Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator according to present embodiment includes a cabinet for providing a storage space, a door for opening and closing the storage space, and a hinge mechanism for rotatably connecting the door to the cabinet, the hinge mechanism including a hinge body which is installed on the cabinet and has a pin unit equipped therein, and a pin slot which is provided on the door and receives the pin unit, wherein the pin unit includes a first guide and a second guide having different shapes, the pin slot includes a first slot for receiving the first guide and a second slot for receiving the second guide, and changes in relative positions of the pin unit and the pin slot may shift the center of rotation of the door during the door opening process.

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 to open and close the storage space.

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

[0006] Recently, a hinge structure has been developed to prevent the door from interfering with surrounding structures such as furniture during the door opening process.

[0007] Prior literature related to this includes International Publication WO2019 / 007278A1.

[0008] One embodiment provides a refrigerator having an increased opening angle of the door.

[0009] Optionally or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator that prevents interference with surrounding structures during the door opening process.

[0010] Optionally or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which the door opens smoothly without rattling during the door opening process.

[0011] A refrigerator according to one aspect may include a cabinet forming a storage space; a door for opening and closing the storage space; and a hinge mechanism for rotatably connecting the door to the cabinet.

[0012] The above hinge mechanism may include a hinge body installed in the cabinet and having a pin unit, and a pin slot provided in the door and accommodating the pin unit.

[0013] The above pin unit may include a first guide and a second guide formed in different shapes.

[0014] The pin slot may include a first slot in which the first guide is received, and a second slot in which the second guide is received.

[0015] By varying the relative positions of the pin unit and the pin slot, the center of rotation of the door can move during the opening process of the door.

[0016] The horizontal cross-section of the first guide may be formed non-circular. The horizontal cross-section of the second guide may be formed circular.

[0017] When the side of the door adjacent to the pin unit is referred to as the first side, the first guide may be positioned closer to the first side than the second guide.

[0018] The first guide may include a first end and a second end positioned opposite the first end. The second end may be positioned closer to the second guide than to the first end.

[0019] The above first guide may include a portion whose width increases from the first end toward the second end.

[0020] The point where the width of the first guide is maximum may be located closer to the second end than to the first end.

[0021] The trajectory of the center of rotation of the above door may include a curve.

[0022] During the opening process of the door, the center of rotation of the door can move away from the cabinet.

[0023] The center of rotation of the door at the initial opening of the door may be located between the first guide and the second guide.

[0024] In some sections of the entire opening section of the door, the center of rotation of the door can move away from the second guide.

[0025] In some sections of the entire opening range of the door, the center of rotation of the door may be located within the area between the first guide and the second guide. In other sections, the center of rotation of the door may be located outside the area between the first guide and the second guide.

[0026] The center of rotation of the door at the initial opening of the door may be located between the first slot and the second slot.

[0027] The center of rotation of the door may be located between the first slot and the second slot just before the door is opened to the maximum opening angle.

[0028] When the portion of the two side surfaces of the cabinet adjacent to the pin unit is referred to as the first side surface, the center of rotation of the door can move in a direction closer to the first side surface in at least a portion of the entire opening section of the door.

[0029] According to another aspect, a refrigerator includes a cabinet forming a storage space; a door for opening and closing the storage space; and a hinge mechanism for rotatably connecting the door to the cabinet, wherein the hinge mechanism may include a pin unit provided on the door and a hinge body installed on the cabinet and having a pin slot for receiving the pin unit.

[0030] The pin unit may include a first guide and a second guide formed in different shapes, and the pin slot may include a first slot in which the first guide is accommodated and a second slot in which the second guide is accommodated.

[0031] By varying the relative positions of the pin unit and the pin slot, the center of rotation of the door can move during the opening process of the door.

[0032] The horizontal cross-section of the first guide may be formed non-circularly, and the horizontal cross-section of the second guide may be formed circularly.

[0033] In one embodiment, the door opens when the center of rotation of the door moves, which has the advantage of increasing the opening angle of the door.

[0034] In one embodiment, the center of rotation of the door can be moved away from one side of the furniture, so that the door can be prevented from interfering with surrounding structures during the door opening process.

