goes in one direction.

[0188] In this case, the thickness of the pad portion (310) can be formed to increase as it moves away from the first end portion (213).

[0189] As the thickness of the pad portion (310) increases in the direction away from the first end portion (213), when the pin (150) moves toward the first end portion (213) while being spaced farther away from the first end portion (213), the surface where the pin (150) first comes into contact with the pad portion (310) may be a relatively thick area.

[0190] Accordingly, the frictional force between the pad portion (310) and the pin (150) can be increased before the pin (150) reaches the first end (213) of the guide slot (220), thereby reducing the movement speed of the pin (150) more quickly.

[0191] A protrusion (314) protruding in the upper outer direction may be formed in the upper region of the damper member (300).

[0192] The protrusion (314) can be formed integrally with the pad (310).

[0193] For example, the protrusion (314) can be formed to have a predetermined length and width extending along the direction in which the damper member (300) is compressed.

[0194] The protrusion (314) is formed on the upper surface of the pad portion (310) and can be formed to protrude further toward the rear of the pad portion (310).

[0195] Therefore, the rear portion of the protrusion (314) can be supported by the upper surface of the compression portion (320) described later.

[0196] When the damper member (300) is inserted into the damper mounting portion (240), the protrusion (314) of the damper member (300) can be inserted into the protrusion guide portion (241) of the damper compression portion (320).

[0197] In this case, the length in the front-back direction of the protrusion (314) can be formed to be smaller than the length in the front-back direction of the protrusion guide (241).

[0198] Accordingly, the projection guide part (241) can control the maximum backward position and maximum forward position of the damper member (300) by guiding the forward and backward movement of the projection part (314).

[0199] The thickness in the front-back direction of the damper member (300) including the pad part (310) and the compression part (320) may be thicker than the thickness of the opening of the damper mounting part (240) into which the damper member (300) is inserted.

[0200] When inserting the damper member (300) into the damper mounting portion (240), the compression portion (320) of the damper member (300) can be deformed to reduce the thickness of the damper member (300), and then inserted into the damper mounting portion (240) through the opening of the damper mounting portion (240).

[0201] As the compression portion (320) returns to its original shape after the damper member (300) is inserted into the damper mounting portion (240), a portion of the pad portion (310) located on the front side of the damper member (300) can remain in a state of protruding toward the inside of the guide slot (220).

[0202] When the compression portion (320) is not compressed while the damper member (300) is inserted into the damper mounting portion (240), the front end of the protrusion (314) of the damper member (300) can be restricted from further movement in the inward direction of the guide slot (220) by contacting the front end of the protrusion guide portion (241) of the damper mounting portion (240).

[0203] Therefore, when the front end of the protrusion (314) of the damper member (300) comes into contact with the front end of the protrusion guide (241) of the damper mounting portion (240), the pad portion (310) can be positioned at the maximum forward advancement position.

[0204] In addition, when the compression part (320) is compressed while the damper member (300) is inserted into the damper mounting part (240), the rear end of the protrusion (314) of the damper member (300) comes into contact with the rear end of the protrusion guide part (241) of the damper mounting part (240), thereby limiting further movement in the outward direction of the guide slot (220).

[0205] Therefore, when the rear end of the protrusion (314) of the damper member (300) comes into contact with the rear end of the protrusion guide (241) of the damper mounting portion (240), the pad portion (310) can be positioned at the maximum rearward position.

[0206] The corners (313) on both sides of the pad portion (310) located on the front surface that contacts the pin (150) can be rounded to have a curved surface.

[0207] As the corners (313) on both sides of the pad portion (310) are rounded in this way, the pad portion (310) can be reduced from being worn or damaged by excessive impact from the pin (150).

[0208] The pad portion (310) and the compression portion (320) may be fixed to each other by an adhesive material, but are not limited thereto, and may also be fixed to each other by a fastening joint structure in which fastening is performed between them.

[0209] Additionally, the rear side of the compression member (320) facing the rear side of the damper mounting portion (240) may be fixed to the damper mounting portion (240) by an adhesive member.

[0210] In order to close the opening of the lower region formed in the damper mounting portion (240) after the damper member (300) is inserted into the damper mounting portion (240), a separate closing member (330) may be provided.

[0211] In this way, the damper member (300) is arranged on one side of the guide slot (220) so that it can come into contact with the pin (150) along at least a portion of the movement path of the pin (150).

