Refrigerator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator. An embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cabinet for forming a storage space; a door for opening and closing the storage space; a hinge including a hinge plate mounted on the cabinet, and a first pin and a second pin protruding from the hinge plate so as to be connected to the door; and a guide recess into which both the first pin and the second pin are inserted, and which is provided in the door and guides the movement of the first pin and the second pin when the door is rotated, wherein the guide groove is formed by serially connecting a plurality of paths extending in different extension directions, and the first pin and the second pin are moved along different paths from among the plurality of paths when the door is opened and closed.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator.

[0002] A refrigerator is a home appliance that allows food to be stored at low temperatures within an internal storage space enclosed by a door. To achieve this, refrigerators utilize the cold air generated through heat exchange with the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle to cool the interior of the storage space, thereby maintaining optimal storage conditions for stored food.

[0003] Recent refrigerators are becoming larger and more multifunctional in line with the changing eating habits and the trend toward higher quality products, and refrigerators with various structures that take user convenience into consideration are being released.

[0004] In particular, refrigerators are now being designed to be embedded in walls or arranged to harmonize with other furniture or appliances. In these cases, refrigerators require a certain amount of clearance to prevent the corners of their rotating doors from interfering with adjacent walls, furniture, or appliances.

[0005] However, this kind of separation distance not only creates unnecessary space for the refrigerator to be placed, but also causes an unsightly appearance.

[0006] To solve this problem, a refrigerator equipped with a multi-link hinge structure is being developed.

[0007] However, multi-link refrigerators are complex and expensive. Furthermore, the inherent nature of multi-link operation poses safety risks, such as the risk of a user's body becoming trapped between the links.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator that can minimize the distance from the wall by preventing interference with the wall on which the refrigerator is installed when the door is rotated.

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which two pins move along one guide groove when the door rotates, thereby facilitating the rotational motion of the door.

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which a door rotates so as not to interfere with the wall on which the refrigerator is installed and the opening and closing of the refrigerator drawer.

[0011] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator that reduces wear of a guide member and a hinge pin and reduces friction noise during the opening and closing process of a door.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator comprises: a cabinet forming a storage space; a door opening and closing the storage space; a hinge plate mounted on the cabinet, and a hinge including a first pin and a second pin protruding from the hinge plate and connected to the door; and a guide groove provided on the door, into which both the first pin and the second pin are inserted and which guides the movement of the first pin and the second pin when the door rotates; wherein the guide groove is formed by serially connecting a plurality of paths extending in different extension directions, and when the door is opened and closed, the first pin and the second pin can move in different paths among the plurality of paths.

[0013] In the closed stationary state of the above door, both the first pin and the second pin can be positioned in the first pass among the plurality of passes.

[0014] In the closed stationary state of the door, the first pin may be positioned in the first pass, and the second pin may be positioned at the boundary between the first pass and the second pass connected to the first pass.

[0015] The second pin can enter the second pass simultaneously with the opening of the door.

[0016] The distance between the centers of the first pin and the second pin can be formed to be the same as the distance between the two ends of the first pass.

[0017] The first pin and the second pin are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the front and side directions, and an extension line connecting the centers of the first pin and the second pin can face the same direction as an extension line connecting both ends of the first pass.

[0018] A guide member is inserted and mounted in the door, and the guide groove is opened on one side of the guide member and can be exposed to the outside of the door.

[0019] The guide member includes a pair of side portions that form both sides of the guide member and are spaced apart from each other; a first connecting portion that connects one end of the side portions; and a second connecting portion that connects the other end of the side portions, wherein the pair of side portions are spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to the diameters of the first pin and the second pin, and the plurality of passes are formed, and the guide groove can be formed by the side portions, the first connecting portion, and the second connecting portion.

[0020] A round portion having a radius smaller than the diameter of the first pin and the second pin may be formed between adjacent passes among the plurality of passes.

[0021] The above round portions are formed in multiple numbers and can be formed to have different curvatures.

[0022] The width of the plurality of passes corresponds to the diameters of the first pin and the second pin, and the first pin and the second pin can maintain contact with the passes during the movement process.

[0023] The above multiple passes can be defined by arcs centered at a point where vertical lines extending from both ends of each pass through the guide groove intersect each other.

[0024] The above multiple passes may include a first pass having the first pin and the second pin positioned at both ends when the door is closed; a second pass extending rearward and laterally from an end of the first pass; a third pass extending rearward and laterally from an end of the second pass; a fourth pass extending forward and laterally from an end of the third pass; and a fifth pass extending forward and laterally from an end of the fourth pass and positioned closest to a side of the door, the second pin being positioned when the door is fully opened.

[0025] The centers of the arcs forming the first to fifth passes may all be located on the inside of the door.

[0026] The first center of the arc forming the first pass is positioned at a corner formed by the front and side surfaces of the door, and may be positioned closest to the side surface of the door among a plurality of centers.

[0027] The second center of the arc forming the second pass may be positioned closer to the front surface of the door and the side surface of the door than the first center of the arc forming the first pass.

[0028] The second center of the arc forming the second pass, the third center of the arc forming the third pass, the fourth center of the arc forming the fourth pass, and the fifth center of the arc forming the fifth pass may be arranged to be sequentially distant from the front and side surfaces of the door.

[0029] A first escape portion may be formed at one end of the guide groove and is more sunken than the position of the first pin when the door is closed, and a second escape portion may be formed at the other end of the guide groove and is more sunken than the position of the second pin when the door is fully open.

[0030] An inlet hole for the wire to enter and exit is opened between the front of the door and the guide groove, and at least a portion of the inlet hole can be placed in a sunken area between one end and the other end of the guide groove.

[0031] An ice maker or dispenser is provided in the above door, and a pipe for supplying water to the ice maker or dispenser can be introduced into the inlet hole.

[0032] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention has the following effects.

[0033] According to the present embodiment, when the door rotates, the hinge pin moves along the guide groove, and at this time, the door can rotate while moving its center of rotation. Therefore, when the door rotates to open and close, there is an advantage in that the side and corner portions of the door can be minimized from protruding outward, thereby minimizing the distance between the refrigerator and the wall.

[0034] In addition, a plurality of passes formed in the guide groove that guides the movement of the hinge pin are formed by connecting arcs with different centers in series, and thus have the advantage of facilitating the movement of the hinge pin when the door is opened and closed.

[0035] In addition, the first pin and the second pin constituting the hinge move along a plurality of paths extending in different directions in the guide groove, and in particular, the first pin and the second pin are positioned on different paths while the door rotates. Accordingly, the door can ensure a stable opening and closing operation without slipping or twisting during rotation.

[0036] In addition, due to the shape of the plurality of passes formed in the guide groove, the door can minimize protrusion of the corner portion when rotating, and also minimize protrusion inward when in the maximum open state, thereby preventing interference with the wall as well as the neighboring door of the refrigerator and the storage member that is pulled in and out.

[0037] In addition, since the hinge pin includes a tube and a pin body that rotate relative to each other and a coating layer exists between the tube and the pin body, vibration generated during the opening and closing process of the door can be reduced, and noise caused by direct friction between the tube and the pin body can be prevented.

[0038] In addition, since a coating layer is provided on the outside of the tube, direct friction between the pin and the guide member is prevented, and the relative movement of the coating layer and the guide member becomes smooth, which is an advantage.

[0039] Figure 1 is a front view of a refrigerator installed according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 is a front view of the refrigerator with the door open.

[0041] Figure 3 is a partial perspective view showing the mounting state of the first hinge of the refrigerator.

[0042] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the first hinge and guide member.

[0043] Figure 5 is a partial perspective view showing the mounting state of the second hinge of the refrigerator.

[0044] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the second hinge and guide member.

[0045] Fig. 7 is a partial perspective view showing the mounting state of the second hinge with the door open.

[0046] Figure 8 is a partial perspective view showing the mounting state of the third hinge of the refrigerator.

[0047] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the third hinge and guide member.

[0048] Fig. 10 is a plan view showing the arrangement of passes forming the guide groove of the above guide member.

[0049] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the above guide member.

[0050] Figures 12 to 18 are drawings showing the movement of the hinge pin according to the opening angle of the door.

[0051] Fig. 19 is a drawing showing the position of the hinge pin when the door is closed.

[0052] Figure 20 is a drawing showing the position of the hinge pin when the door is fully open.

[0053] Figure 21 is a drawing showing the gap between adjacent components when the door is opened and closed.

[0054] Figure 22 is a drawing showing the gap between the wall and the storage member when the door is fully open.

[0055] Figure 23 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 24 is a drawing showing the structure of the hinge pin and guide groove when the door of the refrigerator is closed.

[0057] FIG. 25 is a drawing showing the structure of a hinge pin and a guide groove when the door of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present invention is closed.

[0058] Figure 26 is an exploded perspective view of a refrigerator door according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Fig. 27 is a partial perspective view showing the hinge mounting state with the door closed.

[0060] Fig. 28 is a drawing showing the structure of the hinge pin and guide groove when the door is closed.

[0061] Figure 29 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 30 is a front view of the refrigerator with the door open.

[0063] Figure 31 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 32 is a front view of the refrigerator with the door open.

[0065] Fig. 33 is a perspective view of a hinge pin according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 34 (A) is a perspective view of a fin body according to the present embodiment.

[0067] Figure 34 (B) is a perspective view showing a fin body of the present embodiment with a first coating layer.

[0068] Figure 35 (A) is a perspective view of a tube to be coupled to the fin body of the present embodiment.

[0069] Figure 35 (B) is a drawing showing a tube of the present embodiment with a second coating layer.

[0070] Figure 36 is a drawing explaining the assembly process of a hinge pin according to the present embodiment.

[0071] Figure 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 37-37 of Figure 33.

[0072] Figure 38 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 37.

[0073] Figure 39 (A) is an enlarged view of part B of Figure 38, and Figure 39 (B) is a cross-sectional view of the first pin according to a modified example.

[0074] Fig. 40 is a drawing showing the arrangement of a guide groove and a hinge pin according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Figure 41 is a drawing showing the relationship between the first pass and the second pass of the guide home and the hinge pin.

[0076] Figure 42 is a drawing comparing the guide groove according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the guide groove according to the eighth embodiment by overlapping each other.

[0077] Figures 43 (a) to (d) are drawings showing the movement of the hinge pin according to the opening angle of the door.

[0078] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments that present the spirit of the present invention, and other regressive inventions or embodiments within the scope of the present invention can be easily proposed by adding, modifying, or deleting other components.

[0079] Before explaining, let's define the direction. In the embodiment of the present invention, the direction in which the front of the door as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 faces is defined as forward, the direction toward the cabinet based on the front of the door is defined as rear, the direction toward the floor surface on which the refrigerator is installed is defined as downward, and the direction away from the floor surface is defined as upward. In addition, when discussing directions that are not defined, the direction can be defined and explained based on each drawing.

[0080] Fig. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a front view of the refrigerator with the door open.

[0081] As illustrated, the refrigerator (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may have an overall appearance formed by a cabinet (10) forming a storage space with an open front, and a door (20) for opening and closing the storage space.

[0082] In addition, the refrigerator (1) can be installed so as to be in harmony with the furniture or wall (O) of the indoor space. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the refrigerator (1) can be installed in an indoor space such as a kitchen, and can be arranged so as to be in harmony with the furniture or wall (O). That is, a space corresponding to the size of the refrigerator (1) is provided in the furniture or wall (O), and the refrigerator (1) can be accommodated therein, or it can be arranged as a built-in type. Of course, in addition to the furniture or wall (O), the refrigerator (1) can be arranged in a row with multiple refrigerators or other home appliances.

[0083] In the arrangement structure of the refrigerator (1) as described above, the front of the refrigerator (1), i.e., the front of the door (20), may be very close to the furniture or wall (O), and may be configured to be positioned on the same or adjacent plane to have a sense of unity.

[0084] Looking at the structure of the refrigerator (1) in more detail, the cabinet (10) can form a storage space partitioned vertically. For example, the cabinet (10) can be partitioned vertically by a barrier (13) to form an upper storage space (11) above the barrier (13) and a lower storage space (12) below the barrier (13).

[0085] For example, the upper storage space (11) may be used as a refrigerator, and the lower storage space (12) may be used as a freezer. Accordingly, the upper storage space (11) may be called a refrigerator, and the lower storage space (12) may be called a freezer.

[0086] Of course, the present invention can be applied to all types of refrigerators having a door that opens and closes the storage space by rotation, regardless of the type of refrigerator, and in this embodiment, for the convenience of explanation and understanding, a refrigerator in which the refrigerating chamber is located above the freezer chamber will be described as an example.

[0087] Meanwhile, a plurality of storage members (111, 121) such as shelves and drawers may be provided in the upper storage space (11) and the lower storage space (12). In addition, the storage members (111, 121) may be taken out and in while the door (20) is open.

[0088] The above door (20) may include an upper door (21) and a lower door (22) that open and close the upper storage space (11) and the lower storage space (12), respectively. The upper door (21) is rotatably mounted on the cabinet (10) and can open and close the upper storage space (11) by rotation.

[0089] The upper door (21) may be provided in pairs on the left and right sides, and may be independently rotated to open and close the upper storage space (11). In addition, a first hinge (31) and a second hinge (32) may be provided at the top and bottom of the pair of upper doors (21) arranged on the left and right sides. The upper door (21) may be rotatably mounted on the cabinet (10) by the first hinge (31) and the second hinge (32).

