Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator according to an embodiment may comprise: a cabinet having a storage space formed therein; 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 includes: a hinge body installed to the cabinet and provided with a pin unit; a pin slot which is provided in the door and in which the pin unit is accommodated; and a buffer part coming in contact with the pin unit in at least one process among a process of closing the door and a process of opening the door.

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 in which interference with surrounding structures is prevented during the door opening process.

[0010] Optionally or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which collision noise between a pin unit and a guide member is reduced during the process of opening the door to the maximum opening angle.

[0011] Optionally or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which collision noise between a pin unit and a guide member is reduced during the door closing process.

[0012] 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.

[0013] The above hinge mechanism may include a hinge body installed in the cabinet and having a pin unit, a pin slot provided in the door and accommodating the pin unit, and a buffer portion that comes into contact with the pin unit during at least one of a process of closing the door and a process of opening the door.

[0014] The above door may include a guide member forming the pin slot.

[0015] The above buffer member can be coupled to the above guide member.

[0016] The above guide member may be formed of a different material from the pin unit and the buffer portion. The buffer portion may be formed of a rubber material or a deformable material.

[0017] The above buffer portion may include a first buffer portion that comes into contact with the pin unit during the process of closing the door.

[0018] The above buffer portion may include a second buffer portion that comes into contact with the pin unit during the process of opening the door.

[0019] The buffer portion may include a first portion and a second portion extending away from the pin slot from the first portion.

[0020] The above guide member may include a first groove into which the first part is inserted, and a second groove into which the second part is inserted.

[0021] The horizontal width of the second portion may be greater than the horizontal width of the first portion.

[0022] The above guide member may include a body forming the pin slot and an extension extending from the body.

[0023] The first part may be formed on the body, and at least a portion of the second part may be formed on the extension.

[0024] The above buffer portion may further include a third portion positioned opposite the second portion from the first portion and protruding into the pin slot.

[0025] The third portion may include a curved surface that is rounded in a horizontal direction.

[0026] The curvature of at least a portion of the above surface may be the same as the curvature of the outer surface of a portion of the above pin unit.

[0027] The first portion may include a protrusion protruding into the pin slot.

[0028] The protrusion may include a flat surface or a convex surface extending away from the first portion toward the second portion.

[0029] The first portion may include a curved surface that is rounded in a horizontal direction.

[0030] The surface may include a first part having a first curvature, and a second part located on one side of the first part and having a second curvature smaller than the first curvature. The surface may further include a third part located on the other side of the first part and having a third curvature smaller than the first curvature.

[0031] At least one of the second part and the third part may contact the pin unit before the first part.

[0032] The above buffer portion may include a first portion that forms a part of the pin slot or protrudes into the pin slot. The pin unit may be in contact with the first portion.

[0033] The above buffer portion includes a curved surface that is rounded in a horizontal direction, and the curvature of at least a portion of the curved surface may be the same as the curvature of an outer surface of a portion of the pin unit.

[0034] The pin unit may include a first pin and a second pin that are spaced apart from each other, or may include a single pin that is formed in a non-circular shape.

[0035] 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, a hinge body installed on the cabinet and having a pin slot for receiving the pin unit, and a buffer part that comes into contact with the pin unit during at least one of a process of closing the door and a process of opening the door.

[0036] The above buffer portion can be coupled to the hinge body.

[0037] The above buffer portion is formed of a different material from the hinge body and the pin unit, and may be formed of a rubber material or a deformable material.

[0038] In one embodiment, the door opens as the center of rotation of the door moves, thereby providing the advantage of increasing the opening angle of the door.

[0039] 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.

[0040] According to one embodiment, since the pin unit comes into contact with the buffer portion during the process of opening the door to the maximum opening angle, there is an advantage in that the collision noise between the pin unit and the guide member is reduced.

[0041] In one embodiment, since the pin unit comes into contact with the buffer during the door closing process, there is an advantage in that the collision noise between the pin unit and the guide member is reduced.

[0042] In one embodiment, the pin unit comes into contact with the buffer during the door closing process, so that the buffer reduces the closing speed of the door, thereby preventing the door from being opened again after being closed.