[0212] The boundary between the pad portion (310) and the compression portion (320) facing each other can be formed to have various shapes.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 6, when the compression portion (320) is formed to have a generally rectangular shape, the boundary line between the pad portion (310) and the compression portion (320) can be formed in the form of a straight line.

[0214] Accordingly, the compression member (320) may have a constant width in the direction in which the damper member (300) is compressed.

[0215] In this case, the extension direction of the boundary line between the pad portion (310) and the compression portion (320) can intersect perpendicularly with the forward and backward direction in which the damper member (300) moves.

[0216] In this case, when the compression member (320) has a rectangular shape, when the damper member (300) is compressed, the compression force can be applied as evenly as possible to the entire area of ​​the compression member (320), which has an advantageous effect in terms of durability of the compression member (320).

[0217] Additionally, when the compression part (320) has a rectangular shape, it can be easy to predict the degree of compression and elasticity of the compression part (320).

[0218] In addition, when the compression part (320) has a rectangular shape, the direction of movement of the pad part (310) in the front-back direction and the compression direction of the compression part (320) are the same, so that the occurrence of twisting when the pad part (310) moves can be reduced, and thus the damage to the pad part (310) can be reduced.

[0219] In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 7, when the compression portion (320) is formed to have a generally triangular shape, the boundary line between the pad portion (310) and the compression portion (320) may be formed in the form of a straight line.

[0220] Accordingly, the width of the compression member (320) in the direction in which the damper member (300) is compressed can be reduced in one direction.

[0221] For example, the compression section (320) may be formed so that the width decreases as it goes toward the first end (213) and the second end (214), and the corresponding pad section (310) may be formed so that the width increases as it goes toward the first end (213) and the second end (214).

[0222] In this case, the extension direction of the boundary line between the pad section (310) and the compression section (320) may intersect in a state of being inclined in the forward / backward direction in which the damper member (300) moves and in the diagonal direction.

[0223] In this way, when the compression member (320) has a triangular shape, the change in elasticity of the damper member (300) can be easily controlled according to the position of the pin (150) moving within the guide slot (220) of the bush member (200).

[0224] Accordingly, it may be advantageous to control the change in rotation speed of the first door (10) by controlling the movement speed of the pin (150).

[0225] In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 8, the boundary line between the pad portion (310) and the compression portion (320) may be formed in the shape of a curve.

[0226] In this case, one surface of the compression portion (320) in contact with the pad portion (310) can be formed to have a curved surface.

[0227] Also, referring to FIG. 9 as another embodiment, the boundary line between the pad portion (310) and the compression portion (320) may be formed in a convex shape.

[0228] In this case, one surface of the compression portion (320) in contact with the pad portion (310) can be formed to have a convex surface.

[0229] The convex surface referred to in this specification may also be defined as a spline surface.

[0230] In this way, when the boundary line between the pad portion (310) and the compression portion (320) has a curved shape or a convex shape, the change in elasticity of the damper member (300) can be easily controlled according to the position of the pin (150) moving within the guide slot (220) of the bush member (200).

[0231] Accordingly, it may be advantageous to control the change in rotation speed of the first door (10) by controlling the movement speed of the pin (150).

[0232] In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 10, one or more protrusion patterns (242) may be formed on the inner surface of the damper mounting portion (240) that contacts the rear surface of the compression portion (320).

[0233] The protrusion pattern (242) can be formed to protrude forward from the rear of the damper mounting portion (240).

[0234] The rear surface of the compression portion (320) in contact with the protrusion pattern (242) can maintain a straight shape in an uncompressed state.

[0235] A predetermined gap space (243) can be formed between the rear surface of the compression portion (320) that does not come into contact with the protrusion pattern (242) and the rear surface of the damper mounting portion (240).

[0236] When a plurality of protrusion patterns (242) are provided, gap spaces (243) can be formed between adjacent protrusion patterns (242).

[0237] The compression member (320) can be formed in a form that does not have a hollow space inside.

[0238] In this case, when the damper member (300) is compressed and the compression portion (320) is compressed, the shape of the compression portion (320) can be deformed to fill the separation space (243).

[0239] That is, in the case of the separation space (243), a space can be provided in which the compression part (320) can be compressed and its shape can be deformed, so that the compression part (320) can be deformed so that the damper member (300) can move in the forward and backward direction even if the compression part (320) does not have a separate hollow space inside.

[0240] In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 11, the compression unit (320) can be applied as an oil damper (324).