[0090] The lower door (22) is rotatably mounted on the cabinet (10) and can open and close the lower storage space (12). A pair of the lower doors (22) may be provided on the left and right sides, and each can be independently rotated to open and close the lower storage space (12).

[0091] The upper and lower portions of the lower door (22) may be provided with the second hinge (32) and the third hinge (33). The lower door (22) may be rotatably mounted to the cabinet (10) by the second hinge (32) and the second hinge (33).

[0092] Below, the mounting structure of the above hinges (31, 32, 33) will be examined in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0093] Fig. 3 is a partial perspective view showing the installation state of the first hinge of the refrigerator. And, Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the first hinge and the guide member.

[0094] As illustrated, the first hinge (31) can connect the upper portion of the cabinet (10) and the upper door (21). The first hinge (31) can be fixedly mounted on one side to the upper surface of the cabinet (10), and the other side can be mounted so as to move along a guide groove (400) formed in the upper door (21).

[0095] The above first hinge (31) may include a hinge plate (310) and a hinge pin (313). The hinge plate (310) may be referred to as a first hinge plate or an upper hinge plate. And, the hinge pin (313) may be referred to as a first hinge pin or an upper hinge pin.

[0096] The hinge plate (310) may be formed of a plate-shaped metal material, protrude forward from the upper surface of the cabinet (10), and extend to the hinge mounting portion (211) of the upper door (21). For example, the hinge plate (310) may include a fixing portion (311) fixed to the cabinet (10) and an extension portion (312) extending forward from the fixing portion (311) and on which the hinge pin (313) is mounted.

[0097] The above-mentioned fixing member (311) may be provided with a fixing hole (311a) through which the fixing projection (101) of the cabinet (10) passes. In addition, the fixing member (311) may be provided with a fixing lever (314) that restrains the fixing projection (101). The fixing lever (314) may be rotatably mounted on the fixing member (311). The hinge plate (310) may be fixed to the cabinet (10) by the combination of the fixing lever (314) and the fixing projection (101). In addition, a fastening member such as a screw may be fastened to the fixing member (311) to further fix it to the cabinet (10).

[0098] The above extension (312) may protrude forward past the front of the cabinet (10) and may extend inside the hinge mounting portion (211) formed on the upper door (21). The above extension (312) may extend at least to a position where it overlaps with the guide groove (400). In addition, a hinge pin (313) may be mounted on the above extension (312).

[0099] The hinge pin (313) may be mounted so as to penetrate the hinge plate (310). For example, the hinge pin (313) may be press-fitted into the hinge plate (310), and during the press-fitting process, an extended flange (313c) may be formed to be firmly fixed to the hinge plate (310).

[0100] The above hinge pins (313) may protrude downward as a pair. The pair of hinge pins (313) may be formed in the same shape and may be formed in a size that can be inserted into the guide groove (400) formed in the hinge mounting portion (211). For example, the hinge pin (313) may have a circular cross-section and may have a diameter corresponding to the inner width of the guide groove (400). Accordingly, the hinge pin (313) may come into contact with the inner surface of the guide groove (400) when inserted into the guide groove (400).

[0101] A pair of hinge pins (313) may be spaced apart from each other, and a pair of hinge pins (313) may be spaced apart from each other at different distances based on the front (21a) and the side (21b) of the upper door (21). For example, the hinge pin (313) may be composed of a first pin (313a) and a second pin (313b), and the first pin (313a) may be arranged closer to the front of the upper door than the second pin (313b), and may be arranged farther from one side (21b) of the upper door (21) than the second pin (313b).

[0102] A pair of hinge pins (313) may be spaced apart from each other in the front-back and left-right directions when viewed from the front. In addition, the direction of the extension line (L) passing through the centers of the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) may be inclined with respect to the front surface (21a) of the upper door (21). In addition, the direction of the extension line (L) passing through the centers of the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) may be the same as the extension direction of one end of the guide groove (400). That is, the direction of the extension line (L) passing through the centers of the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) may be the same as the direction of the extension line connecting both ends of the first pass (401) to be described below.

[0103] When the upper door (21) is opened, the upper door (21) can be opened while starting to move in the extension direction of the extension line (L). Accordingly, the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) can be spaced apart from each other so as to have an inclination corresponding to the angle of the movement direction of the upper door (21) when the upper door (21) starts to open.

[0104] In addition, the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) may be spaced apart from each other by a set distance (D1). The set distance (D) may be spaced apart at a distance such that the flanges (313c) of the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) do not touch each other. In addition, the set distance (D1) may be formed to be smaller than the diameter of the hinge pin (313).

[0105] The distance (D2) between the centers of the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) may be formed to be the same as the length of the first pass (401) formed in the guide groove (400). Accordingly, the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) may be positioned at both ends of the first pass (401).

[0106] Meanwhile, the guide member (40) may be mounted on the upper door (21). For example, the guide member (40) may be provided on the hinge mounting portion (211). The hinge mounting portion (211) may be recessed to be stepped from the upper end of the upper door (21). In addition, the lower surface of the hinge mounting portion (211) may have a height corresponding to the upper surface of the cabinet (10). Therefore, when the upper hinge (31) is mounted, the hinge plate (310) may be exposed upward from the hinge mounting portion (211).

[0107] Of course, if necessary, the hinge mounting portion (211) may be formed at the same height as the upper door (21). The hinge mounting portion (211) may be formed at the corner portions of the side and rear sides of the upper door (21), and may be opened upward, laterally, and rearward.

[0108] The guide member (40) may be provided on the lower surface (211a) of the hinge mounting portion (211). The guide member (40) may be formed with the guide groove (400) that guides the movement of the hinge pin (313). For example, the guide member (40) may be formed of an engineering plastic material having wear resistance and lubricity. Therefore, the hinge pin (313) may be prevented from being damaged even when repeatedly moved, and smooth movement of the hinge pin (313) may be guaranteed. The guide groove (400) may be referred to as a guide portion or a guide slot. In addition, the guide groove (400) may include a sunken groove shape as well as an open hole shape.

[0109] The above guide member (40) may be formed with an upwardly open guide groove (400). The guide groove (400) may be configured as a single groove in which a plurality of paths (406) having different extension directions are continuously connected. That is, the plurality of paths (406) may be connected in series and may be formed as a single groove that is connected to each other. For example, the shape of the guide groove (400) may have a shape in which the central portion is sunken rearward and both sides protrude forward when viewed from the front. In this case, the protrusion distances of the two ends protruding forward may be different from each other.

[0110] The above guide member (40) may include a pair of side portions (411) spaced apart from each other to form the guide groove (400), and a first connecting portion (412) and a second connecting portion (413) connecting both ends of the side portions (411). In addition, the guide member (40) may further include a bottom portion (415) that connects the side portions and the first connecting portion (412) and the second connecting portion (413) to form a lower surface.

[0111] The pair of side portions (411) above have a shape corresponding to the extended shape of the guide groove (400) and can be spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the diameter of the hinge pin (313). In addition, the plurality of passes (406) can be defined according to the shape of each section of the pair of side portions (411). For example, the plurality of passes (406) can be composed of five. The first connecting portion (412) and the second connecting portion (413) can be formed to be rounded so as to have a curvature corresponding to the hinge pin (313).

[0112] Meanwhile, the guide member (40) may further include a reinforcing portion (414). The reinforcing portion (414) forms the upper end of the guide member (40) and may be exposed to the outside while the guide member (40) is mounted on the upper door (21). That is, while the guide member (40) is mounted on the upper door (21), the remaining portion except for the reinforcing portion (414) may be inserted into the interior of the upper door (21), and the reinforcing portion (414) may be exposed through the hinge mounting portion (211). At this time, the reinforcing portion (414) may protrude slightly upward from the lower surface (211a) of the hinge mounting portion (211).

[0113] The above reinforcing member (414) may be formed along the upper end of the side portion (411) and the first connecting portion (412) and the second connecting portion (413). In addition, the reinforcing member (414) may be formed to protrude further outward than the side portion (411) and the first connecting portion (412) and the second connecting portion (413) to reinforce the guide member (40).

[0114] That is, even if the hinge pin (313) strongly collides with the inner surface of the guide member (40) during the opening and closing process of the upper door (21), the strength of the guide member (40) can be reinforced so that it is not damaged. In addition, a plurality of reinforcing ribs (416) extending downward from the reinforcing member (414) may be further formed on the side portion (411). By virtue of the reinforcing member (414), the guide member (40) can be further prevented from being damaged by impact.

[0115] Of course, the above guide groove (400) may not be formed separately on the guide member (40), but may be formed directly on the upper door (21). For example, the above guide groove (400) may be formed to open directly on the cap deco forming the upper or lower surface of the upper door (21).

[0116] Meanwhile, an inlet hole (212) may be formed in the hinge mounting portion (211). The inlet hole (212) may form a passage through which wires (213) connected to electrical components such as a heater, a sensor, a lighting device, a display, etc. provided inside the upper door (21) are introduced. The inlet hole (212) is formed on the lower surface of the hinge mounting portion (211) and may be opened between the front surface of the hinge mounting portion (211) and the guide member (40). In addition, it may be located in a central region recessed toward the rear of the guide member (40). In addition, the inlet hole (212) may be formed to have a diameter that can be arranged between the first pass (401) and the fifth pass (405) of the guide groove (400) described below.

[0117] Fig. 5 is a partial perspective view showing the installation state of the second hinge of the refrigerator. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the second hinge and the guide member. Fig. 7 is a partial perspective view showing the installation state of the second hinge with the door open.

[0118] As illustrated, the second hinge (32) can connect the front of the cabinet (10) and the lower part of the upper door (21). The second hinge (32) can be fixedly mounted on one side to the front of the cabinet, and the other side can be mounted so as to be movable along a guide groove (400) formed on the lower part of the upper door (21).

[0119] The second hinge (32) may include a hinge bracket (321), a hinge plate (322), and a hinge pin (323). The hinge plate (322) may be referred to as a second hinge plate or an intermediate hinge plate. And, the hinge pin (323) may be referred to as a second hinge pin or an intermediate hinge pin.

[0120] The above hinge bracket (321) allows the second hinge (32) to be mounted on the cabinet (10), and may be formed of a plate-shaped metal material. In addition, the hinge bracket (321) may be provided on the front side of the barrier (13) and may extend along the front side of the barrier (13). A plurality of fastening holes (321a, 321b) may be formed in the hinge bracket (321), into which a fastening member (S) penetrating the hinge bracket (321) is fastened. By fastening the fastening member (S), the second hinge (32) may be fixedly mounted on the cabinet (10).

[0121] In addition, the hinge bracket (321) may be formed with an insertion portion (321c) into which the rear end of the hinge plate (322) is inserted. The rear end of the hinge plate (322) may be press-fitted into the insertion portion (321c) and firmly fixed to each other. Of course, the hinge bracket (321) and the hinge plate (322) may be formed as a single structure, or may be formed by bending a plate-shaped metal material.

[0122] The above hinge plate (322) may be formed of a plate-shaped metal material, may protrude forward from the hinge bracket (321), and may extend downward from the upper door (21). In addition, a closing guide (324) may be recessed and formed on the circumferential surface of the hinge plate (322). The closing guide (324) may be configured to come into contact with and operate a closing device (217) that assists in closing the upper door (21).

[0123] The closing device (217) is provided on the lower surface of the upper door (21), and when the upper door (21) is rotated below a set angle, it comes into contact with the hinge plate (322) and is elastically deformed, thereby slowing down the closing speed of the upper door (21). In addition, when the upper door (21) is further rotated below the set angle, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the end of the closing device (217) is inserted into the inside of the closing guide (324) and is elastically restored, thereby providing elastic force so that the upper door (21) can be completely closed. Of course, the closing device (217) may have various structures that enable the upper door (21) to be closed below the set angle.

[0124] Meanwhile, a stopping portion (325) may be formed on the other side of the hinge plate (322) to be in contact with a stopper (218) provided on the lower surface of the upper door (21). The stopping portion (325) may be formed to contact the stopper (218) at the moment when the upper door (21) is rotated by a set angle and the upper door (21) is completely opened, thereby restraining the upper door (21) from being opened any further. For example, the stopping portion (325) may be formed to protrude slightly upward from one end of the second hinge plate so as not to be damaged even when repeatedly contacted with the stopper (218).

[0125] The hinge plate (322) may be provided with a pair of hinge pins (323). The pair of hinge pins (323) may be positioned on the same vertical extension line as the hinge pin (323) of the first hinge (31). Therefore, the upper door (21) may be stably rotated without being eccentric or shaking during the opening and closing process. The hinge pin (323) may be composed of a third pin (323a) and a fourth pin (323b), and the arrangement and spacing of the third pin (323a) and the fourth pin (323b) are the same as those of the first pin (131a) and the second pin (131b), so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0126] The third pin (323a) and the fourth pin (323b) can penetrate the hinge plate (322) in the vertical direction. Therefore, the third pin (323a) and the fourth pin (323b) can be inserted into the guide groove (400) of the lower end of the upper door (21) and the upper end of the lower door (22), respectively. That is, the upper door (21) can be rotatably supported from below by the second hinge (32), and at the same time, the lower door (22) can be rotatably supported from above. Of course, if the lower door (22) is not provided or the lower door (22) does not have a structure that opens and closes by rotation, the third pin (323a) and the fourth pin (323b) may not protrude so as to be coupled with the lower door (22).

[0127] In addition, a flange (323c) may be formed on the third pin (323a) and the fourth pin (323b). The flange (323c) may be formed by deformation when the third pin (323a) and the fourth pin (323b) are pressed into the hinge plate (322), and may be firmly coupled with the hinge plate (322).

