Refrigerator

Abstract

The refrigerator of the present embodiment comprises: a cabinet forming a storage space; a door for opening or closing the storage space; a first hinge mechanism which rotatably connects one side of the door to the cabinet; a second hinge mechanism which rotatably connects the other side of the door to the cabinet; an auto-closing device for providing a closing force to the door when the door is closed; and a damping mechanism for providing a damping force to the door when the door is closed.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] This specification relates to a refrigerator.

[0002] In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that can store food at a low temperature in an internal storage space that is shielded by a refrigerator door. It can store stored food in an optimal condition by cooling the interior of the storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle.

[0003] The above refrigerator can be placed independently in a kitchen or living room, or stored inside a kitchen cabinet.

[0004] The above refrigerator may include a cabinet forming a storage space and a door connected to the cabinet to open and close the storage space.

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

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

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

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

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which the door opens while the center of rotation of the door moves, thereby preventing interference with surrounding structures during the door opening process.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which the door can be automatically closed during the closing process while increasing the opening angle of the door.

[0011] Optionally or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator in which the door can be automatically closed during the closing process of the door, while the impact of the door closing can be mitigated by a damping mechanism.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator that reduces the damping force of the damping mechanism before or during the operation of the filler during the closing process of the door to prevent the door from not closing completely.

[0013] A refrigerator according to one aspect may include a cabinet forming a storage space; a door for opening and closing the storage space; a first hinge mechanism rotatably connecting one side of the door to the cabinet; and a second hinge mechanism rotatably connecting the other side of the door to the cabinet.

[0014] The above refrigerator may further include an auto-closing device that provides a holding force to the door during the closing process of the door.

[0015] The above auto closing device can operate with either of the first and second hinge mechanisms during the closing process of the door.

[0016] The above refrigerator may include a damping mechanism that provides damping force to the door during the closing process of the door.

[0017] The above damping mechanism can provide damping force to the door during the process in which the auto closing device provides closing force to the door.

[0018] Each of the first and second hinge mechanisms may include a pin unit and a pin slot in which the pin unit is accommodated. By varying the relative positions of the pin unit and the pin slot, the center of rotation of the door may move during the opening process of the door.

[0019] The above closing force is greater than the above damping force.

[0020] The door includes a first door for opening and closing a portion of the storage space, and a second door for opening and closing another portion of the storage space, and the first door may be provided with a filler for limiting cold air leakage between the first door and the second door.

[0021] The above auto closing device may operate to move the filler to the cold air blocking position during the process of providing closing force to the first door.

[0022] The damping force of the damping mechanism may be reduced before or during the operation of the above filler.

[0023] The damping force may be zero or the minimum damping force before or during the operation of the above filler.

[0024] The above damping mechanism may include a housing installed in the door and a cylinder movable relative to the housing. During the closing process of the door, the cylinder may come into contact with one of the first and second hinge mechanisms.

[0025] The above door may include a hinge mounting portion for mounting the above-described hinge mechanism. The pin slot may be formed on one side of the hinge mounting portion, and a receiving portion for receiving the housing may be formed on the other side of the hinge mounting portion.

[0026] During the closing process of the door, the auto closing device may come into contact with another hinge mechanism among the first and second hinge mechanisms.

[0027] Any one of the above hinge mechanisms may be installed in the cabinet and include a contact surface for contacting the cylinder. The contact surface may include a first contact surface with which the cylinder contacts when the door is closed, and a second contact surface with which the cylinder contacts when the door is opened and which is inclined with respect to the first contact surface.

[0028] When the opening angle of the door becomes greater than the reference angle, the cylinder can be spaced apart from the second contact surface.

[0029] During the closing process of the door, the damping force when the cylinder contacts the second contact surface may be greater than the damping force when the cylinder contacts the first contact surface.

[0030] When the above filler starts operating, the cylinder may contact the second contact surface or the boundary between the first contact surface and the second contact surface.

[0031] The pin unit may include a first pin and a second pin that are spaced apart from each other, and the pin slot may include a plurality of passes that have different curvatures or extend in different directions.

[0032] When the door is closed, the first pin can be positioned in the first pass, and the second pin can be positioned in the second pass.

[0033] When the door is opened and then closed by a reference angle, a closing force by the auto closing device is applied to the door, and the first pin may be positioned in the first pass and the second pin may be positioned in the third pass.

[0034] When the door is opened to the maximum opening angle, the first pin can be positioned at the fourth pass and the second pin can be positioned at the fifth pass.

[0035] According to another aspect, a refrigerator may include a cabinet forming a storage space; a first door for opening and closing a portion of the storage space; a second door for opening and closing another portion of the storage space; a filler provided on the first door for limiting leakage of cold air between the first door and the second door; a first hinge mechanism for rotatably connecting an upper side of the first door to the cabinet, and a second hinge mechanism for rotatably connecting a lower side of the first door to the cabinet.