[0241] For example, an oil damper (324) is placed between the pad portion (310) and the rear surface of the damper mounting portion (240), so that the movement of the damper member (300) in the forward and backward direction can be controlled.

[0242] For example, the oil damper (324) may include an oil-filled cylinder body (328).

[0243] And, a moving shaft (325) is formed to protrude from one side of the cylinder body (328), and a plate portion (326) is arranged on one side of the moving shaft (325) so that it can be fixed to the rear of the damper mounting portion (240).

[0244] The oil damper (324) can enable the damper member (300) to move forward and backward as the cylinder body (328) moves forward and backward along the moving axis (325).

[0245] In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 12, the compression member (320) may be applied as a spring (327).

[0246] For example, a spring (327) is placed between the pad portion (310) and the rear surface of the damper mounting portion (240), so that the movement of the damper member (300) in the forward and backward direction can be controlled.

[0247] For example, a first spring catch (315) protruding rearward may be formed on the rear of the pad portion (310), and a second spring catch (245) protruding forward may be formed on the rear of the damper mounting portion (240).

[0248] One side and the other side of the spring (327) are respectively caught and connected by the first spring catch (315) and the second spring catch (245), so that they can be fixed between the pad part (310) and the damper mounting part (240).

[0249] The spring (327) can allow the damper member (300) to move forward and backward as it is compressed and expanded.

[0250] Hereinafter, the second hinge assembly (40) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 13 to 18.

[0251] The description of the first hinge assembly (30) described above can be equally applied to the second hinge assembly (40), so any duplicate content will be omitted.

[0252] Additionally, the contents described in the second hinge assembly (40) can also be applied to the first hinge assembly (30).

[0253] The second hinge assembly (40) may include a second hinge member (102).

[0254] The second hinge member (102) may include a flange portion (112) fixed to the front of the cabinet (2) and a hinge bracket (122) extending forward of the flange portion (112).

[0255] One or more fastening holes are formed in the flange portion (112), and the flange portion (112) can be fixed to the front of the cabinet (2) through a separate fastening member that is fastened through the fastening hole.

[0256] The hinge bracket (122) can be extended to protrude forward perpendicular to the flange portion (112).

[0257] A pair of pins (150) can be fastened to the front of the hinge bracket (122) by penetrating the pin coupling hole (140).

[0258] The hinge bracket (122) is placed on the lower surface of the first door (10) and can be connected to the lower cap deco (150) that finishes the lower surface of the first door (10).

[0259] A pair of pin coupling holes (140) that penetrate in the vertical direction may be formed at the front of the hinge bracket (122) at a predetermined distance from each other.

[0260] A pair of pin coupling holes (140) can be connected to a first pin (151) and a second pin (152), which are a pair of pins (150) extending in the vertical direction.

[0261] Accordingly, the first pin (151) and the second pin (152) can also be formed spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance.

[0262] An imaginary line connecting the center of the first pin (151) and the center of the second pin (152) can be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the front of the first door (10).

[0263] The pin (150) connected to the pin coupling hole (140) can be connected to protrude in both directions, i.e., the upper and lower directions of the hinge bracket (122).

[0264] Accordingly, the pin (150) extending upwardly from the hinge bracket (122) can control the movement of the lower surface of the first door (10), and the pin (150) extending downwardly from the hinge bracket (122) can control the movement of the upper surface of the second door (20).

[0265] A stopper stopper (124) may be formed at the front of the hinge bracket (122).

[0266] For example, the stopper stopper (124) can be formed to protrude in the upper direction of the hinge bracket (122) to have a predetermined height and thickness.

[0267] The maximum opening angle of the first door (10) can be determined depending on the arrangement shape and arrangement angle of the stopper stopper (124).

[0268] The stopper stopper (124) may be positioned adjacent to the side of the first door (10) rather than the pair of pins (150).

[0269] Additionally, the imaginary line extending in the direction of the stopper stopper (124) can be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the front of the first door (10).

[0270] The hinge bracket (122) may be provided with a latch engaging portion (123) formed by cutting out a portion of the outer surface of the hinge bracket (122).

[0271] For example, as an inlet space is formed between the latch catch portion (123) and the flange portion (112) and is drawn inward from the outer surface of the hinge bracket (122), the latch catch portion (123) can be formed to protrude relatively.