[0128] A guide member (40) may be further provided above the hinge pin (323). The guide member (40) may have a guide groove (400) formed into which the hinge pin (323) is inserted. The guide member (40) may have the same structure and shape as the guide member (40) provided on the upper part of the upper door (21), with the only difference being the mounting direction.

[0129] That is, the guide member (40) is mounted on the lower surface of the upper door (21), and the guide groove (400) can be exposed through the lower surface of the upper door (21). Accordingly, the third pin (323a) and the fourth pin (323b) can be inserted into the inside of the guide groove (400). In addition, when the upper door (21) is opened and closed, the third pin (323a) and the fourth pin (323b) can move along the guide groove (400). The guide member (40) can include a pair of side portions (411), a first connecting portion (412), and a second connecting portion (413). In addition, a reinforcing portion (414) can be formed on the guide member (40) along the perimeter of the guide groove (400).

[0130] Meanwhile, the guide member (40) can be inserted into the inside of the upper door (21) through the lower surface of the upper door (21). In addition, it can also be installed by penetrating the stopper (218) installed on the lower door (22).

[0131] The above stopper (218) may be formed of a plate-shaped metal material and may be fixedly mounted on the lower surface of the upper door (21). In addition, the front end of the stopper (218) may be bent downward, and as illustrated in FIG. 7, when the upper door (21) is opened to the maximum angle, it may come into contact with the stopping portion (325) to prevent the upper door (21) from being opened further.

[0132] In addition, a shielding portion (219) extending downward to shield the closing device (217) and the stopper (218) may be further formed on the lower front end of the upper door (21).

[0133] Fig. 8 is a partial perspective view showing the installation state of the third hinge of the refrigerator. And, Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the third hinge and the guide member.

[0134] As illustrated, the third hinge (33) can connect the lower surface of the cabinet (10) and the lower surface of the lower door (22). One side of the third hinge (33) can be fixedly mounted to the lower surface of the cabinet (10), and the other side can extend downwardly of the lower door (22).

[0135] The third hinge (33) may include a hinge plate (330) and a hinge pin (333). The hinge plate (330) may be referred to as a third hinge plate or lower hinge plate. And, the hinge pin (333) may be referred to as a third hinge pin or lower hinge pin.

[0136] The hinge plate (330) may be formed of a plate-shaped metal material. In addition, the hinge plate (330) may include a fixing portion (331) and an extension portion (332). The fixing portion (331) may be fixedly mounted to the lower surface of the cabinet (10). For example, the hinge plate (330) may be fixedly mounted to the lower surface of the cabinet (10) by a fastening member (S) penetrating the fixing portion (331).

[0137] In addition, a front guide (334) protruding upward may be formed at the front end of the fixing member (331). The front guide (334) may be in contact with the front surface of the cabinet (10). Therefore, when the third hinge (333) is mounted on the cabinet (10), the front guide (334) may be in contact with the front surface of the cabinet (10), thereby allowing the fixing member (331) to be aligned at an accurate position.

[0138] A leg (336) may be mounted on the hinge plate (330). For example, the leg (336) may be mounted on the front end of the fixed portion (331) or the rear end of the extension portion (332). The leg (336) may be connected to the hinge plate (330) by a screw connection to support the cabinet (10) on the ground. Accordingly, the height of the cabinet (10) with respect to the ground may be adjusted by the rotation of the leg (336), and the inclination of the cabinet (10) may also be adjusted.

[0139] The above extension portion (332) may extend forward from the front end of the above fixing portion (331). The above extension portion (332) may protrude further forward than the front surface of the cabinet (10) and may extend so as to overlap with the guide groove (400) formed on the lower surface of the lower door (22).

[0140] A closing guide (334) that operates with a closing device (227) mounted on the lower surface of the lower door (22) may be formed on one side of the extension (332). The structures of the closing device (227) and the closing guide (334) may be the same as those of the closing device (217) and the closing guide (324) provided on the upper door (21), with only the location being different.

[0141] In addition, a stopping portion (335) may be formed on the other side of the extension portion (332) to be in contact with a stopper (228) protruding downward from the lower surface of the lower door (22). When the lower door (22) is opened to the maximum angle, the stopper (228) and the stopping portion (335) may be in contact with each other, thereby restricting further opening of the lower door (22).

[0142] The hinge plate (330) may be provided with a pair of hinge pins (333). The pair of hinge pins (333) may protrude upward from the extension portion (332). For example, the hinge pins (333) may include a fifth pin (333a) and a sixth pin (333b).

[0143] The hinge pin (333) may be positioned on the same vertical extension line as the hinge pin (232) of the second hinge. That is, the arrangement and spacing of the fifth pin (333a) and the sixth pin (333b) are the same as the hinge pins (313, 323) of the first hinge (31) and the second hinge (32), and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the hinge pin (333) may be positioned on the same vertical extension line as the hinge pins (323, 333) of the first hinge (31) and the second hinge (32), so that the hinge pins (313, 323, 333) of the first hinge (31), the second hinge (32), and the third hinge (33) may all be positioned on the same vertical extension line.

[0144] In addition, a flange (333c) may be formed on the fifth pin (333a) and the sixth pin (333b). The flange (333c) may be formed by deformation when the fifth pin (333a) and the sixth pin (333b) are pressed into the hinge plate (330), and may be firmly coupled with the hinge plate (330).

[0145] A guide member (40) may be further provided above the hinge pin (333). The guide member (40) may have a guide groove (400) formed into which the hinge pin (333) is inserted. The guide member (40) may have the same structure and shape as the guide member (40) of the upper door (21), with the only difference being the mounting position.

[0146] That is, the guide member (40) is mounted on the lower surface of the lower door (22), and the guide groove (400) can be exposed through the lower surface of the lower door (22). Therefore, when the lower door (22) is opened and closed, the fifth pin (333a) and the sixth pin (333b) can move along the guide groove (400). In addition, the guide member (40) can include a pair of side portions (411), a first connecting portion (412), and a second connecting portion (413). In addition, a reinforcing portion (414) can be formed on the guide member (40) along the perimeter of the guide groove (400).

[0147] Meanwhile, the guide members (40) on which the first hinge (31), second hinge (32), and third hinge (33) are mounted may all have the same structure. In particular, the shape of the guide groove (400) for guiding the movement of the hinge pin (333) is positioned on the same extension line with only the upper and lower positions being different, and is formed with the same shape so that the upper and lower ends do not tilt or become eccentric when the lower door (22) is opened and closed, and can rotate along the same path.

[0148] Hereinafter, the structure of the guide member (40) will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the following description will be based on the guide groove (400) into which the hinge pin (333) of the first hinge (31) is inserted, and it will be noted in advance that the guide groove (400) into which the hinge pin (333) of the second hinge (32) and the hinge pin (333) of the third hinge (33) are inserted also have the same shape.

[0149] Fig. 10 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the passes forming the guide groove of the guide member. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the guide member. Fig. 12 is a drawing showing the arrangement of the guide groove and hinge pin when the door is closed.

[0150] As illustrated, the guide member (40) may form a guide groove (400) opened upward by a pair of side portions (411) and first and second connecting portions (412 and 413) on both sides. In addition, the guide groove (400) may be formed by continuously forming a plurality of passes (406) extending in different directions. That is, the hinge pin (313) may move while sequentially passing through the plurality of passes (406), thereby changing the position of the rotation center of the door (20) so that the door (20) may be opened and closed. That is, the door (20) may be moved while rotating so as not to interfere with an adjacent wall (O) or another door (20) of the refrigerator or a storage member (111, 121) during the opening and closing process.

[0151] In detail, the guide groove (400) may be composed of a plurality of passes (406). In addition, the passes (406) may extend in different extension directions, and the passes (406) may have a structure in which they are continuously connected. The plurality of passes (406) may be formed in various shapes, such as a straight shape, a round shape with different curvatures, or an arc shape with different center points, and at least one or more of these shapes may be formed by combining each other.

[0152] The movement path of the hinge pin (313) is determined by the shape of the guide groove (400), and the position of the rotation center of the door (20) can be moved depending on the position of the hinge pin (313) being moved. At this time, the rotation center of the door (20) can be changed so that the door (20) does not interfere with the wall (O) or another door (20) of the refrigerator (1), and does not interfere with the insertion and withdrawal of the storage member (111, 121).

[0153] The above guide home (400) may be composed of a plurality of passes (406) defined by a plurality of circular arcs having different centers (C). In this case, the plurality of passes (406) may be in the shape of circular arcs or in the shape of straight lines or curves connecting both ends of circular arcs.

[0154] The above guide groove (400) can accommodate a pair of the hinge pins (313). In addition, the width of the guide groove (400) can correspond to the outer diameter of the hinge pin (313). Therefore, when the door (20) rotates, the hinge pin (313) can move into contact with the inner surface of the guide groove (400). Of course, the width of the guide groove (400) can be formed slightly larger than the hinge pin (313) to enable smooth rotation of the door (20).

[0155] The above guide groove (400) may be formed in a protruding shape with both ends facing forward and a space between the both ends facing rearward. At this time, one of the both ends of the guide groove (400) may be formed at a position spaced apart from the front surface of the door (20) by a set distance (D7) and spaced apart from the side surface (21b) of the door (20) by a set distance (D8). At this time, one end of the guide groove (400) may be a point where the hinge pin (313a) is positioned when the door (20) is closed. In addition, the other end of the both ends of the guide groove (400) may be formed at a position spaced apart from the front surface of the door (20) by a set distance (D9) and spaced apart from the side surface (21b) of the door (20) by a set distance (D10). At this time, the other end of the guide home (400) may be the point where the hinge pin (313b) is located when the door (20) is fully open.

[0156] And, one end of the guide groove (400) may be positioned closer to the front of the door (20) than the other end of the guide groove (400). And, one end of the guide groove (400) may be positioned further from the side surface (21b) of the door (20) than the other end of the guide groove (400). And, both one end and the other end of the guide groove (400) may be positioned further forward than the midpoint in the front-back direction of the door (20).

[0157] For example, the guide groove (400) may be composed of five passes (406). The guide groove (400) may be formed by sequentially connecting a first pass (401), a second pass (402), a third pass (403), a fourth pass (404), and a fifth pass (405). In addition, the centers (C) of the passes (406) may be located at different positions. At this time, the centers (C) of the passes (406) may be virtual points that do not actually appear on the door (20) and may be referred to as virtual centers.

[0158] The first pass (401) may form one end of the guide groove (400). The first pass (401) may be positioned in an area on one side farther from the side surface (21b) of the door (20) based on the center of the guide groove (400). In addition, the first pass (401) may form one side farther from the side surface (21b) of the door (20) among the protruding sides of the guide groove (400).

[0159] The first pass (401) may be positioned closest to the front side (21a) of the door (20) among the plurality of passes (406). That is, the first pass (401) may be positioned furthest from the rear side (21d) of the door (20). In addition, the first pass (401) may be positioned furthest from the side side (21b) of the door (20) among the plurality of passes (406). In addition, the first pass (401) may have the longest length among the plurality of passes (406). Therefore, the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) that are outside the first pass (401) may move while passing through different passes during the opening and closing process of the door (20).

[0160] The first pass (401) may be extended in a slanted or rounded manner from the end of the guide groove (400) toward the rear (in the opposite direction to the Y-axis direction in FIG. 10) and the side (in the x-axis direction in FIG. 10). That is, the first pass (401) may be extended in a direction approaching the rear (21d) and the side (21b) of the door (20).

[0161] And, the tangent line of the extended end of the first pass (401) may be formed to have a set angle (αp1) based on the front surface (21a) of the door (20). At this time, the set angle (αp1) may be formed to be smaller than the set angle (αp5) of the fifth pass (405).

[0162] The first pass (401) may be formed so that the hinge pin (313) is positioned when the door (20) is closed. That is, the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) may be positioned at both ends of the first pass (401). The extension direction of the first pass (401) may correspond to the arrangement of the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b). In addition, the length of the first pass (401) may correspond to the distance between the centers of the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b).

[0163] Accordingly, the first pass (401) can form a path along which the hinge pin (313) moves when the door (20) starts to open. That is, when the hinge pin (313) starts to move in the first pass (401), the door (20) can be opened.

[0164] And, the first center (C1), which is the center of the arc forming the first pass (401), may be a point where a vertical line passing through the contact point of the first pin (313a) and the guide groove (400) intersects with a vertical line passing through the contact point of the second pin (313b) and the guide groove (400).

[0165] The first center (C1) may be positioned at the corner area of ​​the front (21a) and the side (21b) of the door (20). Accordingly, when the door (20) begins to open, the corner of the door (20) may not interfere with the wall (O). In addition, the first center (C1) may be positioned at the position closest to the side (21b) of the door (20) among the centers ⓒ, that is, at the leftmost position (x-axis direction in FIG. 10).

[0166] The second pass (402) may extend to the left and rearward from the end of the first pass (401). The second pass (402) may be positioned further from the front (21a) of the door (20) than the first pass (401) and closer to the side (21b) of the door (20). That is, the second pass (402) may extend in a direction closer to the rear (21d) and side (21b) of the door (20).

[0167] And, the tangent line of the extended end of the second pass (402) may be formed to have a set angle (αp2) based on the front surface (21a) of the door (20). At this time, the set angle (αp2) may be formed to have a smaller size than the set angle (αp1) of the first pass (401).