[0035] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the trajectory of the center of rotation of the door includes a curve, so that the door can rotate smoothly without rattling.

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a first hinge mechanism of a door according to the present embodiment.

[0038] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a second hinge mechanism of a door according to the present embodiment.

[0039] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the first hinge mechanism and the second hinge mechanism according to the present embodiment.

[0040] Figure 5 is a drawing showing the first pin unit being accommodated in the first pin slot.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the movement path of the rotation center of the first door during the opening process of the first door according to the present embodiment.

[0042] Figure 7 is a drawing showing the movement trajectories of multiple points of the first door and the movement trajectory of the rotation center of the first door during the opening process of the first door.

[0043] FIG. 8 (A) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first pin unit and the first pin slot when the door according to the present embodiment is closed, and FIG. 8 (B) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first pin unit and the first pin slot when the door according to the present embodiment is opened by a first angle.

[0044] FIG. 9 (A) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first pin unit and the first pin slot in a state where the door according to the present embodiment is opened to a second angle greater than the first angle, and FIG. 9 (B) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first pin unit and the first pin slot in a state where the first door according to the present embodiment is opened to the maximum opening angle.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment, Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a first hinge mechanism of a door according to the present embodiment, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a second hinge mechanism of a door according to the present embodiment. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the first hinge mechanism and the second hinge mechanism according to the present embodiment.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the refrigerator (1) according to the present embodiment can be installed independently in a kitchen or installed in a form accommodated in a furniture cabinet or wall inside an indoor space (hereinafter collectively referred to as a “furniture cabinet”).

[0049] When the refrigerator (1) is installed in the cabinet, the refrigerator (1) may be installed alone or arranged left and right together with other refrigerators.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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).

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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, the rotary door (20), as an example, the first door (21), will be described.

[0054] In the present embodiment, the first door (21) can be rotatably connected to the cabinet (10) by a first hinge mechanism (30) and a second hinge mechanism (40).

[0055] The first hinge mechanism (30) may be connected to the upper side of the first door (21). The second hinge mechanism (40) may be connected to the lower side of the first door (21). The first hinge mechanism (30) may be referred to as an upper hinge mechanism. The second hinge mechanism (40) may be referred to as a lower hinge mechanism.

[0056] The first hinge mechanism (30) may include a first hinge body (310). The first hinge body (310) may be coupled to the upper surface or the front surface of the cabinet (10). A portion of the first hinge body (310) may overlap the upper surface of the first door (21) in a vertical direction. The first door (21) may include a hinge mounting portion (210). The hinge mounting portion (210) may be formed as the upper surface of the first door (21) is recessed downward. Alternatively, the hinge mounting portion (210) may be formed as the rear surface of the first door (21) is recessed forward. A portion of the first hinge body (310) may be positioned in the hinge mounting portion (210).

[0057] The second hinge mechanism (40) may include a second hinge body (410). The second hinge body (410) may be coupled to the front or bottom of the cabinet (10). A portion of the second hinge body (410) may overlap the lower side of the first door (21) in a vertical direction. The second hinge body (410) may support the load of the first door (21).

[0058] When a refrigerator (1) is installed in a cabinet or a kitchen, the opening angle of the first door (21) needs to be increased without interfering with the cabinet or surrounding structures during the opening process of the first door (21).

[0059] In the present embodiment, the opening angle of the first door (21) can be increased without interfering with the furniture or surrounding structures by the first hinge mechanism (30) and the second hinge mechanism (40). For example, the first hinge mechanism (30) and the second hinge mechanism (40) can cause the virtual center of rotation of the first door (21) to move in at least a portion of the entire opening range of the first door (21).

[0060] Below, the first hinge mechanism (30) and the second hinge mechanism (40) will be described in detail.

[0061] The above first hinge mechanism (30) may further include a first pin unit (320).

[0062] The first pin unit (320) may be formed integrally with the first hinge body (310) or may be coupled to the first hinge body (310).

[0063] The first pin unit (320) may include a first guide (321) and a second guide (322). The first guide (321) and the second guide (322) may be spaced apart from the first hinge body (310).