[0043] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first hinge mechanism of a door according to the first embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a second hinge mechanism of a door according to the first embodiment.

[0046] Figure 4 is a plan view of a guide member according to the first embodiment.

[0047] Figure 5 is a drawing showing a state in which the first buffer part and the second buffer part according to the first embodiment are separated from the guide member.

[0048] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a first buffer section according to the first embodiment.

[0049] Fig. 7 (A) is a drawing showing a state in which the first pin is in contact with the first buffer portion while the first door is closed, and Fig. 7 (B) is a drawing showing a state in which the second pin is in contact with the second buffer portion while the first door is opened to the maximum opening angle.

[0050] Figure 8 is a plan view of a guide member according to the second embodiment.

[0051] Figure 9 is a plan view of a guide member according to the third embodiment.

[0052] Fig. 10 is a plan view of a guide member according to the fourth embodiment.

[0053] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first pin unit and the first slot when the first door is closed according to the fifth embodiment.

[0054] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first pin unit and the first slot when the first door according to the fifth embodiment is opened to the maximum opening angle.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first hinge mechanism of a door according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a second hinge mechanism of a door according to the first embodiment.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, 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”).

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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).

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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).

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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).

[0067] 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).

[0068] When the refrigerator (1) is installed in a cabinet or 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).

[0069] 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 rotation center (or virtual rotation center) of the first door (21) to move in at least a part of the entire opening section of the first door (21). At this time, the rotation center of the first door (21) can move in a direction away from one side of the furniture.

[0070] Below, the first hinge mechanism (30) and the second hinge mechanism (40) will be described in detail.

[0071] The above first hinge mechanism (30) may further include a first pin unit (320).

[0072] 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).

[0073] The first pin unit (320) may include a first pin (321) and a second pin (322). The first pin (321) and the second pin (322) may be spaced apart from the first hinge body (310).

[0074] The first pin (321) and the second pin (322) may, for example, extend from the first hinge body (310) toward the first door (21). The first pin (321) and the second pin (322) may extend downward from the first hinge body (310).

[0075] The above first pin (321) and second pin (322) may be formed of a metal material, for example.

[0076] The first door (21) may include a first slot (222) (or pin slot) in which the first pin unit (320) is accommodated. The first pin (321) and the second pin (322) may be accommodated in the first slot (222).

[0077] The first slot (222) may be formed by one side of the first door (21) being sunken downward. Alternatively, the first slot (222) may be formed by a guide member (220). The guide member (220) is coupled to the first door (21), and the first slot (222) may be exposed, for example, to the upper side of the first door (21).

[0078] The first slot (222) may be located at the bottom (211) of the hinge mounting portion (210). The guide member (220) may be coupled to the bottom (211) of the hinge mounting portion (210).

[0079] The above second hinge mechanism (40) may further include a second pin unit (420).

[0080] 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).

[0081] 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).

[0082] 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).

[0083] Since the second pin unit (420) can be formed in the same shape as the first pin unit (320), a detailed description thereof will be omitted. That is, the second pin unit (420) can include a third pin and a fourth pin.

[0084] The first door (21) may further include a second slot (250) in which the second pin unit (420) is accommodated. The second slot (250) may be provided on the lower side of the first door (21). The second slot (250) may be formed as the lower surface of the first door (21) is sunken upward. Alternatively, the second slot (250) may be formed by a guide member. The guide member may be coupled to the lower side of the first door (21).

[0085] Since the basic structure and operation of the second hinge mechanism (40) are the same as those of the first hinge mechanism (30), the first hinge mechanism (30) and the guide member (220) provided with the first slot (222) will be described in more detail below.

[0086] Fig. 4 is a plan view of a guide member according to the first embodiment, Fig. 5 is a drawing showing a state in which the first buffer part and the second buffer part according to the first embodiment are separated from the guide member, and Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the first buffer part according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 (A) is a drawing showing a state in which the first pin is in contact with the first buffer part while the first door is closed, and Fig. 7 (B) is a drawing showing a state in which the second pin is in contact with the second buffer part while the first door is opened to the maximum opening angle.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the guide member (220) may be formed with one side sunken to form the first slot (222).