[0168] And, the second pass (402) may be located in an area on one side far from the side (21b) of the door (20) based on the center of the guide groove (400). And, the second pass (402) may be located in an area between the center of the guide groove (400) and the first pass (401).

[0169] The length of the arc of the second pass (402) may be formed to be shorter than the length of the arc of the first pass (401). In addition, the second center (C2), which is the center of the arc forming the second pass (402), may be located further forward (in the y-axis direction in FIG. 10) than the first center (C1) and may be located at a position further from the side surface (21b) of the door (20).

[0170] The third pass (403) may extend to the left and rearward from the end of the second pass (402). The third pass (403) may be positioned further from the front (21a) of the door (20) than the second pass (402) and closer to the side (21b) of the door (20). That is, the third pass (403) may extend in a direction closer to the rear (21d) and side (21b) of the door (20).

[0171] And, the tangent line of the extended end of the third pass (403) may be formed to have a set angle (αp3) based on the front surface (21a) of the door (20). At this time, the set angle (αp3) may be formed to have a smaller size than the set angle (αp2) of the second pass (402). The set angle (αp3) may be formed to have the smallest size among the set angles of the passes (406).

[0172] And, at least a portion of the third pass (403) may be positioned in the central region of the guide groove (400). And, both ends of the third pass (402) may be positioned on the left and right sides, respectively, with respect to the center of the guide groove (400).

[0173] The length of the arc of the third pass (403) may be formed to be shorter than the length of the arc of the second pass (402). In addition, the third center (C3), which is the center of the arc forming the third pass (403), may be positioned forward (in the y-axis direction in FIG. 10) of the first center (C1) and further rearward than the second center (C2). In addition, the third center (C3) may be positioned further from the side surface (21b) of the door (20) than the second center (C2).

[0174] The fourth pass (404) may extend to the left and forward from the end of the third pass (403). The fourth pass (404) may be positioned closer to the front (21a) and the side (21b) of the door (20) than the third pass (402). That is, the fourth pass (404) may extend in a direction closer to the front (21a) and the side (21b) of the door (20).

[0175] And, the tangent line of the extended end of the fourth pass (404) may be formed to have a set angle (αp4) based on the front surface (21a) of the door (20). At this time, the set angle (αp4) may be formed to be larger than the set angle (αp3) of the third pass (403) and smaller than the set angle (αp2) of the second pass (402).

[0176] And, the fourth pass (404) may be located in an area on one side close to the side (21b) of the door (20) based on the center of the guide groove (400). And, the fourth pass (404) may be located in an area between the center of the guide groove (400) and the fifth pass (405).

[0177] The length of the arc of the fourth pass (404) may be formed to be longer than the lengths of the arcs of the second pass (402) and the third pass (403), and may be formed to be shorter than the length of the arc of the first pass (401). In addition, the fourth center (C4), which is the center of the arc forming the fourth pass (404), may be located forward (in the y-axis direction in FIG. 10) of the first center (C1) and further rearward than the third center (C3). In addition, the fourth center (C4) may be located further from the side surface (21b) of the door (20) than the third center (C3).

[0178] The fifth pass (405) may form another end of the guide groove (400). The fifth pass (405) may be located in an area on one side closer to the side surface (21b) of the door (20) with respect to the center of the guide groove (400). In addition, the fifth pass (405) may form one side closer to the side surface (21b) of the door (20) among the protruding sides of the guide groove (400). The fifth pass (405) may be located closest to the side surface of the door (20) among all passes (406) of the guide groove (400).

[0179] The fifth pass (405) may be positioned further from the front surface (21a) of the door (20) than the first pass (401), and closer to the front surface (21a) of the door (20) than the second pass (402), the third pass (403), and the fourth pass (404).

[0180] The fifth pass (405) may be extended in a slanted or rounded manner from the end of the guide groove (400) toward the front (Y-axis direction in FIG. 10) and the side (X-axis direction in FIG. 10). That is, the fifth pass (405) may be extended in a direction approaching the front (21a) and the side (21b) of the door (20).

[0181] And, the tangent line of the end of the fifth pass (405) may be formed to have a set angle (αp5) based on the front surface (21a) of the door (20). At this time, the set angle (αp5) may be formed to have a smaller size than the set angle (αp4) of the fourth pass (404). And, the set angle (αp5) of the fifth pass (405) may be formed to be the largest when compared to the other passes (401, 402, 403, 404).

[0182] In addition, the fifth pass (405) may be formed so that the hinge pin (313) is positioned when the door (20) is fully opened. At this time, the length of the fifth pass (405) may be formed to be smaller than the distance between the centers of the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b).

[0183] The fifth pass (405) may extend to the left and forward from the end of the fourth pass (404). Both the fifth pass (405) and the first pass (401) may extend forward, and the first pass (401) may extend further forward than the fifth pass (405).

[0184] The length of the arc of the fifth pass (405) may be formed to be longer than the lengths of the arcs of the second pass (402) and the third pass (403), and may be formed to be shorter than the length of the arc of the first pass (401). In addition, the fifth center (C5), which is the center of the arc forming the fifth pass (405), may be positioned further rearward than the first center (C1), and may be positioned furthest rearward among the plurality of centers. In addition, the fifth center (C5) may be positioned further from the side surface (21b) of the door (20) than the fourth center (C4). That is, the distances from the first center (C1) to the fifth center (C5) may sequentially increase from the side surface of the door. Accordingly, the guide home (400) can enable smoother movement of the hinge pin (313), and smooth opening and closing rotational motion of the door (20) can be enabled.

[0185] Meanwhile, a round portion (407) may be formed at a portion where the plurality of passes (406) are connected to each other. The round portion (407) may prevent impact when the hinge pin (313) passes through the plurality of passes (406) and may enable smooth movement within the guide groove (400).

[0186] In detail, a first round portion (407a) may be formed between the first pass (401) and the second pass (402). A second round portion (407b) may be formed between the second pass (402) and the third pass (403). A third round portion (407c) may be formed between the third pass (403) and the fourth pass (404). A fourth round portion (407d) may be formed between the fourth pass (404) and the fifth pass (405).

[0187] The above-described plurality of round portions (407) may all have the same curvature. In addition, the above-described plurality of round portions (407) may be formed to have different curvatures. For example, the radius (r) of the above-described round portions (407) may be formed to be equal to or smaller than the radius of the hinge pin (313).

[0188] Hereinafter, the movement state of the hinge pin (313) according to the opening and closing of the door (20) in the refrigerator (1) as described above will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, for convenience of explanation, the movement of the first hinge (31) along the guide member (40) on the upper surface of the upper door (21) will be described as standard, and it will be noted in advance that the same operation method is applied to the second hinge (32) and the third hinge (33).

[0189] Figures 12 to 18 are drawings showing the movement of the hinge pin according to the opening angle of the door.

[0190] As illustrated in Fig. 12, when the door (20) is closed, the gasket (214) on the rear side of the door (20) can remain in close contact with the front side of the cabinet (10). In addition, when the refrigerator (1) is installed indoors, the wall (O) can be placed close to the side of the cabinet (10) and the door (20).

[0191] And, when the door (20) is closed, the hinge pin (313) can be positioned on the first pass (401). That is, the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) can be positioned at both ends of the first pass (401). In particular, the second pin (313b) can be positioned at the intersection of an arc forming the first pass (401) and the second pass (402). That is, the second pin (313b) can be positioned on the boundary line where the first pass (401) and the second pass (402) meet. Therefore, the moment the door (20) starts opening, the second pin (313b) can be moved to the second pass (402).

[0192] Meanwhile, when the center of rotation of the door (20) is positioned at the corners of the side (21b) and front (21a) of the door (20) where interference with the wall (O) is expected first when the door (20) starts to open, interference between the door (20) and the wall surface can be prevented.

[0193] Accordingly, in order to guide the rotation of the door (20) at the moment when the opening of the door (20) begins, the first center (C1) may be positioned adjacent to the front (21a) and side (21b) edges of the door (20). In addition, the centers (C) of the plurality of passes (406) constituting the guide groove (400) may all be positioned further rearward than the front (21a) of the door (20). That is, the centers (C) of the passes (406) constituting the guide groove (400) may all be positioned on the inside of the door (20).

[0194] Meanwhile, when the user performs an opening operation of the door (20), the door (20) may start to open as it moves forward and to the right in the direction of the first pass (401).

[0195] As illustrated in FIG. 13, at the moment when the door (20) begins to open, the first pin (313a) can move from the first pass (401), and the second pin (313b) can enter the second pass (402).

[0196] Since the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) are positioned in the first pass (401) and the second pass (402) extending in different directions, the door (20) is opened accurately while the rotational force is transmitted by the rotation operation without the door (20) being twisted or slipping.

[0197] For example, in a state as shown in FIG. 13, the angle (α1) between the front of the cabinet (10) and the rear surface (21d) of the door can be opened to be approximately 7°. When the second pin (313b) enters and moves the second pass (402), the door (20) can rotate while moving slightly forward and to the right, and thus, the separation of the gasket (214) adhered to the front surface of the cabinet (10) can be made easier. That is, interference by the gasket (214) adhered to the cabinet (10) when the door (20) rotates can be prevented, and the subsequent rotational motion of the door (20) can be made more smooth.

[0198] When the door (20) is further opened to a state as shown in FIG. 14, the angle (α2) between the front of the cabinet (10) and the rear surface (21d) of the door (20) may be approximately 9°. At this time, the first pin (313a) may be positioned in the first pass (401) and the second pin (313b) may enter the third pass (403). That is, the second pass (402) may be positioned between the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b).

[0199] Even in this state, the wall (O) and the side surface (21b) of the door (20) can be maintained spaced apart from each other. In addition, the hinge pin (313) moves smoothly along the guide groove (400), and the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) move on the first pass (401) and the second pass (402), respectively, so that the door (20) rotates without being twisted or slipping.

[0200] When the door (20) is further opened to a state as shown in FIG. 15, the angle (α3) between the front of the cabinet (10) and the rear surface (21d) of the door (20) may be approximately 40°. At this time, the first pin (313a) may be moved to the second pass (402) and the second pin (313b) may be moved to the fourth pass (404). That is, the third pass (403) may be positioned between the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b).

[0201] In this state, the wall (O) and the side surface (21b) of the door (20) can be in the closest state, and the door (20) and the wall (O) can rotate without colliding with each other. In addition, the hinge pin (313) moves smoothly along the guide groove (400), and the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) move in different second passes (402) and fourth passes (404), respectively, so that the door (20) rotates without being twisted or slipping.

[0202] When the door (20) is further opened to a state as shown in FIG. 16, the angle (α4) between the front of the cabinet (10) and the rear surface (21d) of the door (20) may be approximately 60°. At this time, the first pin (313a) may be moved along the third pass (403), and the second pin (313b) may be moved along the fourth pass (404). That is, the third pass (403) may be positioned between the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b).

[0203] In this state, the wall (O) and the side surface (21b) of the door (20) rotate away from each other again, and the door (20) and the wall (O) do not collide with each other. In addition, the hinge pin (313) moves smoothly along the guide groove (400), and the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) move in different third passes (403) and fourth passes (404), respectively, so that the door (20) rotates without being twisted or slipping.

[0204] When the door (20) is further opened to a state as shown in FIG. 17, the angle (α5) between the front of the cabinet (10) and the rear surface (21d) of the door (20) can be approximately 90°. At this time, the first pin (313a) can be moved to the fourth pass (404) and the second pin (313b) can be moved to the fifth pass (405).

[0205] In this state, the wall (O) and the front surface (21a) of the door (20) can be separated from each other, and the door (20) does not collide with the wall (O). In addition, the hinge pin (313) moves smoothly along the guide groove (400), and the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) move on different fourth passes (404) and fifth passes (405), respectively, so that the door (20) rotates without being twisted or slipping.

[0206] When the door (20) is fully opened to a state as shown in FIG. 18, the angle (α6) between the front of the cabinet (10) and the rear surface (21d) of the door (20) may be approximately 110°. At this time, the first pin (313a) may be moved along the fourth pass (404), and the second pin (313b) may be moved to the end of the fifth pass (405).

[0207] In this state, the front of the door (20) may be brought closer to the wall (O), but may be separated from the wall (O) without contacting each other. In addition, the hinge pin (313) may be stopped on the inside of the guide groove (400), and the second pin (313b) may be in contact with the end of the fifth pass (405), so that the door (20) may remain stopped.

[0208] Meanwhile, the door (20) may further rotate due to inertia at the moment it is closed or at the moment it is completely opened, and at this time, it may collide with the guide member (40) and generate an impact. If repeated impacts are applied to the guide member (40), the guide member (40) may be damaged or deformed, and normal guidance of the hinge pin (313) may become impossible. Therefore, a relief portion (408, 409) may be further formed in the guide groove (400) to prevent impact with the hinge pin (313).

[0209] Fig. 19 is a drawing showing the position of the hinge pin when the door is closed.

[0210] As illustrated, when the door (20) is closed, the hinge pin (313) may be positioned on the first pass (401). In addition, the gasket (214) may be compressed the moment the door (20) is closed, and when the door (20) is heavy due to stored items or the door (20) is closed at a high speed, the gasket (214) may be compressed more than in the state of FIG. 19.

[0211] A first escape portion (408) that is further sunken in the extension direction of the first pass (401) may be formed at the end of the guide groove (400), i.e., at the end of the first pass (401). The first escape portion (408) may form a space for movement of the first pin (313a) so that an impact is not applied to the first connecting portion (412) when the door (20) is further rotated in the closing direction by the compression of the gasket (214). The first escape portion (408) may be further sunken by a set distance (D3) from the end of the first pass (401) to the first connecting portion (412).