[0064] The first guide (321) and the second guide (322) may, for example, extend from the first hinge body (310) toward the first door (21). The first guide (321) and the second guide (322) may extend downward from the first hinge body (310).

[0065] The first door (21) may include a first pin slot in which the first pin unit (320) is accommodated. The first pin slot may include a first slot (220) in which the first guide (321) is accommodated, and a second slot (230) in which the second guide (322) is accommodated.

[0066] The first slot (220) and the second slot (230) may be formed as one side of the first door (21) is sunken downward. Alternatively, the first slot (220) and the second slot (230) may be formed in a bushing or plate coupled to the first door (21). In this case, one bushing or plate may form both the first slot (220) and the second slot (230), or a plurality of bushings or plates may form each of the first slot (220) and the second slot (230).

[0067] The first slot (220) and the second slot (230) may be located at the bottom (211) of the hinge mounting portion (210).

[0068] The above second hinge mechanism (40) may further include a second pin unit (420).

[0069] The second pin unit (420) may be formed integrally with the second hinge body (410) or may be coupled to the second hinge body (410).

[0070] The second hinge body (410) may include, for example, a coupling portion (411) coupled to the cabinet (10) and an extension portion (412) extending from the coupling portion (411). The second pin unit (420) may be provided in the extension portion (412).

[0071] The second pin unit (420) may, for example, extend from the second hinge body (410) toward the first door (21). The second pin unit (420) may extend upward from the extension portion (412).

[0072] Since the second pin unit (420) has the same shape and structure as the first pin unit (320), a detailed description thereof will be omitted. That is, the second pin unit (420) may include a third guide (421) and a fourth guide (422), and the third guide (421) may be formed in the same shape as the first guide (321), and the fourth guide (422) may be formed in the same shape as the second guide (322).

[0073] The first door (21) may include a second pin slot in which the second pin unit (420) is accommodated. The second pin slot may be provided on the lower side of the first door (21).

[0074] The second pin slot may include a third slot (240) in which the third guide (421) is accommodated, and a fourth slot (250) in which the fourth guide (422) is accommodated.

[0075] The third slot (240) and the fourth slot (250) may be formed as one surface of the first door (21) is sunken upward. Alternatively, the third slot (240) and the fourth slot (250) may be formed in a bushing or plate coupled to the first door (21). In this case, one bushing or plate may form both the first slot (220) and the second slot (230), or a plurality of bushings or plates may form each of the first slot (220) and the second slot (230).

[0076] Since the basic structure and operation of the second hinge mechanism are the same as those of the first hinge mechanism, the relationship between the first hinge mechanism and the first pin slot will be described in more detail below.

[0077] Figure 5 is a drawing showing a first pin unit accommodated in a first pin slot.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the first guide (321) and the second guide (322) in the first door (21) can be spaced apart in the X-axis direction.

[0079] In this specification, the Y-axis direction may be the arrangement direction of cabinets and doors or the front-back direction of the refrigerator. The X-axis direction may be the left-right direction of the refrigerator, which is a direction that intersects the Y-axis direction in a horizontal direction.

[0080] Among the two sides of the first door (21), the side positioned adjacent to the first pin unit (320) can be referred to as the first side (21c).

[0081] The above first guide (321) can be positioned closer to the first side (21c) than the above second guide (322).

[0082] The above first pin unit (320) can be positioned closer to the front (21a) than the rear (21b) of the first door (21).

[0083] The above first guide (321) and second guide (322) can be formed in different shapes.

[0084] The first guide (321) may have a non-circular horizontal cross-section. The second guide (322) may have a circular horizontal cross-section. The first guide (321) may be, for example, a cam, and the second guide (322) may be, for example, a pin.

[0085] The first guide (321) may include a first end (321a) and a second end (321b) positioned opposite the first end (321a). The first end (321a) may include a curve. The second end (321b) may also include a curve.

[0086] The above first guide (321) may include a portion whose width increases from the first end (321a) toward the second end (321b).