[0272] The second hinge assembly (40) may include a latch member (160) that is fastened to the lower surface of the first door (10) and functions as a stopper to keep the first door (10) closed.

[0273] The latch member (160) may include a latch member (161) formed so as to be engaged with the latch engaging member (123) of the second hinge member (102).

[0274] The latch portion (161) can be formed to have a generally U-shaped shape.

[0275] When the first door (10) is closed, the end of the latch portion (161) is located on the inside of the latch engaging portion (123) of the second hinge member (102), so that the latch engaging portion (123) can be engaged.

[0276] Therefore, the latch portion (161) can function as a stopper to keep the first door (10) closed.

[0277] Additionally, the second hinge assembly (40) may include a door stopper (170) capable of controlling the maximum opening angle of the first door (10).

[0278] The door stopper (170) may include a stopper body portion (171) extending horizontally.

[0279] A stopper part (173) that is bent downward and extended can be formed on one side of the stopper body part (171).

[0280] The door stopper (170) can be fixed to the lower surface of the first door (10).

[0281] When the door stopper (170) is fixed to the lower surface of the first door (10), the stopper portion (173) can be formed to be bent in the lower direction of the first door (10).

[0282] Additionally, the stopper portion (173) can be formed to extend in a direction parallel to the front of the first door (10).

[0283] When the first door (10) is opened, when the stopper part (173) of the door stopper part (173) fixed to the first door (10) comes into contact with the stopper stop part (124) of the second hinge member (102), the rotation of the first door (10) stops.

[0284] Accordingly, the maximum opening angle of the first door (10) can be determined at the point where the stopper portion (173) of the door stopper portion (173) comes into contact with the stopper stop portion (124) of the second hinge member (102).

[0285] The second hinge assembly (40) may further include a bushing member (200), a pair of damper members (300), and a pair of closing members (330).

[0286] The stopper body (171) may further include a bush reinforcing member (172) that is opened to surround the outer periphery of the bush member (200).

[0287] The bush reinforcement (172) is formed to surround the outer periphery of the bush member (200), thereby reinforcing the strength of the outer surface of the bush member (200).

[0288] Referring to FIG. 14, when the first door (10) is completely closed, i.e., when the angle between the first door (10) and the cabinet (2) is 0 degrees, it can be confirmed that the first pin (151) positioned adjacent to the first end portion (213) presses the first damper member (301) located in the first guide area (221) to the maximum.

[0289] Accordingly, the first damper member (301) can be maintained in a compressed state toward the outside of the guide slot (220).

[0290] In this case, the second pin (152) may be located in the third guide area (223).

[0291] Accordingly, the first pin (151) and the second pin (152) can be located in areas where the curvatures of the guide slot (220) are different.

[0292] The second damper member (302) can be maintained in a state of protruding toward the inside of the guide slot (220).

[0293] Referring to Fig. 15, it can be confirmed that the first pin (151) presses the first damper member (301) located in the first guide area (221) with a predetermined pressure while the first door (10) is opened at a predetermined angle.

[0294] For example, the opening angle between the first door (10) and the cabinet (2) may be 30 degrees.

[0295] When the first door (10) is opened, the first pin (151) and the second pin (152) arranged to be spaced apart from each other are restrained by the guide slot (220) while maintaining the spaced apart distance from each other and can move along the guide slot (220) toward the second end (214).

[0296] In this case, the first pin (151) can pressurize the first damper member (301) with a strength weaker than that at which the first damper member (301) is pressurized to the maximum.

[0297] For example, the first pin (151) can pressurize the pad portion (310) with a pressure that is approximately 50% of the maximum pressure that can be applied, and accordingly, the first damper member (301) can also be maintained in a pressed state by approximately 50% of the maximum pressure.

[0298] In this case, the second pin (152) may be located in the third guide area (223).

[0299] Accordingly, the first pin (151) and the second pin (152) can be located in areas where the curvatures of the guide slot (220) are different.

[0300] Referring to Fig. 16, it can be confirmed that the first pin (151) and the second pin (152) are located in the third guide area (223) when the first door (10) is opened at a predetermined angle.

[0301] For example, the opening angle between the first door (10) and the cabinet (2) may be 45 degrees.

[0302] Accordingly, since neither the first damper member (301) nor the second damper member (302) is pressed, the first damper member (301) and the second damper member (302) can maintain a state of protruding toward the inside of the guide slot (220).