[0212] Accordingly, in a general situation where the door (20) is closed, even if the first pin (313a) is located at the end of the first pass (401), it can be separated without colliding with the first connecting portion (412) of the guide groove (400), and thus, no impact is applied to the guide member (40).

[0213] And, when the door (20) is rotated further than the closed state due to the compression of the gasket (214), the first pin (313a) is introduced into the first escape part (408), so that the door (20) can be rotated approximately 1° further in the closing direction. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the first pin (313a) from impacting the guide member (40) when the door (20) is closed.

[0214] Figure 20 is a drawing showing the position of the hinge pin when the door is fully open.

[0215] As illustrated, when the door (20) is in the maximum open state, the second pin (313b) may be positioned on the fifth pass (405). And, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the stopper (218, 228) of the door (20) may come into contact with the stopping part (235, 335) of the hinge (32, 33) so that it can no longer rotate.

[0216] When the door (20) is fully opened and the stopper (218, 228) and the stopping part (235, 335) come into contact with each other, the door (20) may further rotate in the opening direction due to the inertia of the door (20) and the slight play among the hinge plate (310), the hinge pin (313), the guide member (40), and the stopper (218, 228). In particular, when the door (20) is heavy due to stored items or the door (20) is opened at a high speed, the door (20) may be opened at a greater angle than the opening angle in FIG. 20.

[0217] At this time, a second escape portion (409) that is further sunken in the extension direction of the fifth pass (405) may be formed at the end of the guide groove (400), that is, at the end of the fifth pass (405). The second escape portion (409) may form a space for movement of the second pin (313b) so that the door (20) may further rotate in the direction in which it opens. The second escape portion (409) may be further sunken by a set distance (D4) from the end of the fifth pass (405) to the second connection portion (413).

[0218] Accordingly, in a general situation where the door (20) is fully opened, even if the second pin (313b) is located at the end of the fifth pass (405), it can be separated without colliding with the second connecting portion (413), and thus, no impact is applied to the guide member (40).

[0219] And, when the door (20) is rotated further than the maximum opening state, the second pin (313b) is introduced into the second escape part (409), so that the door (20) can be rotated approximately 1° further in the opening direction. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the second pin (313b) from impacting the guide member (40) when the door (20) is opened.

[0220] The door (20) can be opened and closed by changing the position of the center of rotation due to the shape of the guide groove (400) and the structure of the hinge pin (313) as described above, and can be rotated so as not to interfere with the wall (O) or other doors (20) or storage members (111, 121) of the refrigerator (1) during the opening and closing process.

[0221] Fig. 21 is a drawing showing the gap between adjacent components when the door is opened and closed. Fig. 22 is a drawing showing the gap between the wall and the storage member when the door is fully open.

[0222] As illustrated, the refrigerator (1) may have walls (O) disposed on both sides, and the walls (O) and the refrigerator may have a set gap (G1). In addition, the refrigerator (1) may have a pair of doors (20) disposed on both left and right sides, and a set gap (G2) may be established between the pair of doors (20). For example, the set gaps (G1, G2) may be set to be approximately 3 mm to 5 mm apart.

[0223] And, the door (20) can be opened and closed by rotating by the hinge (32, 33). At this time, the hinge pin (313) of the hinge (32, 33) moves along the guide groove of the guide member (40) to move the center of rotation of the door (20), thereby rotating the door (20).

[0224] Accordingly, the door (20) may not interfere with the wall (O) when opened and closed. In addition, a pair of doors (20) arranged on the left and right sides may not interfere with each other when opened and closed, and the operation of the filler (209) arranged between the pair of doors (20) may also be guaranteed to operate smoothly without interference.

[0225] And, even when the door (20) is fully opened to a set angle (α6), the wall (O) and the door (20) can be spaced apart by a set gap (G3) so as not to come into contact with each other. In addition, even when the storage member (111, 121) is taken out or taken out through the opened front of the cabinet (10) when the door (20) is fully opened, it may not interfere with the door (20). At this time, the storage member (111, 121) and the door (20) can be spaced apart by a set gap (G4). For example, when the door (20) is opened by rotating 110° with respect to the front of the cabinet (10), the set gap (G3) can be between 3 mm and 4 mm, and the set gap (G4) can be between 1 and 2 mm.

[0226] And, when the hinge pin (313) moves along the guide groove (400), the door (20) can be opened and closed while rotating according to the position of the rotation center that is continuously changed. Therefore, during the opening process of the door (20), the door (20) can be opened and closed in a state that satisfies the set intervals (G1, G2, G3).

[0227] Meanwhile, the present invention may have various other embodiments in addition to the aforementioned embodiments. Below, other embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Among the components of other embodiments of the present invention, those that are identical to those of the aforementioned embodiments may be omitted for detailed description and illustration, and may be described using the same drawing reference numerals.

[0228] Fig. 23 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 24 is a drawing showing the structure of a hinge pin and a guide groove when the refrigerator door is closed.

[0229] As illustrated, a refrigerator (1') according to a second embodiment of the present invention may have a structure in which an upper storage space is formed at the top and a lower storage space is formed at the bottom. For example, the upper storage space may be a refrigerator compartment, and the lower storage space may be a freezer compartment. In addition, the upper door (21') may have a structure in which it opens and closes by rotating by a first hinge (31) and a second hinge (32). In addition, the lower door (22') may have a structure in which it opens and closes by being pulled in and out like a drawer.

[0230] The upper door (21') may be provided in pairs on the left and right sides, and the upper and lower parts may be supported by the first hinge (31) and the second hinge (32). At this time, the structure of the first hinge (31) and the second hinge (32) may be the same as that of the first embodiment described above. However, the hinge pin (313) of the second hinge (32) does not extend to the lower door (22').

[0231] The upper door (21') may be equipped with at least one of an ice maker (23) for making ice and a dispenser (24) for dispensing purified water. Of course, both the ice maker (23) and the dispenser (24) may be equipped, and ice made in the ice maker (23) may be dispensed from the dispenser (24). In addition, the upper door (21') may be equipped with additional electrical components such as a heater, a sensor, and a lighting device.

[0232] Accordingly, an inlet hole (215) may be formed in the hinge mounting portion (211) of the upper door (21'). The inlet hole (215) may be formed to a size that allows the passage of a wire (213) connected to the electric component as well as a pipe (216) for supplying water to the dispenser (24) and the ice maker (23).

[0233] Accordingly, the inlet hole (215) may be formed to have a larger diameter than the inlet hole (212) through which only the wire (213) enters and exits in the first embodiment described above. In addition, the inlet hole (215) may be positioned between the sunken portion of the guide groove (500) formed in the hinge mounting portion (211) and the front surface (21a) of the upper door (21'). For example, the diameter of the inlet hole (215) may be 23 mm. In addition, the inlet hole (215) may be spaced apart from the front surface (21a) by approximately 4 mm or more to ensure structural stability and reduce temperature changes of water flowing along the pipe (216).

[0234] And, in order to avoid interference with the above guide groove (500) and the above inlet hole (215), it may be positioned further rearward than the guide groove (400) of the first embodiment described above. That is, the distance (D5) between the guide groove (500) and the front surface (21a) of the upper door (21') may be relatively longer compared to the first embodiment described above.

[0235] In addition, by moving the guide groove (500), the mounting position of the guide member (50) can also be moved further rearward. In addition, the shape of the guide groove (500) can be changed by moving the guide member (50) so that the positions of the centers (C) for forming a plurality of passes (506) can be changed.

[0236] And, the first hinge (31) may include the hinge plate (310) and a hinge pin (313). The hinge pin (313) includes a pair of first pins (313a) and second pins (313b), and may be inserted into the inside of the guide groove (500).

[0237] The above guide groove (500) may be formed by connecting a plurality of passes (506) having different extension directions. For example, the guide groove (500) may include a first pass (501), a second pass (502), a third pass (503), a fourth pass (504), and a fifth pass (505). The shape of the guide groove (500) is generally similar to the shape of the guide groove (400) of the above-described embodiment, but there are some differences in the shape and position of each pass (506) and the position of the center.

[0238] The first pass (501) may be formed so that the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) are positioned at both ends when the upper door (21') is closed. In addition, the first pass (501) may determine the movement path of the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) when the upper door (21') starts to open.

[0239] The first center (C1), which is the center of the arc forming the first pass (501), may be located inside the upper door (21') away from the front (21a) and side (21b) of the upper door (21'), and may be located closer to the side (21b) and front (21a) of the upper door (21') than the guide groove (500) and the inlet hole (215).

[0240] And, the second pass (502) may extend downward and to the left from the end of the first pass (501). At this time, the second center (C2), which is the center of the arc forming the second pass (502), may be located inside the upper door (21') close to the front (21a). At this time, the second center (C2) may be located further forward than the first center (C1) and also closer to the side surface (21b) of the upper door (21') than the first center (C1).

[0241] That is, the second center (C2) may be located closest to the front (21a) and side (21b) of the upper door (21') among the plurality of centers (C) within the upper door (21'). All of the plurality of centers (C) may be located on the inside of the upper door (21') away from the front (21a) and side (21b) of the upper door (21').

[0242] The second pass (502) may have a steeper slope than the second pass (402) of the above-described embodiment, and may guide the end of the upper door (21') to start opening without coming into contact with the wall (O) even when the position of the guide groove (500) is moved rearward.

[0243] The third pass (503) may extend downward and to the left from the end of the second pass (502). At this time, the third center (C3), which is the center of the arc forming the third pass (503), may be located further from the side (21b) of the rear and upper door (21') than the second center (C2).

[0244] The fourth pass (504) may extend forward and to the left from the end of the third pass (503). At this time, the fourth center (C4), which is the center of the arc forming the fourth pass (504), may be located further from the side (21b) of the rear and upper door (21') than the third center (C3).

[0245] The fifth pass (505) may extend forward and to the left from the end of the fourth pass (504). At this time, the fifth center (C5), which is the center of the arc forming the fifth pass (505), may be located further rearward and further from the side surface (21b) of the upper door (21') than the fourth center (C4). The fifth center (C5) may be located farthest from the front surface (21a) and the side surface (21b) of the upper door (21') among the multiple centers (C) inside the upper door (21').

[0246] The fifth pass (505) extends forward together with the first pass (501), and the extended end of the fifth pass (505) may be positioned further from the front surface (21a) of the door than the extended end of the first pass (501).

[0247] Meanwhile, the structure and operating state of the second hinge (32) and guide groove (500) supporting the lower part of the upper door (21') are the same as the structure and operating state of the second hinge (32) and guide groove (400) described above, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0248] And, the hinge pin (313) moves along the guide groove (500) according to the opening and closing of the upper door (21') as in the first embodiment described above. And, as it passes through the plurality of passes (506) formed in the guide groove (500), the position of the center of rotation of the upper door (21') is continuously changed so that the upper door (21') rotates without interfering with the wall (O) or other upper doors (21') of the refrigerator (1) or storage members (111, 121).

[0249] FIG. 25 is a drawing showing the structure of a hinge pin and a guide groove when the door of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present invention is closed.

[0250] As illustrated, the structure of the refrigerator (1) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may not include a dispenser (24) and an ice maker (23) on the upper door (21) as in the first embodiment described above. In addition, the upper and lower portions of the upper door (21) may be supported by the first hinge (31) and the second hinge (32).

[0251] An inlet hole (212) through which a wire (213) for connecting to an electrical component provided in the upper door (21) may be formed in the hinge mounting portion (211) of the upper door (21). In addition, the inlet hole (212) may be formed to be smaller than the size of the inlet hole (215) of the second embodiment described above. Accordingly, the distance (D6) between the guide groove (600) and the front surface (21a) of the upper door (21) may be made closer than in the second embodiment.

[0252] And, the first hinge (31) may include the hinge plate (310) and a hinge pin (313). The hinge pin (313) includes a pair of first pins (313a) and second pins (313b), and may be inserted into the inside of the guide groove (600).

[0253] The door mounting portion (211) may be provided with a guide member (60), and a guide groove (600) opened upward may be formed in the guide member (60). The guide groove (600) may be formed by connecting a plurality of passes (606) having different extension directions. For example, the guide groove (600) may include a first pass (601), a second pass (602), a third pass (603), a fourth pass (604), and a fifth pass (605). The shape of the guide groove (600) is generally similar to the shape of the guide groove (600) of the above-described embodiment, but there are some differences in the shape and position of the passes (606) and the position of the centers (C).

[0254] The first pass (601) may be formed so that the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) are positioned at both ends when the upper door (21) is closed. In addition, the first pass (601) may determine the movement path of the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) when the upper door (21) starts to open.

[0255] The first center (C1), which is the center of the arc forming the first pass (601), may be located on the inside of the upper door (21) adjacent to the front (21a) and side (21b) of the upper door (21), and may be located closest to the front (21a) and side (21b) of the upper door (21) among the plurality of centers (C).

[0256] And, the second pass (602) can extend downward and to the left from the end of the first pass (601). At this time, the second center (C2), which is the center of the arc forming the second pass (602), can be located further from the side surface (21b) of the upper door (21) and further forward than the first center (C1). And, the second center (C2) can be located further outward than the front surface (21a) of the upper door (21). That is, among the plurality of centers (C), the second center (C2) can be located on the outside of the upper door (21), and the first center (C1), the third center (C3), the fourth center (C4), and the fifth center (C5) can be located on the inside of the upper door (21).