[0087] For example, the width of the first guide (321) may increase and then decrease from the first end (321a) toward the second end (321b). The width of a portion of the first guide (321) adjacent to the first end (321a) may be smaller than the width of a portion adjacent to the second end (321b). The point at which the width of the first guide (321) is maximum may be located closer to the second end (321b) than to the first end (321A).

[0088] The second end (321b) may be positioned closer to the second guide (322) than the first end (321a). The first end (321a) may be positioned closer to the first side (21c) of the first door (21) than the second end (321b).

[0089] The above first slot (220) can be formed into a shape that includes a trajectory drawn by the first guide (321) when the first door (21) is rotated.

[0090] For example, the first slot (220) may be formed in a fan shape or a similar shape.

[0091] The first slot (220) may include a first portion (221) that is in contact with or adjacent to the first guide (321) when the first door (21) is closed.

[0092] The first slot (220) may include a second portion (222) that is in contact with or adjacent to the first guide (321) when the first door (21) is opened to the maximum opening angle.

[0093] With the first door (21) closed, the first part (221) can be positioned closer to the second guide (322) than the second part (222).

[0094] The second slot (230) may be formed in a shape that includes a trajectory drawn by the second guide (322) when the first door (21) is rotated.

[0095] Due to the difference in shape between the first guide (321) and the second guide (322), the shapes of the first slot (220) and the second slot (230) may be different from each other.

[0096] The second slot (230) may include a curve. For example, the second slot (230) may be formed in an arc shape.

[0097] The second slot (230) may include a third portion (231) that is in contact with or adjacent to the second guide (322) when the first door (21) is closed.

[0098] The second slot (230) may include a fourth portion (232) that is in contact with or adjacent to the second guide (322) when the first door (21) is opened to the maximum opening angle.

[0099] The third part (231) may be positioned closer to the front (21a) of the first door (21) than the fourth part (232).

[0100] The first part (221) may be positioned closer to the first side (21c) than the third part (231). The fourth part (232) may be positioned closer to the first side (21c) than the second part (222).

[0101] The above first slot (220) may include a portion positioned closer to the front surface (21a) of the first door (21) than the above second slot (230).

[0102] In the present embodiment, the first slot (220) and the second slot (230) may be designed to include a portion that is 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 that is similar to the trajectory.

[0103] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a movement path of the rotation center of the first door during the opening process of the first door according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a drawing showing movement trajectories of multiple points of the first door and a movement trajectory of the rotation center of the first door during the opening process of the first door.

[0104] FIG. 8 (A) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first pin unit and the first pin slot when the door according to the present embodiment is closed, and FIG. 8 (B) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first pin unit and the first pin slot when the door according to the present embodiment is opened by a first angle.

[0105] FIG. 9 (A) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first pin unit and the first pin slot in a state where the door according to the present embodiment is opened by a second angle greater than the first angle, and FIG. 9 (B) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first pin unit and the first pin slot in a state where the first door according to the present embodiment is opened by the maximum opening angle.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, the first door (21) can be rotated in one direction to open the first door (21) when the first door (21) is closed.

[0107] During the rotation process of the first door (21), the first slot (230) and the second slot (240) move with respect to the first guide (321) and the second guide (322), so that the relative positions of each guide (321, 322) and each slot (230, 240) can be changed.

[0108] When the first door (21) is closed, the first guide (321) can contact the first part (221), for example, and the second guide (322) can contact the third part (231).

[0109] In the process of rotating the first door (21) in one direction to open the first door (21), the first guide (321) may be spaced apart from the first part (221), and the second guide (322) may be spaced apart from the third part (231).

[0110] Referring to (A) of FIG. 8, when the first door (21) starts to open while the first door (21) is closed, the first door (201) can be rotated around the first rotation center (C1).

[0111] In this specification, the rotation center of the first door (21) may be a virtual rotation center of the first door (21).

[0112] The first rotation center (C1) may be located at the first door (21). The first rotation center (C1) may be located between the first guide (321) and the second guide (322).

[0113] The first rotation center (C1) may be located between the first slot (220) and the second slot (230). For example, the first rotation center (C1) may be located closer to the first portion (221) than to the second portion (222). The first rotation center (C1) may be located closer to the third portion (231) than to the fourth portion (232).