[0036] The refrigerator may further include an auto-closing device that provides a closing force to the first door by interacting with one of the first and second hinge mechanisms during the closing process of the first door.

[0037] The refrigerator may include a damping mechanism that provides damping force to the first door during the closing process of the first door. The damping mechanism may provide damping force to the first door during the process in which the auto-closing device provides closing force to the first door.

[0038] During the closing process of the first door, the damping force of the damping mechanism may be reduced before the start of operation of the filler or during the operation of the filler.

[0039] Each of the first and second hinge mechanisms may include a first pin and a second pin that are spaced apart from each other.

[0040] During the closing process of the first door, the damping mechanism may come into contact with one of the first and second hinge mechanisms. The auto-closing device may come into contact with the other of the first and second hinge mechanisms.

[0041] According to another aspect, a refrigerator may include a cabinet forming a storage space; a first door for opening and closing a portion of the storage space; a second door for opening and closing another portion of the storage space; a filler provided on the first door for limiting leakage of cold air between the first door and the second door; a first hinge mechanism for rotatably connecting an upper side of the first door to the cabinet; a second hinge mechanism for rotatably connecting a lower side of the first door to the cabinet; and a damping mechanism for providing a damping force to the first door during a closing process of the first door.

[0042] During the closing process of the first door, the damping force of the damping mechanism may be reduced before the start of operation of the filler or during the operation of the filler.

[0043] In one embodiment, the door opens when the center of rotation of the door moves, which has the advantage of increasing the opening angle of the door.

[0044] In one embodiment, the center of rotation of the door can be moved away from one side of the furniture, so that the door can be prevented from interfering with surrounding structures during the door opening process.

[0045] In one embodiment, the door can be automatically closed by an auto-closing device while increasing the opening angle of the door during the door closing process.

[0046] According to one embodiment, there is an advantage in that the door can be automatically closed during the closing process, while the impact can be mitigated by a damping mechanism when the door is closed.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the damping force of the damping mechanism can be reduced before or during the operation of the filler during the closing process of the door, thereby preventing the door from not being completely closed.

[0048] Figure 1 is a front view showing a refrigerator according to the present embodiment installed in a cabinet.

[0049] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0050] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the rear side of a door according to the present embodiment.

[0051] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the lower side of a door according to the present embodiment.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a state in which the first hinge mechanism and the damping mechanism according to the present embodiment are separated from the door.

[0053] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a damping mechanism according to the present embodiment.

[0054] Figure 7 is a plan view of a damping mechanism according to the present embodiment.

[0055] Figure 8 is a drawing schematically showing the inside of a damping mechanism according to the present embodiment.

[0056] Figure 9 is a plan view of a first hinge body according to the present embodiment.

[0057] Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the first door according to the present embodiment.

[0058] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first door and the second hinge mechanism according to the present embodiment are separated.

[0059] Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing an auto closing device and a guide member according to the present embodiment separated from the first door.

[0060] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a second hinge mechanism according to the present embodiment.

[0061] Figure 14 is a plan view of a second hinge mechanism according to the present embodiment.

[0062] FIG. 15 (a) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first hinge body and the damping mechanism when the first door according to the present embodiment is closed, and FIG. 15 (b) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the second hinge body and the auto closing device and the positional relationship between the second pin unit and the second pin slot when the first door according to the present embodiment is closed.

[0063] FIG. 16 (a) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first hinge body and the damping mechanism in a state where the first door according to the present embodiment is opened by a first angle, and FIG. 16 (b) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the second hinge body and the auto closing device and the positional relationship between the second pin unit and the second pin slot in a state where the first door according to the present embodiment is opened by a first angle.

[0064] FIG. 17 (a) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first hinge body and the damping mechanism in a state where the first door according to the present embodiment is opened to a second angle, and FIG. 17 (b) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the second hinge body and the auto closing device and the positional relationship between the second pin unit and the second pin slot in a state where the first door according to the present embodiment is opened to a second angle.

[0065] FIG. 18 (a) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first hinge body and the damping mechanism in a state where the first door according to the present embodiment is opened to a third angle, and FIG. 18 (b) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the second hinge body and the auto closing device and the positional relationship between the second pin unit and the second pin slot in a state where the first door according to the present embodiment is opened to a third angle.

[0066] FIG. 19 (a) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first hinge body and the damping mechanism in a state where the first door according to the present embodiment is opened to the fourth angle, and FIG. 19 (b) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the second hinge body and the auto closing device and the positional relationship between the second pin unit and the second pin slot in a state where the first door according to the present embodiment is opened to the fourth angle.