[0257] Through the forward arrangement of the second center (C2), the guide groove (600) can be arranged closer to the front surface (21a) of the upper door (21) as a whole compared to the second embodiment described above.

[0258] The third pass (603) may extend downward and to the left from the end of the second pass (602). At this time, the third center (C3), which is the center of the arc forming the third pass (603), may be located further rearward and further from the side (21b) of the upper door (21) than the second center (C2). In addition, the third center (C3) may be located further forward than the first center (C1).

[0259] The fourth pass (604) may extend forward and to the left from the end of the third pass (603). At this time, the fourth center (C4), which is the center of the arc forming the fourth pass (604), may be located further rearward and further from the side of the upper door (21) than the third center (C3). In addition, the fourth center (C4) may be located further rearward than the first center (C1).

[0260] The fifth pass (605) may extend forward and to the left from the end of the fourth pass (604). At this time, the fifth center (C5), which is the center of the arc forming the fifth pass (605), may be located further rearward and further from the side surface (21b) of the upper door (21) than the fourth center (C4). The fifth center (C5) may be located farthest from the front surface (21a) and the side surface (21b) of the upper door (21) among the plurality of centers (C).

[0261] The fifth pass (605) extends forward together with the first pass (601), and the extended end of the fifth pass (605) may be positioned further from the front surface (21a) of the upper door (21) than the extended end of the first pass (601).

[0262] Meanwhile, the structure and operating state of the second hinge (32) and the guide groove (600) supporting the lower part of the upper door (21) are the same as the structure and operating state of the first hinge (31) and the guide groove (600) described above, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0263] And, the hinge pin (313) moves along the guide groove (600) according to the opening and closing of the door (20) as in the first embodiment described above. And, as it passes through the plurality of passes (606) formed in the guide groove (600), the position of the center of rotation of the door (20) is continuously changed so that the door (20) can rotate without interference with the wall (O), another door (20) of the refrigerator (1), or the storage member (111, 121).

[0264] Fig. 26 is an exploded perspective view of a refrigerator door according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 27 is a partial perspective view showing the hinge installation state with the door closed. Fig. 28 is a drawing showing the structure of the hinge pin and guide groove with the door closed.

[0265] As illustrated, the door (20'') of the refrigerator (1) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may include a panel (70) forming the front of the door (20'') and a door body (80) that opens and closes the storage space of the cabinet (10).

[0266] The above panel (70) can be mounted on the front of the door body (80) and can form the front exterior of the door (20''). The panel (70) can be formed of various materials such as metal, glass, ceramic, etc. The panel (70) can be detachably mounted in a panel receiving portion (811) sunken into the front of the door body (80).

[0267] The above door body (80) may include a front plate (81) forming the front, a door liner (82) forming the rear, side frames (83) forming the left and right sides, and an upper cap (84) and a lower cap (85) forming the upper and lower surfaces. In addition, the interior of the space formed by combining the front plate (81), the door liner (82), the upper cap (84), the lower cap (85), and the side frame (83) may be filled with an insulating material.

[0268] And, a gasket (821) that comes into contact with the front of the cabinet (10) may be provided on the rear side of the door body (80), i.e., the door liner (82).

[0269] A hinge mounting portion (86) may be formed on the side and rear upper portion of the door body (80). The hinge mounting portion (86) may be formed to be open to the side frame (83) and the upper cap (84). The hinge mounting portion (86) may also be formed in the upper cap (84).

[0270] The hinge mounting portion (86) may be opened laterally and rearwardly at a position spaced downward from the top of the door (20). That is, the first hinge (31) may be inserted through the opened rear surface of the hinge mounting portion (86) from the rear. In addition, when the first hinge (31) is mounted, a portion of the first hinge (31) may be covered by the upper surface of the door (20''). That is, the hinge mounting portion (86) may include a lower surface (861) coupled with the first hinge (31), an upper surface (862) facing the lower surface (861), and a front surface (863) and one side surface (864) connecting the upper surface (862) and the lower surface (861).

[0271] The lower surface (811) of the hinge mounting portion (86) may have a height corresponding to the upper surface of the cabinet (10). Accordingly, the upper end of the door (20'') may be formed higher than the upper surface of the cabinet (10).

[0272] The hinge mounting portion (86) may be formed with a guide groove (400) in which the first hinge (31) is mounted. For example, a guide member (40) may be mounted on the lower surface (861) of the hinge mounting portion (86), and a guide groove (400) may be formed in the guide member (40). The structure of the guide member (40) may be the same as any one of the above-described embodiments.

[0273] The first hinge (31) may be mounted on the upper surface of the cabinet (10). The first hinge (31) may include a hinge plate (310) fixedly mounted on the cabinet (10), and a hinge pin (313) provided on the hinge plate (310) and inserted into the guide groove (400).

[0274] The above hinge plate (310) includes a fixing portion (311) and an extension portion (312), and the hinge pin (313) can be mounted on the extension portion (312). The fixing portion (311) can be provided with a fixing hole (311a) through which a fixing projection (101) provided on the cabinet (10) passes, and a fixing lever (314) coupled with the fixing projection (311).

[0275] The hinge pin (313) includes a pair of first pins (313a) and second pins (313b), and can be inserted into the inner side of the guide groove (400). The first pins (313a) and second pins (313b) are spaced apart from each other and can have arrangements that are spaced apart from each other in the front and side directions. The arrangement structure of the first pins (313a) and second pins (313b) can be the same as that of the above-described embodiment.

[0276] In addition, a guide member (40) having a guide groove (400) formed therein may be mounted on the lower surface of the hinge mounting portion (86). The guide member (40) may be formed with a guide groove (400) that guides the movement of the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b).

[0277] The above guide groove (400) may be formed by connecting a plurality of passes (406) having different extension directions. For example, the guide groove (400) may include a first pass (401), a second pass (402), a third pass (403), a fourth pass (404), and a fifth pass (405). The shape of the guide groove (400) is generally similar to the shape of the guide groove (400) of the above-described embodiment, but there are some differences in the shape and position of each pass (406) and the position of the centers (C).

[0278] The first pass (401) may be formed so that the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) are positioned at both ends when the door (20'') is closed. In addition, the first pass (401) may determine the movement path of the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) when the door (20'') starts to open.

[0279] The first center (C1), which is the center of the arc forming the first pass (401), may be located at the front of the door body (80), that is, at the corner of the door body (80) adjacent to the front panel (70) and the side frame (83).

[0280] And, the second pass (402) may extend downward and to the left from the end of the first pass (401). At this time, the second center (C2), which is the center of the arc forming the second pass (402), may be located further from the side frame (83) and closer to the front plate (81) than the first center (C1).

[0281] The third pass (403) may extend downward and to the left from the end of the second pass (402). At this time, the third center (C3), which is the center of the arc forming the third pass (403), may be positioned further rearward and further from the side frame (83) than the second center (C2). In addition, the third center (C3) may be positioned further forward than the first center (C1).

[0282] The fourth pass (404) may extend forward and to the left from the end of the third pass (403). At this time, the fourth center (C4), which is the center of the arc forming the fourth pass (404), may be located further rearward and further from the side frame than the third center. In addition, the fourth center (C4) may be located further rearward than the first center (C1).

[0283] The fifth pass (405) may extend forward and to the left from the end of the fourth pass (404). At this time, the fifth center (C5), which is the center of the arc forming the fifth pass (405), may be located further rearward and further from the side frame (83) than the fourth center (C4). The fifth center (C5) may be located farthest from the front plate (81) and the side frame (83) among the plurality of centers (C).

[0284] The fifth pass (405) may be extended forwardly together with the first pass (401), and the extended end of the fifth pass (405) may be positioned further from the front of the door (20'') than the extended end of the first pass (401). In addition, an inlet hole (212) may be formed between the first pass (401) and the fifth pass (405) through which wires (213) connected to electrical components inside the door (20'') may be introduced. In addition, a pipe for guiding water supplied to a dispenser (24) and an ice maker (23) provided in the door (20'') may be introduced through the inlet hole (212).

[0285] In this way, the first center (C1), the second center (C2), the third center (C3), the fourth center (C4), and the fifth center (C5) are all positioned on the inside of the door body (80), and may be positioned further rearward than the front plate (81). In addition, the first center (C1), the second center (C2), the third center (C3), the fourth center (C4), and the fifth center (C5) may all be positioned further rearward than the panel (70).

[0286] And, the hinge pin (313) moves along the guide groove (400) according to the opening and closing of the door (20'') as in the first embodiment described above. And, as it passes through a plurality of passes (406) formed in the guide groove (400), the position of the center of rotation of the door (20'') is continuously changed so that the door (20'') can rotate without interfering with the wall (O), other doors (20'') of the refrigerator (1), or storage members (111, 121).

[0287] Fig. 29 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 30 is a front view of the refrigerator with the door open.

[0288] As illustrated, a refrigerator (100) according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet (1000) forming a storage space and a door (2000) for opening and closing the storage space.

[0289] The cabinet (1000) may include a barrier (1300) that partitions the storage space. The barrier (1300) may partition the storage space inside the cabinet (1000) into left and right sections so that a refrigerator (1100) and a freezer (1200) are formed side by side. In addition, storage elements such as drawers and shelves may be arranged inside the refrigerator (1100) and the freezer (1200).

[0290] The above door (2000) may include a refrigerator door (2100) for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment (1100) and a freezer door (2200) for opening and closing the freezer compartment (1200). The refrigerator door (2100) and the freezer door (2200) may be arranged side by side on the left and right sides, and may be configured to open and close the refrigerator compartment (1100) and the freezer compartment (1200) on the left and right sides, respectively, by rotation.

[0291] To this end, an upper hinge (31) and a lower hinge (33) may be coupled to the upper and lower portions of the door (2000), respectively. The upper hinge (31) is fixedly mounted on the upper surface of the cabinet (1000) and may be axially coupled to the upper portion of the door (2000). The structure of the upper hinge (31) may be the same as the first hinge (31) of the aforementioned embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0292] In addition, the lower hinge (33) is fixedly mounted on the lower surface of the cabinet (1000) and can be axially coupled with the lower surface of the door (2000). The structure of the lower hinge (33) may be the same as the third hinge (33) of the above-described embodiment, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0293] Due to the structure of the upper hinge (31) and the lower hinge (33), when the door (2000) is opened and closed, the hinge pin (313) moves relative to the paths (406) of the guide groove (400), and the center of rotation of the door (2000) can be moved. Accordingly, the door (2000) can be operated without interfering with the wall surface (O) when opened and closed, and without interfering with the withdrawal and entry of the neighboring door (2000) or the storage member.

[0294] Meanwhile, an ice maker (2300) may be provided in the freezer door (2200). The ice maker (2300) may make ice using the cold air of the freezer (1200). In addition, a dispenser (2400) may be provided in front of the freezer door (2200). The dispenser (2400) may be configured to dispense purified water or ice from the outside while the freezer door (2200) is closed.

[0295] Fig. 31 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 32 is a front view of the refrigerator with the door open.

[0296] As illustrated, a refrigerator (101) according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a cabinet (1001) forming a storage space (1101) and a door (2001) for opening and closing the storage space (1101). The storage space (1101) may be formed as a single space and may be formed to be elongated vertically. In addition, a plurality of storage members may be continuously arranged in a vertical direction inside the storage space (1101).

[0297] The above door (2001) can open and close the storage space (1101) from the front, and the entire open front of the storage space (1101) can be opened and closed with one door (2001). The door (2001) can open and close the storage space (1101) by rotating.

[0298] To this end, the cabinet (1001) may be equipped with an upper hinge (31) and a lower hinge (33), respectively. In addition, the upper hinge (31) and the lower hinge (33) may be rotatably connected to the upper and lower portions of the door (20), respectively. The upper hinge (31) and the lower hinge (33) may be provided on one of the left and right sides of the front of the cabinet (1001).

[0299] In detail, the upper hinge (31) is fixedly mounted on the upper surface of the cabinet (1001) or the upper front surface of the cabinet, and can be axially coupled to the upper portion of the door (2001). A hinge mounting portion (2700) to which the upper hinge (31) is coupled can be recessedly formed on the upper portion of the door (2001). The structure of the upper hinge (31) may be the same as the structure of the first hinge (31) of the above-described embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0300] In addition, the lower hinge (33) is fixedly mounted on the lower surface of the cabinet (1001) and can be axially coupled with the lower surface of the door (2001). The structure of the lower hinge (33) may be the same as the structure of the third hinge (33) of the above-described embodiment, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0301] Due to the structure of the upper hinge (31) and the lower hinge (33), when the door (2001) is opened and closed, the hinge pin (313) can be moved relative to the passes (406) of the guide groove (400), and the center of rotation of the door (2001) can be moved. Accordingly, when the door (2001) is opened and closed, it can be operated without interfering with the wall surface (O) and without interfering with the withdrawal and entry of the neighboring door (2001) or the storage member.

[0302] Meanwhile, the door (2001) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the open front of the cabinet (1001). In addition, a door handle (2600) may be mounted on one of the left and right ends of the door (2001) that is farthest from the rotation axis of the door (2001) to facilitate rotational operation of the door (2001).

[0303] Fig. 33 is a perspective view of a hinge pin according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. And, Fig. 34 (A) is a perspective view of a pin body according to the present embodiment. And, Fig. 34 (B) is a perspective view showing a state in which a first coating layer is provided on the pin body of the present embodiment. And, Fig. 35 (A) is a perspective view of a tube to be coupled to the pin body of the present embodiment. Fig. 35 (B) is a view showing a state in which a second coating layer is provided on the tube of the present embodiment. Fig. 36 is a drawing explaining an assembly process of a hinge pin according to the present embodiment. Fig. 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 37-37 of Fig. 33. Fig. 38 is an enlarged view of portion A of Fig. 37. Fig. 39 (A) is an enlarged view of portion B of Fig. 38, and Fig. 39 (B) is a cross-sectional view of a first pin according to a modified example.