[0303] In this case, the first pin (151) and the second pin (152) are located in the third guide area (223), but more specifically, they may be located in guide areas having different curvatures within the third guide area (223).

[0304] Referring to Fig. 17, it can be confirmed that the second pin (152) presses the second damper member (302) located in the second guide area (222) with a predetermined pressure while the first door (10) is opened at a predetermined angle.

[0305] For example, the opening angle between the first door (10) and the cabinet (2) may be 65 degrees.

[0306] In this case, the second pin (152) can pressurize the second damper member (302) with a strength weaker than that at which the second damper member (302) is pressurized to the maximum.

[0307] For example, the second pin (152) can pressurize the pad portion (310) with a pressure that is approximately 50% of the maximum pressure that can be applied, and accordingly, the second damper member (302) can also be maintained in a pressed state by approximately 50% of the maximum pressure.

[0308] In this case, the first pin (151) may be located in the third guide area (223).

[0309] Accordingly, the first pin (151) and the second pin (152) can be located in areas where the curvatures of the guide slot (220) are different.

[0310] Referring to FIG. 18, it can be seen that the second pin (152) positioned adjacent to the second end (214) with the first door (10) fully open is pressurizing the second damper member (302) located in the second guide area (222) to the maximum.

[0311] In this case, the opening of the first door (10) may be stopped due to interference caused by contact between the stopper part (173) and the stopper stop part (124).

[0312] For example, the opening angle between the first door (10) and the cabinet (2) may be 110 degrees.

[0313] Accordingly, the second damper member (302) can be maintained in a compressed state toward the outside of the guide slot (220).

[0314] In this case, the first pin (151) may be located in the third guide area (223).

[0315] Accordingly, the first pin (151) and the second pin (152) can be located in areas where the curvatures of the guide slot (220) are different.

[0316] The first damper member (301) can be maintained in a state of protruding toward the inside of the guide slot (220).

[0317] In the process of opening and closing the first door (10) described above, a pair of pins (150) move along the guide slot (220) of the bush member (200).

[0318] The first door (10) is completely closed by contact with the cabinet (2) and can be opened to the maximum angle to the point where it is stopped by the stopper.

[0319] However, when a user opens and closes the first door (10) at a high speed, an inertial force is generated in the first door (10) in the direction of movement of the first door (10), and when the first door (10) is opened or closed to the maximum, a collision may occur between the pin (150) and the bush member (200).

[0320] In particular, when the moving speed of the first door (10) is fast, the impact caused by the collision between the pin (150) and the bush member (200) may become even greater.

[0321] Therefore, according to the present invention, by reducing the moving speed of the first door (10), i.e., the moving speed of the pin (150), in the section area before the pin (150) collides with the bush member (200) at both ends of the guide slot (220), the amount of impact caused by the collision between the pin (150) and the bush member (200) can be reduced.

[0322] More specifically, since the bush member (200) includes the damper member (300), a portion of the rotational inertial force generated when the first door (10) rotates can be absorbed by the damper member (300).

[0323] In this way, since the damper member (300) can absorb a portion of the rotational inertial force of the first door (10), the rotational speed of the first door (10) can be reduced before the collision between the pin (150) and the bush member (200) occurs, thereby preventing damage to the parts due to the collision between the pin (150) and the bush member (200).

[0324] Therefore, the refrigerator (1) according to the present invention includes a damper member (300) that reduces the moving speed of the pin (150) of the hinge member (101) moving along the guide slot (220) of the bush member (200), so that deformation or breakage of the pin (150) due to collision between the pin (150) and the bush member (200), which may occur when the door is forcefully opened or closed, can be prevented.

[0325] In addition, the refrigerator (1) according to the present invention can prevent deformation or damage of the door to which the bush member (200) is assembled, reduce collision noise between the pin (150) of the member and the bush member (200), and enable the door to open and close with a smooth motion, thereby increasing the user's usability and improving the emotional quality.

[0326] Meanwhile, the refrigerator (1) according to the present invention can enable the first door (10) to be easily opened without interference by the wall of the installation space, even when the refrigerator (1) is installed adjacent to the wall of the installation space.

[0327] For example, the center of rotation of the first door (10) can be defined as the intersection of the normal to the guide slot (220) at the position of the first pin (151) and the normal to the guide slot (220) at the position of the second pin (152).

[0328] Referring to Fig. 14, when the first door (10) is completely closed, the center of rotation may be located further outward from the front of the first door (10).