[0088] The first slot (222) may include a curve. The curvature of the first slot (222) may vary stepwise or continuously. When the curvature of the first slot (222) varies stepwise, the first slot (222) may be divided into a plurality of sections. The curvature of each of the plurality of sections may be different from each other.

[0089] The first door (21) can be opened while the first pin (321) and the second pin (322) are accommodated in the first slot (222). The rotation center of the first door (21) can be moved depending on the shape of the first slot (222).

[0090] Depending on the shape of the first slot (222), the rotation center can move continuously or stepwise.

[0091] The above guide member (220) may include a body (221a) in which the first slot (222) is formed. The above guide member (220) may further include an extension portion (221b) extending from the body (221a).

[0092] The above extension portion (221b) may, for example, extend horizontally from the upper end of the body (221a).

[0093] The body (221a) may include a first end (222a). The body (221a) may include a second end (222b) located opposite the first end (222a).

[0094] The first end (222a) may be provided with a first buffer portion (230). The second end (222b) may be provided with a second buffer portion (240).

[0095] The above buffer portion (230, 240) may be formed of, for example, a flexible material or a deformable material. The above buffer portion (230, 240) may be formed of, for example, a rubber material.

[0096] At the point when the first door (21) is completely closed, the first pin (321) may come into contact with (or collide with) the first buffer portion (230). At the point when the first door (21) is opened to the maximum opening angle, the second pin (322) may come into contact with (or collide with) the second buffer portion (240).

[0097] If the buffer portion (230, 240) does not exist, the first pin (321) may directly collide with the guide member (220) when the first door (21) is completely closed. In addition, the second pin (322) may directly collide with the guide member (220) when the first door (21) is opened to the maximum opening angle.

[0098] The above guide member (220) may be made of a non-metallic material, for example, an injection molded product. The guide member (220) needs to have a strength higher than a predetermined strength in order to stably guide the movement of the first pin (321) and the second pin (322).

[0099] When a metal pin unit collides with the guide member (220), there is a problem in that noise is generated due to the collision between the guide member (220) and the pin unit.

[0100] However, according to the present embodiment, since the guide member (220) is provided with a shock absorbing buffer, and the pin unit comes into contact with or collides with the shock absorbing buffer, the shock absorbing buffer absorbs and alleviates the shock during the process of the pin unit coming into contact with or colliding with the shock absorbing buffer, there is an advantage in that collision noise is reduced.

[0101] In this specification, the buffer portion (230, 240) can be detachably coupled to the guide member (220).

[0102] If the buffer part (230, 240) does not exist, there is a risk that the guide member (220) may be worn or damaged due to continuous collision between the pin unit and the guide member (220) during the opening and closing process of the first door (21), and in this case, the guide member (220) must be replaced or the entire first door (21) must be replaced.

[0103] However, as in the present embodiment, if the buffer part (230, 240) is detachably connected to the guide member (220), it becomes possible to replace only the buffer part (230, 240).

[0104] The first buffer portion (230) may include a first portion (231) and a second portion (232) extending from the first portion (231). The second portion (232) may extend in a direction intersecting the first portion (231). For example, the second portion (232) may extend from the first portion (231) in a direction away from the first slot (222).

[0105] The first portion (231) may, for example, extend in a vertical direction. The second portion (232) may extend horizontally from the first portion (231). For example, the second portion (232) may extend from the upper end of the first portion (231).

[0106] The first part (231) may include a first curved surface (231a). The first part (231) may include a second curved surface (231c) which is the opposite surface of the first curved surface (231a).

[0107] As another example, it is also possible for the first portion (231) to include a plane other than the second curved surface (231c).

[0108] The first curved surface (231a) may be in contact with the first pin (321). The first curved surface (231a) may be rounded in a horizontal direction, for example. The curvature of at least a portion of the first curved surface (231a) may be the same as the curvature of the outer surface of the first pin (321).