[0114] Referring to (B) of FIG. 8, when the first door (21) is rotated by a first angle, the first door (21) can be rotated based on a second rotation center (C2). That is, the rotation center of the first door (21) can move in the process of opening the first door (21) by the first angle. The second rotation center (C2) can be located at the first door (21).

[0115] The second rotation center (C2) may be positioned further from the front surface (10a) of the cabinet (10) than the first rotation center (C1).

[0116] The second rotation center (C2) may be positioned further from the front (10a) of the cabinet (10) than the first guide (321) and the second guide (322).

[0117] The second rotation center (C2) may be located between the first slot (220) and the second slot (230).

[0118] The first rotation center (C2) may be located within the area between the first guide (321) and the second guide (322), and the second rotation center (C2) may be located outside the area between the first guide (321) and the second guide (322).

[0119] That is, in some sections of the entire open section of the first door (21), the center of rotation of the first door (21) may be located within the area between the first guide (321) and the second guide (322), and in other sections, the center of rotation of the first door (21) may be located outside the area between the first guide (321) and the second guide (322).

[0120] Referring to (A) of FIG. 9, when the first door (21) is rotated by a second angle, the first door (21) can be rotated based on a third rotation center (C3). That is, the rotation center of the first door (21) can move in the process of opening the first door (21) by the second angle. The third rotation center (C3) can be located at the first door (21).

[0121] The third rotation center (C3) may be positioned further from the front (10a) of the cabinet (10) than the second rotation center (C2).

[0122] The third rotation center (C3) may be positioned further from the front (10a) of the cabinet (10) than the first guide (321) and the second guide (322).

[0123] The third rotation center (C3) may be located between the first slot (220) and the second slot (230).

[0124] Referring to (B) of Fig. 9, immediately before the first door (21) is opened to the maximum opening angle, the first door (21) can be rotated about a fourth rotation center (C4). The fourth rotation center (C4) can be located at the first door (21).

[0125] The fourth rotation center (C4) may be positioned further from the front (10a) of the cabinet (10) than the third rotation center (C3).

[0126] The fourth rotation center (C4) may be positioned further from the front (10a) of the cabinet (10) than the first guide (321) and the second guide (322).

[0127] The fourth rotation center (C4) may be located between the first slot (220) and the second slot (230).

[0128] When the first door (21) is opened to the maximum opening angle, the first guide (321) can come into contact with the second part (222), and the second guide (322) can come into contact with the fourth part (232).

[0129] In the process of opening the first door (21), the trajectory of the first point (A) where the front (21a) and the first side (21c) of the first door (21) meet, the trajectory of the second point (B) where the rear (21b) and the second side (21c) of the first door (21) meet, and the trajectory of the center of rotation of the first door (21) are as follows.

[0130] First, in the present embodiment, the rotation center of the first door (21) can be changed by varying the relative positions of the pin unit and the pin slot.

[0131] The above first point (A) can move in the Y-axis direction toward the cabinet (10). The trajectory of the above first point (A) can include a trajectory moving away from the first guide (321).

[0132] The above second point (B) can move in the Y-axis direction toward the cabinet (10) and then move away from the cabinet (10).

[0133] The trajectory of the second point (B) may include a first trajectory moving in a direction closer to the cabinet (10) and a second trajectory moving in a direction away from the cabinet (10). The length of the second trajectory may be greater than the length of the first trajectory.

[0134] The center of rotation of the first door (21) can move in a direction away from the cabinet (10). The center of rotation of the first door (21) can move in a direction in which the distance from the second guide (322) decreases and then moves in a direction in which the distance increases.

[0135] For example, in some sections of the entire open section of the first door (21), the center of rotation of the first door (21) may move in a direction away from the second guide (322).

[0136] When the part of the both sides of the cabinet (10) positioned adjacent to the first pin unit (320) is referred to as the first side part, the center of rotation of the first door (21) can move in a direction closer to the first side part (or one side of the furniture facing the first side part) in at least a part of the entire open section of the first door (21).

[0137] For example, the entire opening section of the first door (21) may include a section in which the center of rotation of the first door (21) moves away from the first side portion and a section in which the center of rotation moves toward the first side portion.