[0304] As illustrated, the hinge pin (313) according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention may include a pin body (1330). The pin body (1330) may be formed in a cylindrical shape, for example. The hinge pin (313) may include the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) of the above-described embodiment, and the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) may be formed in the same shape. In addition, the remaining configuration, excluding the hinge pin (313), may be the same as in the above-described embodiments.

[0305] The above pin body (1330) may be formed of a metal material to ensure rigidity. For example, the pin body (1330) may be formed of a steel material.

[0306] A flange (1332) (or extension) may be provided on the outer surface of the pin body (1330). The flange (1332) may extend radially from the outer surface of the pin body (1330).

[0307] The above pin body (1330) may include a first end (1330a) and a second end (1330b).

[0308] The above flange (1332) may be positioned closer to the second end (1330b) than to the first end (1330a).

[0309] A portion of the pin body (1330) including the first end (1330a) can be accommodated in the guide groove (400). With a portion of the pin body (1330) accommodated in the guide groove (400), the flange (1332) can be positioned on the outside of the guide groove (400).

[0310] The outer diameter of the above pin body (1330) may be the same in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the pin body (1330) may include at least two parts having different outer diameters.

[0311] When the outer diameter of the pin body (1330) is variable in the longitudinal direction, the outer diameter of the pin body (1330) may be different based on the flange (1332) of the pin body (1330).

[0312] For example, the pin body (1330) may include a first portion (1331a) between the flange (1332) and the first end (1330a). The pin body (1330) may include a second portion (1331b) between the flange (1332) and the second end (1330b).

[0313] The diameter of the first part (1331a) may be larger than the diameter of the second part (1331b).

[0314] The first part (1331a) can be inserted into the guide groove (400). The second part (1331b) can penetrate the hinge plate (310). Although not shown, a hole can be formed in the hinge plate (310) for the second part (1331b) to penetrate therethrough.

[0315] A groove (1331c) may be formed on the first end (1330a) side of the first portion (1331a). The groove (1331c) may be recessed from the first end (1330a) toward the second end (1330b).

[0316] When an external force is applied to the first end (1330a) during the assembly process of the hinge pin (313), the first part (1331a) including the groove (1331c) can be easily deformed.

[0317] The hinge pin (313) may further include a first coating layer (1340) (or an inner coating layer) provided on the outer side of the pin body (1330). The first coating layer (1340) may be provided on the outer surface of the first part (1331a). The first coating layer (1340) may be bonded to the outer surface of the first part (1331a).

[0318] The above first coating layer (1340) may be formed of, for example, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) material.

[0319] The above first coating layer (1340) can reduce friction with the tube (or sleeve) described later, and wear can be minimized despite friction with the tube.

[0320] The thickness of the first coating layer (1340) may be, for example, 0.5 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0321] The length of the first coating layer (1340) may be shorter than the length of the first portion (1331a). For example, the first coating layer (1340) may not be formed on the outer surface of the first portion (1331a) that includes at least a portion of the groove (1331c).

[0322] The above hinge pin (313) may further include a tube (1350) (or sleeve) provided on the outside of the pin body (1330). The tube (1350) may be formed in a cylindrical shape with a hollow space formed therein.

[0323] The above tube (1350) may be formed of a metal material to ensure rigidity. The material of the tube (1350) may be the same as or different from the material of the fin body (1330). For example, the tube (1350) may be formed of steel.

[0324] The above tube (1350) may be arranged to surround, for example, the first portion (1331a) of the fin body (1330). The first portion (1331a) may penetrate the tube (1350).

[0325] The length of the first part (1331a) may be longer than the length of the tube (1350). At least a portion of the groove (1331c) may be located on the outside of the tube (1350) while the first part (1331a) penetrates the tube (1350).

[0326] The length of the above tube (1350) may be the same as or different from the length of the first coating layer (1340).

[0327] The inner diameter (Dp4) of the tube (1350) may be larger than the outer diameter (Dp1) of the first portion (1331a). In particular, the inner diameter (Dp4) of the tube (1350) may be larger than the outer diameter of the first portion (1331a) including the first coating layer (1340).

[0328] Referring to (A) of FIG. 10, when the first portion (1331a) including the first coating layer (1340) penetrates the tube (1350), a gap (Gp) may exist between the first coating layer (1340) and the inner surface of the tube (1350). The gap (Gp) may be, for example, 0.003 mm to 0.01 mm.

[0329] The tube (1350) can be rotated relative to the fin body (1330) by the gap (Gp) between the first coating layer (1340) and the tube (1350).

[0330] When the tube (1350) is rotated with respect to the fin body (1330), the position of the part of the first coating layer (1340) that rubs against the tube (1350) is changed, so that a specific part of the first coating layer (1340) can be prevented from being intensively rubbed against the tube (1350).

[0331] Additionally, the vibration generated during the opening process of the first door (21) can be reduced by the relative rotation of the tube (1350) and the fin body (1330).

[0332] In the present embodiment, since the first coating layer (1340) is provided between the tube (1350) formed of a metal material and the first part (1331a), direct friction between the tube (1350) and the first part (1331a) is minimized, and friction noise is reduced, which is advantageous.

[0333] As another example, referring to (B) of FIG. 10, it is also possible for the inner surface of the tube (1350) to have a first coating layer (1340). In this case, the first portion (1331a) of the fin body (1330) can penetrate the tube (1350) having the first coating layer (1340).

[0334] A gap (Gp1) may exist between the first coating layer (1340) and the outer surface of the first portion (1331a). The gap (Gp1) may be, for example, 0.003 mm to 0.01 mm.

[0335] According to this modified example, since the first coating layer (1340) is provided between the tube (1350) formed of a metal material and the first part (1331a), direct friction between the tube (1350) and the first part (1331a) can be minimized, and friction noise can be reduced.

[0336] The hinge pin (313) may further include a second coating layer (1360) (or an outer coating layer) provided on the outer side of the tube (1350). The second coating layer (1360) may be provided on the outer surface of the tube (1350). The second coating layer (1360) may be bonded to the outer surface of the tube (1350).

[0337] Since the first coating layer (1340) is a layer that rubs against a metallic material, and the second coating layer (1360) is a layer that rubs against a non-metallic material, the material of the second coating layer (1360) may be different from the material of the first coating layer (1340).

[0338] The second coating layer (1360) prevents direct friction between the tube (1350) made of a metal material and the guide member (40) made of a non-metal material. The second coating layer (1360) may be formed of, for example, a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) material.

[0339] The thickness of the second coating layer (1360) may be, for example, 0.5 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0340] In the present invention, the thickness of at least one of the first coating layer (1340) and the second coating layer (1360) may be greater than the gap (Gp, Gp1).

[0341] The length of the second coating layer (1360) may be the same as or different from the length of the tube (1350).

[0342] When the second coating layer (1360) is provided on the outer surface of the tube (1350), not only is direct friction between the tube (1350) and the guide member (40) prevented, but the second coating layer (1360) can contact or slide with the guide member (40), so there is an advantage in that the relative movement between the second coating layer (1360) and the guide member (40) becomes smooth.

[0343] In addition, since the second coating layer (1360) comes into contact with or slides on the guide member (40), frictional noise can be reduced, and since the second coating layer (1360) absorbs vibration, vibration noise can also be reduced.

[0344] Below, the assembly process of the hinge pin (313) will be described.

[0345] First, a first coating layer (1340) can be formed on the outer surface of the fin body (1330) or the inner surface of the tube (1350).

[0346] Additionally, the second coating layer (1360) can be formed on the outer surface of the tube (1350).

[0347] Next, the first part (1331a) of the pin body (1330) is made to penetrate the tube (1350). With the first part (1331a) of the pin body (1330) penetrating the tube (1350), the end of the tube (1350) can come into contact with the flange (1332). The flange (1332) can restrict the tube (1350) from moving in the longitudinal direction of the pin body (1330).

[0348] An external force (F1) can be applied to the first end (1330a) of the pin body (1330) while the first part (1331a) of the pin body (1330) penetrates the tube (1350).

[0349] Then, the portion where the groove (1331c) is formed in the first portion (1331a) may be deformed by an external force (F1). For example, the outer diameter of the portion where the groove (1331c) is formed in the first portion (1331a) may be increased, thereby forming an expanded portion (1330c).

[0350] The above extension (1330c) can serve as a flange and can restrict movement of the tube (1350) in the longitudinal direction of the fin body (1330) and prevent the tube (1350) from being separated from the fin body (1330).

[0351] However, the extension portion (1330c) may be spaced apart from the end of the tube (1350) to enable rotation of the tube (1350) relative to the pin body (1330). For example, the distance between the flange (1332) and the extension portion (1330c) may be greater than the length of the tube (1350).

[0352] In order to prevent the tube (1350) from being separated from the fin body (1330), the outer diameter (Dp2) of the extension (1330c) may be larger than the inner diameter (Dp4) of the tube (1350).

[0353] In order to prevent the extension part (1330c) from directly rubbing against the guide member (40) while the hinge pin (313) is accommodated in the guide groove (400), the outer diameter (Dp5) of the tube (1350) may be larger than the outer diameter (Dp2) of the extension part (1330c).

[0354] Additionally, the outer diameter (Dp3) of the hinge pin (313) may be larger than the diameter of the extension (1330c).

[0355] After the assembly of the hinge pin (313) is completed, the hinge pin (313) can be coupled to the hinge plate (310).

[0356] An external force (F2) can be applied to the second end (1330b) of the pin body (1330) while the second part (1331b) of the hinge pin (313) penetrates the hinge plate (310).

[0357] When an external force (F2) is applied to the second end (1330b) of the above pin body (1330), the outer diameter of a part of the second portion (1330b) may increase, thereby forming an expanded portion (1333).

[0358] The hinge pin (313) can be coupled to the hinge plate (310) by the extension (1333).

[0359] In the above embodiment, the first pin is described as being coupled to the hinge plate as an example, but even if the first pin is formed integrally with the hinge plate, the first pin may include the first coating layer, the tube, and the second coating layer.

[0360] In this case, a first coating layer may be formed on a pin body extending from the hinge plate, and a tube may be joined with a second coating layer formed on the outer side of the pin body on which the first coating layer is formed.

[0361] In the above embodiment, the first pin and the second pin are described as each including a pin body, a first coating layer, a tube, and a second coating layer. However, alternatively, it is also possible for either the first pin or the second pin to include a pin body, a first coating layer, a tube, and a second coating layer.

[0362] As another example, it is also possible for the first pin and the second pin to be connected by a connecting member and formed into a single pin shape.

[0363] Even in this case, it is also possible for at least one of a part of the first pin and a part of the second pin inserted into the first slot to include a pin body, a first coating layer, a tube, and a second coating layer.

[0364] As another example, it is also possible for the first coating layer and tube to be omitted, and for the second coating layer (outer coating layer) to be provided directly on the outer surface of the fin body.

[0365] Alternatively, it is also possible for a coating layer of the same material as the second coating layer to be provided on the inner surface of the guide member (40) with which the pin unit comes into contact. That is, it is also possible for a coating layer of TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) material to be provided on the outer surface of at least one of the first pin and the second pin and at least one of the inner surface of the guide member.

[0366] Fig. 40 is a drawing showing the arrangement of a guide groove and a hinge pin according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, Fig. 41 is a drawing showing the relationship between the first and second passes of the guide groove and the hinge pin. Furthermore, Fig. 42 is a drawing comparing the guide groove according to the first embodiment of the present invention with the guide groove according to the eighth embodiment, overlapping each other.

[0367] As illustrated, the refrigerator according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention may have the same configuration as the legendary embodiments except for the shape of the guide groove.

[0368] A refrigerator (1) according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention can be installed adjacent to furniture or a wall (O). When the refrigerator (1) is installed, a set gap can be placed between the side edge of the cabinet (10) or door (20) of the refrigerator (1) and the wall (O).

[0369] In addition, during the opening and closing process of the door (20), the corner (21c) formed by the front (21a) and the side (21b) of the door (20) is prevented from protruding toward the wall (O), thereby preventing interference between the door (20) and the wall (O). Accordingly, even if the refrigerator (1) is placed very close to or in contact with the wall (O), the opening and closing operation of the door (20) can be guaranteed.

[0370] To this end, the door (20) is connected to the cabinet (10) by the hinge (31, 32, 33), and the hinge pin (313) of the hinge (31, 32, 33) can guide the opening and closing of the door (20) by moving along the guide groove (400) of the door (20). In addition, the movement trajectory of the door (20) is determined according to the shape of the guide groove (400), and thus the door (20) can be opened and closed without coming into contact with the wall (O). In particular, the shape of the guide groove (400) according to the present embodiment can prevent the door (20) from protruding toward the wall (O) during the opening and closing process, so that the set gap (G5) between the wall (O) and the refrigerator (1) can be 0 or close to 0.

[0371] The above guide groove (400) may be formed by continuously connecting a plurality of passes that form a path along which the hinge pin (313) moves. Each of the plurality of passes may be defined by an arc having a different center (C). In addition, the plurality of passes may be defined by arcs having a center (C) at a point where vertical lines extending from both ends of each pass and passing through the guide groove (400) intersect each other.