[0109] The first portion (231) may further include an inclined surface (231b). The inclined surface (231b) may slope downward from the second curved surface (231c) toward the first curved surface (231a). The inclined surface (231b) may allow the first portion (231) to be easily inserted into the guide member (220).

[0110] The horizontal width of the second portion (232) may be greater than the horizontal width of the first portion (231).

[0111] Since the shape of the second buffer portion (240) is the same as that of the first buffer portion (230), a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0112] The above guide member (220) may include a first coupling portion (223) to which the first buffer portion (230) is coupled. The above guide member (220) may further include a second coupling portion (224) to which the second buffer portion (240) is coupled.

[0113] The first buffer part (230) can be inserted into the first coupling part (223), and the second buffer part (240) can be inserted into the second coupling part (224).

[0114] The first coupling portion (223) may include a first groove (223a) in which the first part (231) is received. The first coupling portion (223) may further include a second groove (223b) in which the second part (232) is received.

[0115] The first groove (223a) may be formed in the body (221a). At least a portion of the second groove (223b) may be formed in the extension (221b).

[0116] The first groove (223a) may extend vertically from the body (221a). The horizontal width of the second groove (223b) may be greater than the horizontal width of the first groove (222a). Therefore, when the second part (232) is accommodated in the second groove (223b), the movement of the second part (232) toward the first groove (223a) may be restricted. In other words, the separation of the first buffer part (230) from the first coupling part (223) may be restricted.

[0117] In a state where the first part (231) is accommodated in the first groove (223a), the first part (231) may form a part of the first slot (222) or protrude into the first slot (222).

[0118] Accordingly, as shown in (A) of Fig. 7, during the process of closing the first door (21), the first pin (321) may come into contact with the first part (231) of the first buffer part (230). At this time, a part of the first curved surface (231a) of the first part (231) having the same curvature as that of the first pin (321) may come into contact with the first pin (321).

[0119] The second coupling portion (224) may include a first groove (224a) and a second groove (224b). The shape of the second coupling portion (224) is the same as that of the first coupling portion (223), so a detailed description thereof will be omitted. However, when the second buffer portion (240) is coupled to the second coupling portion (224), the first portion of the second buffer portion (240) may form another part of the first slot (222) or protrude into the first slot (222).

[0120] Accordingly, as shown in (B) of Fig. 7, the second pin (322) can come into contact with the first part of the second buffer part (240) during the process of opening the first door (21) to the maximum opening angle.

[0121] 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.

[0122] In this embodiment, the center of rotation of the first door (21) can move away from one side of the furniture. Accordingly, interference of the first door (21) with surrounding structures can be prevented during the door opening process.

[0123] According to this embodiment, since the first pin (321) comes into contact with the first buffer part (230) during the closing process of the first door (21), there is an advantage in that collision noise is reduced.

[0124] According to this embodiment, since the second pin (322) comes into contact with the second buffer (240) in the process of opening the first door (21) to the maximum opening angle, there is an advantage in that collision noise is reduced.

[0125] According to this embodiment, in the process of closing the first door (21), the speed at which the first buffer part (230) closes is reduced in the process of the first pin (321) colliding with the first buffer part (230), so that the first door (21) can be prevented from opening again after being closed.

[0126] As another example, the first pin (321) and the second pin (322) may be connected by a connecting member. In this case, it may also be understood that the first pin unit (320) includes a single pin. The single pin may be formed in a non-circular shape, but may include a curve so as not to interfere with the wall forming the first slot (222) during the opening process of the first door (21). At least a portion of the curve may be identical to the curvature of the first slot (222).

[0127] In this case, during the process of closing the first door (21), a part of the first pin unit (320) may come into contact with the first buffer portion (230), and during the process of opening the first door (21), another part of the first pin unit (320) may come into contact with the second buffer portion (240).

[0128] At this time, at least a part of the first buffer portion (230) may have the same curvature as the part. At least a part of the second buffer portion (240) may have the same curvature as the other part.

[0129] Figure 8 is a plan view of a guide member according to the second embodiment.