[0329] And when the first door (10) is opened, the center of rotation moves inwardly along with the rotation of the first door (10), and can be located inside the first door (10) when the first door (10) is opened to the maximum, as shown in FIG. 18.

[0330] If the first door (10) rotates around a fixed rotation axis, the first door (10) rotates around the fixed rotation axis, so the front edge of the first door (10), which is located in front of the fixed rotation axis, protrudes outward from the side of the cabinet (2).

[0331] Accordingly, when the refrigerator (1) is installed adjacent to a wall in the installation space, it may be difficult to open the first door (10).

[0332] However, according to the present invention, since the center of rotation of the first door (10) changes depending on the movement path of the pin (150) when the first door (10) is opened and closed, even when the refrigerator (1) is installed adjacent to a wall of the installation space, the first door (10) can be easily opened without interference by the wall of the installation space.

[0333] Additionally, in the process of the first pin (151) and the second pin (152) moving within the guide slot (220), the first pin (151) and the second pin (152) may be placed in the guide area of ​​the guide slot (220) having different curvatures.

[0334] For example, when the first pin (151) is located in the first guide area (221), the second pin (152) may be located in the third guide area (223), and when the first pin (151) is located in the third guide area (223), the second pin (152) may be located in the second guide area (222).

[0335] Additionally, even when the first pin (151) and the second pin (152) are positioned in the third guide area (223), they may each be positioned within sections having different curvatures within the third guide area (223).

[0336] In this way, the first pin (151) and the second pin (152) are positioned in the guide area of ​​the guide slot (220) having different curvatures, and as they move within the guide slot (220), the first door (10) can be opened and closed horizontally without being swayed.

[0337] In another embodiment, referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the bushing member (200) of the first hinge assembly (30) may be configured to include a first guide slot (220a) and a second guide slot (220b) spaced apart from each other.

[0338] For example, the bush member (200) may include a flat plate-shaped joining body part (215) and a bush body part (210) formed to extend downward from one side of the joining body part (215).

[0339] The bushing body (210) may include a first guide slot (220a) and a second guide slot (220b), which define movement paths of the first pin (151) and the second pin (152) that are arranged spaced apart from each other, respectively.

[0340] A guide rib (230) formed along the shape of the first guide slot (220a) and the second guide slot (220b) may be arranged on the upper surface of the first guide slot (220a) and the second guide slot (220b).

[0341] The first pin (151) and the second pin (152), which are arranged to be spaced apart from each other, are respectively bound to the first guide slot (220a) and the second guide slot (220b), and can move along the first guide slot (220a) and the second guide slot (220b).

[0342] For example, the first guide slot (220a) can be formed to have a longer pin movement path than the second guide slot (220b).

[0343] Therefore, it is preferable that the damper mounting portion (240) be placed on the edge of the first guide slot (220a) to make it easier to secure installation space.

[0344] In addition, since the movement distance of the first pin (151) within the first guide slot (220a) is longer than the movement distance of the second pin (152) within the second guide slot (220b), the rotational inertial force of the first door applied to the first pin (151) may be greater.

[0345] Accordingly, it may be more desirable to reduce the movement speed of the first pin (151), which is more likely to be damaged, by positioning the damper mounting portion (240) along the outer edge of the first guide slot (220a).

[0346] However, it is not limited thereto, and the damper mounting portion (240) into which the damper member (300) is inserted may be arranged along the outer edge of not only the first guide slot (220a) but also the second guide slot (220b).

[0347] In addition, in FIG. 20, the damper mounting portion (240) is shown as an example of being positioned to be biased to one side of the outer edge portion adjacent to the second end portion (214) of the first guide slot (220a), but is not limited thereto.

[0348] For example, the damper mounting portion (240) may be provided in multiple numbers, one side adjacent to the second end (214) of the outer edge of the first guide slot (220a) and the other side adjacent to the first end (213), so as to enable deceleration in both cases when the first door (10) is opened and closed.

[0349] In another embodiment, the damper mounting portion (240) may be arranged to extend along the entire area of ​​the outer edge of the first guide slot (220a).

[0350] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, the bushing member (200) of the second hinge assembly (40) may be configured to include a first guide slot (220a) and a second guide slot (220b) that are spaced apart from each other.

[0351] The bush member (200) included in the second hinge assembly (40) can be applied substantially identically to the bush member (200) of the first hinge assembly (30) described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, and therefore, any duplicate description will be omitted.