[0372] For example, the guide groove (400) may be configured to include a first pass (2401), a second pass (2402), a third pass (2403), a fourth pass (2404), and a fifth pass (2405). In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 42, the shape of the guide groove (400) may have a shape that is generally similar to the shape of the guide groove (400) of the above-described embodiment, and may provide a movement trajectory in which the door (20) does not interfere with the wall (O) when the door (20) is opened and closed. At this time, among the two ends of the guide groove (400, 2400), the portions closer to the side surface of the door (20) may be positioned at similar positions, and the portions farther from the side surface (21b) of the door (20) may be positioned relatively further from the side surface (21b) of the door (20). That is, by making the position of the pass (2401, 2402) of the guide groove (2400) that forms the path along which the hinge pin (313) moves at the initial opening of the door (20) further from the side of the door (20), interference between the corner (21c) of the door (20) and the wall (O) at the initial opening of the door (20) can be prevented.

[0373] In detail, the overall extension direction of the first pass (2401) to the fifth pass (2405) of the present embodiment can be formed similarly to the first pass (401) to the fifth pass (405) constituting the guide groove (400) of the embodiment described above. Therefore, the specific shape of the first pass (401) to the fifth pass (405) can be understood from the description of the embodiment described above.

[0374] However, the arrangement positions of the first pass (2401) and the second pass (2402) may be located further away from the side (21b) of the door (20). In addition, the arrangement positions of the first pass (2401) and the second pass (2402) may be located further away from the front of the door (20).

[0375] In particular, the distance (D11) from the end of the guide groove (2400), that is, the most protruding end of the first pass (2401) to the front surface (21a), may be formed closer than the distance (D7) from the most protruding end of the first pass (401) of the guide groove (400) of the embodiment described above to the front surface (21a). In addition, the distance (D12) from the most protruding end of the first pass (2401) of the guide groove (400) of the embodiment described above to the side surface (21b) may be formed farther than the distance (D8) from the most protruding end of the first pass (401) of the guide groove (400) of the embodiment described above to the side surface (21b).

[0376] And, the distance (D13) from the other end of the guide groove (2400), that is, the most protruding end of the fifth pass (2405) to the front surface (21a), may be formed to be further than the distance (D13) from the most protruding end of the fifth pass (405) of the guide groove (400) of the aforementioned embodiment to the front surface (21a). And, the distance (D14) from the most protruding end of the fifth pass (2405) to the side surface (21b) may be formed to be closer than the distance (D10) from the most protruding end of the fifth pass (405) of the guide groove (400) of the aforementioned embodiment to the side surface (21b).

[0377] By this arrangement structure, compared to the above-described embodiment, the door (20) can better prevent interference with the wall (O) in the initial opening section where the hinge pin (313) passes through the first pass (2401) and the second pass (2402). That is, even when the side of the refrigerator (1) is very close to or in contact with the wall, the door (20) can be opened and closed without interference with the wall (O).

[0378] In addition, the first pass (2401) may have the longest length among the multiple passes. Accordingly, the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) that are outside the first pass (2401) may move while passing through different passes during the opening and closing process of the door (20).

[0379] In addition, the lengths of the first pass (2401) and the second pass (2402) may be longer than in the above-described embodiment. In addition, the ratio of the length difference between the first pass (2401) and the second pass (2402) may be smaller.

[0380] And, depending on the change in the positions of the first pass (2401) and the second pass (2402), the arrangement of the third pass (2403) and the fifth pass (2405) may also be positioned further from the front (21a) of the door (20) and closer to the side (21b) of the door (20) than the positions of the third pass (403) and the fifth pass (405) of the above-described embodiment. However, relatively, the change in the positions of the third pass (2403) to the fifth pass (2405) is relatively small compared to the change in the positions of the first pass (2401) and the second pass (2402). During the opening and closing process of the door (20), when the opening angle of the door (20) is small, there is a high possibility that the corner (21c) of the door (20) will come into contact with the wall (O), and the contact at this time can be prevented through the shapes of the first pass (2401) and the second pass (2402).

[0381]

[0382] Due to the difference in shape of the above guide groove (400), the position of the center point (C) where the vertical lines extending from both ends of each pass through the guide groove (400) intersect each other may also change. The center point (C) becomes the center point (C) of the arc defining each pass.

[0383] In detail, the center point (C1) of the first pass (2401) is located in the inner region of the door (20) and may be located rearward of the front surface (21a) of the door (20). In addition, the center point (C1) of the first pass (2401) may be located between the center point (C2) of the second pass (2402) and the center point (C3) of the third pass (2403) in the left-right direction. In addition, the center point (C1) of the first pass (2401) may be located between the center point (C3) of the third pass (2403) and the center point (C4) of the fourth pass (2404) in the front-back direction.

[0384] The center point (C2) of the second pass (2402) is located in the outer region of the door (20) and may be located forward of the front surface (21a) of the door (20). The center point (C2) of the second pass (2402) may be located most forward among a plurality of center points (C). In addition, the center point (C2) of the second pass (2402) may be located closest to the side surface (21b) of the door (20) among a plurality of center points (C).

[0385] The center point (C3) of the third pass (2403) is located in the outer region of the door (20) and may be located in front of the front surface (21a) of the door (20). In addition, the center point (C3) of the third pass (2403) may be located between the center point (C1) of the first pass (2401) and the center point (C4) of the fourth pass (2404) in the left-right direction. In addition, the center point (C3) of the third pass (2403) may be located between the center point (C1) of the first pass (2401) and the center point (C2) of the second pass (2402) in the front-back direction.

[0386] The center point (C4) of the fourth pass (2404) is located in the inner region of the door (20) and may be located rearward of the front surface (21a) of the door (20). In addition, the center point (C4) of the fourth pass (2404) may be located between the center point (C3) of the third pass (2403) and the center point (C4) of the fifth pass (2405) in the left-right direction. In addition, the center point (C4) of the fourth pass (2404) may be located between the center point (C1) of the first pass (2401) and the center point (C5) of the fifth pass (2405) in the front-back direction.

[0387] The center point (C5) of the fifth pass (2405) is located in the inner region of the door (20) and may be located rearward of the front surface (21a) of the door (20). In addition, the center point (C5) of the fifth pass (2405) may be located furthest rearward among a plurality of center points (C). In addition, the center point (C5) of the fifth pass (2405) may be located furthest from the side surface (21b) of the door (20) among a plurality of center points (C).

[0388] Meanwhile, as illustrated in Fig. 41, when the door (20) is closed, the first pin (131a) and the second pin (131b) may be positioned on the first pass (2401). At this time, the center (Pc) of the second pin (131b) is positioned at a position away from the intersection (P) of vertical lines extending to define the first pass (2401) and the second pass (2402), and may be positioned on the first pass (2401).

[0389] And, when the door (20) is closed, the contact point (P3) where the second pin (131b) and the inner surface of the guide groove (400) come into contact is located at a position away from the boundary (P4) where the first pass (2401) and the second pass (2402) are connected, and can be located on the first pass (2401).

[0390] Accordingly, when the door (20) is opened while it is closed, the second pin (131b) enters the second pass (2402), and the movement paths of the first pin (131a) and the second pin (131b) change, so that the door (20) can begin to rotate.

[0391] In addition, the corner (21c) formed by the front (21a) and the side (21b) of the door (20) may be formed in a predetermined round shape or a shape having an incline. The shape of the corner (21c) can ensure that the door (20) does not interfere with the wall (O) during the opening and closing process, together with the trajectory of the door (20) provided by the operation of the hinge pin (313) moving along the guide groove (400).

[0392] Below, the process of opening and closing the door (20) of a refrigerator (1) having the above structure is described with reference to the drawings.

[0393] Figures 43 (a) to (d) are drawings showing the movement of the hinge pin according to the opening angle of the door.

[0394] As illustrated in (a) of Fig. 43, when the door (20) is closed, the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) can be positioned in the first pass (2401) of the guide groove (400). At this time, the side of the refrigerator (1), that is, the side (21b) of the door (20), may be adjacent to the wall (O), may be positioned very close to it, or may be in contact with the wall (O).

[0395] As illustrated in (b) of FIG. 43, when the door starts to open, the first pin (313a) moves along the first pass (2401), and the second pin (313b) moves to the second pass (2402). That is, the first pin (313a) and the second pin (313b) move along the paths of the first pass (2401) and the second pass (2402), and a movement trajectory of the door (20) can be formed based on the center points (C1, C2) of the first pass (2401) and the second pass (2402). At this time, the edge (21c) of the door (20) does not protrude further than the extension line (L0) of the initial side position of the door (20).

[0396] As illustrated in (c) of FIG. 43, when the door (20) is further opened, the first pin (313a) enters the third pass (2403), and the second pin (313b) enters the fourth pass (2404). A movement trajectory of the door (20) can be formed based on the respective center points (C3, C4) of the third pass (2403) and the fourth pass (2404), and thus, the corner (21c) of the door (20) becomes further away from the extension line (L0).

[0397] As illustrated in (d) of FIG. 43, when the door (20) is further opened, the first pin (313a) enters the fourth pass (2404), and the second pin (313b) enters the fifth pass (2405). The door (20) can form a movement trajectory based on the respective center points (C4, C5) of the fourth pass (2404) and the fifth pass (2405), and thus, the corner (21c) of the door (20) can be at the maximum distance from the extension line (L0).

[0398] In this state, the door (20) can be further opened, and the door (20) can be opened until the second pin (313b) is positioned at the end of the fifth pass (2405). Then, when the door (20) is closed from the opened state, the operation is performed in the reverse order of the above-described process, and similarly, the door (20) can be closed without interfering with the wall (O).

[0399] In this way, during the process of opening the door (20), the door (20) does not protrude beyond the extension line (L0) toward the wall (O), and thus interference with the wall (O) can be prevented. In addition, even when the refrigerator (1) is placed very close to or in contact with the wall (O), the door (20) can be opened and closed smoothly.

[0400] In another aspect, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cabinet forming a storage space; a door opening and closing the storage space; a hinge plate mounted on the cabinet, and a hinge including a first pin and a second pin protruding from the hinge plate and connected to the door; and a guide groove provided on the door, into which both the first pin and the second pin are inserted and which guides the movement of the first pin and the second pin when the door rotates; wherein the guide groove is formed by connecting in series a plurality of passes extending in different extension directions, and when the door is opened and closed, the first pin and the second pin can move along the plurality of passes.

[0401] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention has high industrial applicability because it can ensure stable opening and closing operation of the door and prevent interference with adjacent walls.

Claims

1. Cabinet forming a storage space; A door for opening and closing the above storage space; A hinge plate mounted on the cabinet, and a hinge including a first pin and a second pin protruding from the hinge plate and connected to the door; and A guide groove is provided on the door, into which both the first pin and the second pin are inserted, and which guides the movement of the first pin and the second pin when the door is rotated; The above guide home is formed by connecting a number of paths in series that extend in different extension directions, A refrigerator in which the first pin and the second pin move in different passes among the plurality of passes when the door is opened and closed.

2. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein, when the door is closed and stationary, both the first pin and the second pin are located in the first pass among the plurality of passes.

3. In paragraph 1, When the above door is closed and stationary, The above first pin is located in the above first pass, A refrigerator wherein the second pin is located at the boundary between the first pass and the second pass connected to the first pass.

4. In paragraph 3, A refrigerator in which the second pin enters the second pass simultaneously with the opening of the door.

5. In paragraph 2, A refrigerator in which the distance between the centers of the first pin and the second pin is formed to be the same as the distance between the two ends of the first pass.

6. In paragraph 5, The first and second pins are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the front and side directions, A refrigerator in which the extension line connecting the centers of the first pin and the second pin faces the same direction as the extension line connecting the two ends of the first pass.

7. In paragraph 1, A guide member is inserted and mounted in the above door, A refrigerator in which the above guide home is sunken into the above guide member and exposed to the outside of the door.

8. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which a round portion having a radius smaller than the diameter of the first pin and the second pin is formed between adjacent passes among the plurality of passes.

9. In paragraph 1, The width of the above plurality of passes corresponds to the diameter of the first pin and the second pin, A refrigerator in which the first and second pins remain in contact with the pass during the movement process.

10. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the above plurality of passes are defined by arcs centered at a point where vertical lines extending from both ends of each pass and passing through the guide groove intersect each other.

11. In paragraph 10, The above multiple passes are, A first pass in which the first pin and the second pin are positioned at both ends while the door is closed; A second pass extending rearward and laterally from the end of the first pass; 3 passes extending rearward and laterally from the end of the second pass; A fourth pass extending forward and laterally from the end of the third pass; and A refrigerator comprising a fifth pass extending forward and laterally from the end of the fourth pass and positioned closest to the side of the door, wherein the second pin is positioned when the door is fully open.

12. In paragraph 11, A refrigerator wherein the centers of the arcs forming the first to fifth passes are all located on the inside of the door.

13. In paragraph 11, At the end of the first pass, a first escape portion is formed that is more sunken than the position of the first pin when the door is closed. A refrigerator in which a second escape portion is formed at the end of the second pass and is more recessed than the position of the second pin when the door is fully open.

14. In paragraph 11, An inlet hole for the wires to enter and exit is opened between the front of the door and the guide groove. A refrigerator wherein the above inlet hole is at least partially located in an area between the first pass and the fifth pass.

15. In paragraph 14, The above door is equipped with an ice maker or dispenser, A refrigerator in which a pipe supplying water to the ice maker or dispenser enters and exits the above inlet hole.

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