[0130] This embodiment is identical to the first embodiment in all other respects, except for the shape of the buffer portion. Therefore, only the distinctive features of this embodiment will be described below.

[0131] Referring to Fig. 8, the guide member (220) of the present embodiment may be provided with a first buffer portion (230A) and a second buffer portion (240A). The first buffer portion (230A) may be in contact with the first pin (321), and the second buffer portion (240A) may be in contact with the second pin (322).

[0132] Since the shape of the second buffer part (240A) may be the same as the shape of the first buffer part (230A), only the first buffer part (230A) will be described below.

[0133] The above first buffer portion (230A) may include a first portion (231) and a second portion (232). The shapes of the first portion (231) and the second portion (232) may be the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0134] The above first buffer portion (230A) may further include a third portion (235) located opposite the second portion (232) from the first portion (231).

[0135] The horizontal width of the third portion (235) may be greater than the horizontal width of the first portion (231). The third portion (235) may protrude into the first slot (222).

[0136] The third portion (235) may include a curved surface (235a). The curved surface (235a) may be rounded in a horizontal direction.

[0137] The curvature of at least a portion of the above-described surface (235a) may be identical to the curvature of the outer surface of the first pin (321). Accordingly, the first pin (321) may collide with the third portion (235).

[0138] When the curvature of the entire portion of the above-mentioned curved surface (235a) is the same as the curvature of the outer surface of the first pin (321), the contact area between the first pin (321) and the third portion (235) can be increased.

[0139] Figure 9 is a plan view of a guide member according to the third embodiment.

[0140] This embodiment is identical to the first embodiment in all other respects, except for the shape of the buffer portion. Therefore, only the distinctive features of this embodiment will be described below.

[0141] Referring to Fig. 9, the guide member (220) of the present embodiment may be provided with a first buffer portion (230B) and a second buffer portion (240B). The first buffer portion (230B) may be in contact with the first pin (321), and the second buffer portion (240B) may be in contact with the second pin (322).

[0142] Since the shape of the second buffer part (240B) may be the same as the shape of the first buffer part (240A), only the first buffer part (240A) will be described below.

[0143] The above first buffer portion (240A) may include a first portion (231) and a second portion (232). The shape of the second portion (232) may be the same as that described in the first embodiment.

[0144] A portion of the first portion (231) may protrude into the first slot (222). For example, the first portion (231) may include a protrusion (236) (or a third portion). The first pin (321) may contact the protrusion (236). The protrusion (236) may include a flat surface (236a). Accordingly, the first pin (321) may collide with the flat surface (236a).

[0145] As another example, it is also possible for the protrusion (236) to include a curved surface. For example, the curved surface may be rounded to be convex in the direction away from the second portion (322) in the first portion (321).

[0146] Fig. 10 is a plan view of a guide member according to the fourth embodiment.

[0147] This embodiment is identical to the second embodiment in other respects, except for the shape of the buffer portion. Therefore, only the distinctive features of this embodiment will be described below.

[0148] Referring to Fig. 10, the guide member (220) of the present embodiment may be provided with a first buffer portion (230C) and a second buffer portion (240C). The first buffer portion (230C) may be in contact with the first pin (321), and the second buffer portion (240C) may be in contact with the second pin (322).

[0149] Since the shape of the second buffer part (240C) is the same as that of the first buffer part (230C), only the first buffer part (230C) will be described below.

[0150] The above first buffer portion (230C) may include a first portion (231) and a second portion (232). The shapes of the first portion (231) and the second portion (232) may be the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0151] The above first buffer portion (230C) may further include a third portion (235a) located on the opposite side of the second portion (232) from the first portion (231).

[0152] The horizontal width of the third portion (235a) may be greater than the horizontal width of the first portion (231). The third portion (235a) may protrude into the first slot (222).

[0153] The third portion (235a) may include a curved surface. The curvature of the curved surface may be variable. For example, the third portion (235a) may include a plurality of parts having different curvatures.

[0154] The third part (235a) may include a first part (237a). The first part (237a) may be formed with a first curvature.