[0352] In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 23, the bushing member (200) may be configured to include a first guide slot (220a) and a second guide slot (220b) spaced apart from each other.

[0353] In this case, the bush member (200) does not have a separate damper mounting portion, and a separate structure that functions as a damper can be placed within the first guide slot (220a) and / or the second guide slot (220b).

[0354] For example, a first curved portion (226a) protruding in the inward direction of the first guide slot (220a) may be formed on the inner surface of the guide slot (220) adjacent to the second end portion (214) in the first guide slot (220a).

[0355] The first bending portion (226a) is arranged in at least a portion of the inner area of ​​the first guide slot (220a) along the movement path of the first pin (151), so as to reduce the movement speed of the first pin (151).

[0356] Additionally, a first curved portion (226a) protruding inwardly of the first guide slot (220a) may be additionally formed on the inner surface of the guide slot (220) adjacent to the first end portion (213) in the first guide slot (220a).

[0357] For example, the first bend (226a) can be formed in the form of a structure having a plurality of protrusions.

[0358] For example, the first bending portion (226a) may be made of an elastic material having a predetermined elasticity, such as rubber, but is not limited thereto.

[0359] The first bending portion (226a) arranged within the first guide slot (220a) is provided in multiple numbers so as to face each other along the movement path of the first pin (151), so as to surround both sides of the moving first pin (151), thereby more effectively reducing the movement speed of the first pin (151).

[0360] The first bend (226a) in the first guide slot (220a) described above can be equally applied to the second bend (226b) in the second guide slot (220b).

[0361] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings exemplified above, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Furthermore, even if the operational effects according to the configuration of the present invention have not been explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects predictable by the corresponding configuration should also be acknowledged.

Claims

1. A cabinet containing one or more storage compartments; One or more doors for opening and closing the storage room; and A hinge assembly, one side and the other side of which are connected to the cabinet and the door, respectively; The above hinge assembly, A hinge member having one or more pins; A bushing member including a guide slot for guiding the movement of the pin; and A refrigerator comprising a damper member mounted on the bush member to reduce the moving speed of the pin.

2. In paragraph 1, The above damper member is arranged on one side of the above guide slot, A refrigerator in contact with said pin along a portion of the movement path of said pin.

3. In paragraph 1, The above damper member, a pad portion in contact with the above pin; and A refrigerator, comprising a compression unit arranged on the back surface of the pad unit.

4. In paragraph 3, A refrigerator wherein the above pad portion is made of a harder material than the above compression portion.

5. In paragraph 3, A refrigerator, wherein the compression member includes one or more hollow portions extending vertically therein.

6. In paragraph 3, A refrigerator wherein the compression section has a constant width in the compression direction or a width that decreases in one direction.

7. In paragraph 3, A refrigerator wherein one surface of the compression portion in contact with the pad portion has a curved surface or a convex surface.

8. In paragraph 3, A refrigerator in which the curvature of the surface of the pad portion in contact with the pin matches the curvature of the guide slot corresponding to the pad portion.

9. In paragraph 3, A refrigerator in which the corners on both sides of the pad portion that come into contact with the pin are rounded.

10. In paragraph 3, The above bushing absence, A damper mounting portion arranged on one side of the above guide slot into which the damper member is inserted; and A refrigerator comprising a damper opening in which a portion of the pad portion protrudes into the inside of the guide slot.

11. In paragraph 3, A refrigerator, wherein the above compression member is made of an elastic material.

12. In paragraph 1, The above guide slot includes a first guide region, a third guide region, and a second guide region sequentially arranged along the movement path along which the pin moves, A refrigerator, wherein the damper member includes a first damper member and a second damper member respectively disposed in the first guide area and the second guide area.

13. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the center of rotation of the door changes according to the movement path of the pin when the door is opened and closed.

14. In paragraph 1, The above pins include a first pin and a second pin arranged to be spaced apart from each other, A refrigerator, wherein when the door is opened and closed, the first pin and the second pin are bound to the guide slot and move along the guide slot.

15. In paragraph 1, The above pins include a first pin and a second pin arranged to be spaced apart from each other, The above guide slot includes a first guide slot and a second guide slot which are arranged to be spaced apart from each other, When the door is opened and closed, the first pin is bound to the first guide slot and moves along the first guide slot, A refrigerator, wherein when the door is opened and closed, the second pin is bound to the second guide slot and moves along the second guide slot.

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