[0138] The trajectory (T) of the rotation center of the first door (21) may include a curve. When the trajectory (T) of the rotation center of the first door (21) includes a curve, the first door (21) can rotate smoothly without rattling during the rotation process of the first door (21).

[0139] According to this embodiment, since the first door (21) is opened as the center of rotation of the first door (21) moves, there is an advantage in that the opening angle of the first door (21) increases.

[0140] In addition, since the center of rotation of the first door (21) of the shangqi can move away from one side of the furniture, the first door (21) can be prevented from interfering with the surrounding structure during the door opening process.

[0141] In the above embodiment, the pin unit is formed in the hinge body and the pin slot is formed in the first door, but alternatively, the pin unit may be provided in the door and the pin slot for receiving the pin unit may be provided in the hinge body.

[0142] For example, the pin unit may include a first guide having a non-circular horizontal cross-section and a second guide having a circular horizontal cross-section.

[0143] The first guide and the second guide may be arranged to be spaced apart in the Y-axis direction, and when the first door is closed, the second guide may be positioned closer to the first side of the first door than the first guide.

Claims

1. Cabinet forming storage space; A door for opening and closing the above storage space; and including a hinge mechanism that rotatably connects the door to the cabinet; The above hinge mechanism, A hinge body installed in the above cabinet and having a pin unit, The above door is provided with a pin slot in which the pin unit is accommodated, The above pin unit includes a first guide and a second guide formed in different shapes, The pin slot includes a first slot in which the first guide is received, and a second slot in which the second guide is received, A refrigerator in which the center of rotation of the door moves during the opening process of the door by varying the relative positions of the pin unit and the pin slot.

2. In paragraph 1, The horizontal cross section of the above first guide is formed in a non-circular shape, A refrigerator in which the horizontal cross section of the above second guide is formed in a circular shape.

3. In paragraph 2, When the side of the door adjacent to the pin unit is called the first side, A refrigerator wherein the first guide is positioned closer to the first side than the second guide.

4. In paragraph 1, The above first guide includes a first end and a second end positioned opposite the first end, The second end is positioned closer to the second guide than the first end, A refrigerator in which the first guide includes a portion whose width increases from the first end toward the second end.

5. In paragraph 4, A refrigerator in which the point at which the width of the first guide is maximum is located closer to the second end than to the first end.

6. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the trajectory of the center of rotation of the above door includes a curve.

7. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which, during the opening process of the door, the center of rotation of the door moves away from the cabinet.

8. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the center of rotation of the door at the initial opening of the door is located between the first guide and the second guide.

9. In paragraph 8, A refrigerator in which the center of rotation of the door moves away from the second guide during a portion of the entire opening section of the door.

10. In paragraph 8, In some section of the entire opening section of the door, the center of rotation of the door is located within the area between the first guide and the second guide, A refrigerator located outside the area between the first guide and the second guide in some other sections.

11. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the center of rotation of the door at the initial opening of the door is located between the first slot and the second slot.

12. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the center of rotation of the door is located between the first slot and the second slot just before the door is opened to the maximum opening angle.

13. In paragraph 1, When the part of the two sides of the above cabinet that is adjacent to the pin unit is called the first side part, A refrigerator wherein the center of rotation of the door moves in a direction closer to the first side portion during at least a portion of the entire opening section of the door.

14. Cabinets forming storage space; A door for opening and closing the above storage space; and including a hinge mechanism that rotatably connects the door to the cabinet; The above hinge mechanism, A pin unit provided on the above door, A hinge body is installed in the above cabinet and includes a pin slot for accommodating the pin unit, The above pin unit includes a first guide and a second guide formed in different shapes, The pin slot includes a first slot in which the first guide is received, and a second slot in which the second guide is received, A refrigerator in which the center of rotation of the door moves during the opening process of the door by varying the relative positions of the pin unit and the pin slot.

15. In paragraph 14, The horizontal cross section of the above first guide is formed in a non-circular shape, A refrigerator in which the horizontal cross section of the above second guide is formed in a circular shape.

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