[0155] The third part (235a) may further include a second part (237b) positioned on one side of the first part (237a). At least a portion of the second part (237b) may be formed with a second curvature. The first curvature may be different from the second curvature. For example, the second curvature may be smaller than the first curvature.

[0156] The third part (235a) may further include a third part (237c) positioned on the other side of the first part (237a). At least a portion of the third part (237c) may be formed with a third curvature. The third curvature may be different from the first curvature. For example, the third curvature may be smaller than the first curvature.

[0157] Although not limited, the second curvature may be the same as or different from the third curvature. Alternatively, the second curvature and the third curvature may be the same as the curvature of the outer surface of the first pin (321).

[0158] The above first part (237a) can be positioned between the second part (237b) and the third part (237c).

[0159] Due to the difference in curvature between the first to third parts (237a, 237b, 237c), the first pin (321) may first contact either the second part (237b) or the third part (237c). Alternatively, the first pin (321) may simultaneously contact the second part (237b) and the third part (237c). In either case, after the first pin (321) contacts the second part (237b) and the third part (237c), it may contact the first part (237a) due to deformation of the second part (237b) and the third part (237c).

[0160] In the above embodiment, the first buffer part and the second buffer part have the same shape as an example, but the first buffer part and the second buffer part may have different shapes. For example, the first buffer part may be formed in the shape of one of the first to fourth embodiments, and the second buffer part may be formed in the shape of another of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0161] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first pin unit and the first slot when the first door according to the fifth embodiment is closed, and FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first pin unit and the first slot when the first door according to the fifth embodiment is opened to the maximum opening angle.

[0162] This embodiment is identical to the previous embodiments in terms of the buffer portion, but differs in the shapes of the first hinge mechanism and the second hinge mechanism. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described below.

[0163] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the first hinge mechanism may further include a first hinge body (510) and a first pin unit (520) that operates with the first hinge body (510).

[0164] The above first pin unit (520) may be, for example, coupled to the upper side of the first door (21) or formed integrally with the first door (21).

[0165] The above first pin unit (520) may include a first pin (522) and a second pin (524) that are spaced apart from each other.

[0166] The first pin (522) and the second pin (524) may be formed integrally with the first door (21). Alternatively, the first pin unit (520) may include a plate supporting the first pin (522) and the second pin (524), and the plate may be coupled to the first door (21).

[0167] The first fin (522) and the second fin (524) may be spaced apart in the front-back direction (or Y-axis direction) of the refrigerator or in the arrangement direction of the cabinet (10) and the first door (21). In addition, the first fin (522) and the second fin (524) may also be spaced apart in the X-axis direction intersecting the Y-axis direction.

[0168] The first hinge body (510) may further include a first slot (512) in which the first pin (522) and the second pin (524) are received.

[0169] The above pin slot (512) may be a hole through which the first pin (522) and the second pin (524) pass, or a groove into which the first pin (522) and the second pin (524) are inserted.

[0170] The first slot (512) may include a first slot portion (513). The first slot portion (513) may extend in a direction intersecting the X-axis and the Y-axis. The first slot portion (513) may guide the first pin (522) during the opening and closing process of the first door (21). The first slot portion (513) may extend in a curved shape.

[0171] The first slot (512) may further include a second slot portion (514) extending from the first slot portion (513). The second slot portion (514) may extend from a position spaced apart from both ends (513a, 513b) of the first slot portion (513). The second slot portion (514) may guide the second pin (524) during the opening and closing process of the first door (21). The second slot portion (514) may extend in a curved shape.

[0172] The first slot (512) may further include a third slot portion (515) extending from the first slot portion (513). The third slot portion (515) may be located on the opposite side of the second slot portion (514) from the first slot portion (513).

[0173] A first buffer portion (531) may be provided on one end (513a) of the first slot portion (513). A second buffer portion (532) may be provided on the other end (513b) of the first slot portion (513).

[0174] A third buffer portion (533) may be provided on the end side of the third slot portion (515). A fourth buffer portion (534) may be provided on the end side of the second slot portion (514).

[0175] The buffer parts (531, 532, 533, 534) can be coupled to the first hinge body (510). The buffer parts (531, 532, 533, 534) are formed of a rubber material or a deformable material, and can be formed of a different material from the first pin unit (520) and the first hinge body (510).

[0176] The first hinge body (510) may be provided with a coupling portion (516a, 516b, 516c, 516d) to which each of the first to fourth buffer portions (531, 532, 533, 534) is coupled.

[0177] The first to fourth buffer portions (531, 532, 533, 534) may be formed in a shape identical to or similar to that of any one of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0178] In the process of closing the first door (21), the first pin (522) can contact the first buffer portion (531) and the second pin (524) can contact the third buffer portion (533).

[0179] In the process of opening the first door (21) to the maximum opening angle, the first pin (522) can contact the second buffer portion (532), and the second pin (524) can contact the fourth buffer portion (534).

[0180] In this embodiment, the second hinge mechanism connected to the lower side of the first door (21) can be formed to be symmetrical in the vertical direction with the first hinge mechanism, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

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, A pin slot provided in the above door and accommodating the pin unit; A refrigerator including a buffer unit that comes into contact with the pin unit during at least one of the door closing process and the door opening process.

2. In paragraph 1, The above door includes a guide member forming the pin slot, A refrigerator in which the above buffer member is coupled to the above guide member.

3. In paragraph 2, The above guide member is formed of a different material from the pin unit and the buffer unit, A refrigerator wherein the above buffer portion is formed of a rubber material or a deformable material.

4. In paragraph 2, The above buffer portion comprises a first buffer portion that comes into contact with the pin unit during the closing process of the door; A refrigerator including a second buffer unit that comes into contact with the pin unit during the opening process of the door.

5. In paragraph 2, The buffer portion includes a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion in a direction away from the pin slot, A refrigerator wherein the guide member includes a first groove into which the first part is inserted and a second groove into which the second part is inserted.

6. In paragraph 5, A refrigerator in which the horizontal width of the second part is greater than the horizontal width of the first part.

7. In paragraph 5, The above guide member includes a body forming the pin slot and an extension extending from the body, A refrigerator wherein the first part is formed on the body, and at least a part of the second part is formed on the extension.

8. In paragraph 2, The buffer portion includes a first portion that forms a part of the pin slot or protrudes into the pin slot, The above pin unit is a refrigerator in contact with the first part.

9. In paragraph 2, The above buffer portion includes a curved surface that is rounded in a horizontal direction, A refrigerator wherein the curvature of at least a portion of the above surface is the same as the curvature of the outer surface of a portion of the above pin unit.

10. In paragraph 5, The above buffer portion further includes a third portion positioned opposite the second portion from the first portion and protruding into the pin slot, The third part includes a curved surface that is rounded in a horizontal direction, A refrigerator wherein the curvature of at least a portion of the above surface is the same as the curvature of the outer surface of a portion of the above pin unit.

11. In paragraph 5, The first part includes a protrusion protruding into the pin slot, The above protrusion Including a plane, or A refrigerator comprising a convex curved surface in the first portion moving away from the second portion.

12. In paragraph 5, The first part includes a curved surface that is rounded in a horizontal direction, The above surface has a first part having a first curvature, A second part located on one side of the first part and having a second curvature smaller than the first curvature, A third part is located on the other side of the first part and includes a third part having a third curvature smaller than the first curvature, A refrigerator wherein at least one of the second part and the third part contacts the pin unit before the first part.

13. In paragraph 1, The above pin unit including a first pin and a second pin that are spaced apart from each other, or A refrigerator comprising a single fin formed in a non-circular shape.

14. 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 pin unit provided on the above door, A hinge body installed in the above cabinet and having a pin slot in which the pin unit is accommodated; A refrigerator including a buffer unit that comes into contact with the pin unit during at least one of the door closing process and the door opening process.

15. In paragraph 14, The above buffer part is coupled to the hinge body, The above buffer portion is formed of a different material from the hinge body and the pin unit, A refrigerator formed of rubber or deformable material.

Images