[0067] FIG. 20 (a) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first hinge body and the damping mechanism in a state where the first door according to the present embodiment is opened by a fifth angle, and FIG. 20 (b) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the second hinge body and the auto closing device and the positional relationship between the second pin unit and the second pin slot in a state where the first door according to the present embodiment is opened by a fifth angle.

[0068] FIG. 21 is a drawing showing the operation of the auto closing device, damping mechanism and filler according to the opening angle of the first door according to the present embodiment.

[0069] FIG. 22 is a drawing showing the operation of an auto-closing device and a damping mechanism according to the opening angle of a first door according to another embodiment.

[0070] Figure 23 is a drawing showing the contact surface of the second hinge mechanism when a filler is present and the contact surface of the second hinge mechanism when the filler is not present.

[0071] FIG. 24 is a drawing showing a first hinge mechanism and a second hinge mechanism according to another embodiment.

[0072] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components will be given the same reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known structures or functions will be omitted if they are deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0073] Additionally, in describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected, coupled, or connected to the other component, but another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

[0074] Before explaining, let's define the direction. In the embodiment of the present invention, the direction toward the front of the door as shown in FIG. 2 can be defined as forward, the direction toward the cabinet based on the front of the door as rear, the direction toward the floor surface where the refrigerator is installed as downward, and the direction away from the floor surface as upward. When discussing directions that are not defined, the direction can be defined and explained based on each drawing.

[0075] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a state in which a refrigerator according to the present embodiment is installed in a cabinet, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the refrigerator according to the present embodiment, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the rear side of a door according to the present embodiment, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the lower side of a door according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a state in which a first hinge mechanism and a damping mechanism according to the present embodiment are separated from the door.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the refrigerator (1) according to the present embodiment can be installed independently in a kitchen or installed in a form accommodated in a furniture cabinet or wall inside an indoor space (hereinafter collectively referred to as a “furniture cabinet (P)”).

[0077] When the refrigerator (1) is installed in the above-mentioned furniture (P), the refrigerator (1) may be installed alone or arranged left and right together with other refrigerators.

[0078] The above refrigerator (1) may include a cabinet (10) having a storage space. The above refrigerator (1) may further include a door (20) for opening and closing the storage space.

[0079] The above storage space is not limited, but may be divided into a first space (11) on the upper side and a second space (12) on the lower side. The door (20) may also include a first door (21) that opens and closes the first space (11) and a second door (22) that opens and closes the second space (12).

[0080] The first space may be a refrigerator, and the second space may be a freezer, or vice versa. Alternatively, the storage space may include a first space and a second space divided into left and right sides. Alternatively, the storage space may be a single space, with a single door opening and closing the storage space.

[0081] At least one of the first door (21) and the second door (22) may be a rotary door. Alternatively, a single door (20) may be a rotary door. Hereinafter, the rotary door (20), as an example, the first door (21), will be described. The following contents may also be applied to the second door (22).

[0082] In the present embodiment, the first door (21) can be rotatably connected to the cabinet (10) by a first hinge mechanism (30) and a second hinge mechanism (40).

[0083] When the first door (21) is composed of doors on both left and right sides, each door can be rotatably connected to the cabinet (10) by the first hinge mechanism (30) and the second hinge mechanism (40). At this time, the first hinge mechanism (30) and the second hinge mechanism (40) connected to the left door, and the first hinge mechanism (30) and the second hinge mechanism (40) connected to the right door can be arranged symmetrically. Even when the first door (21) is composed of doors on both left and right sides, the doors on both left and right sides can be named as the first door and the second door.

[0084] The first hinge mechanism (30) may be connected to the upper side of the first door (21). The second hinge mechanism (40) may be connected to the lower side of the first door (21). The first hinge mechanism (30) may be referred to as an upper hinge mechanism. The second hinge mechanism (40) may be referred to as a lower hinge mechanism.

[0085] When the refrigerator (1) is installed in a cabinet (P), the smaller the gap between the refrigerator (1) and the wall of the cabinet (P), the greater the sense of unity between the refrigerator (1) and the cabinet (P). In this case, since the gap between the first door (21) and the cabinet (P) is small, the first door (21) should not interfere with the cabinet (P) or surrounding structures during the opening process.

[0086] In this embodiment, the opening angle of the first door (21) can be increased without interfering with the furniture (P) by the first hinge mechanism (30) and the second hinge mechanism (40).

[0087] For example, the first hinge mechanism (30) and the second hinge mechanism (40) can cause the center of rotation of the first door (21) to move in at least a portion of the entire open section of the first door (21).

[0088] Meanwhile, the first door (21) may further include a panel assembly (270). The panel assembly (270) may enable the interior of the storage space to be visible when the lighting unit is turned on while the first door (21) is closed. The panel assembly (270) may include a plurality of panels made of glass. Depending on the type of the first door (21), the panel assembly (270) may not be provided.

[0089] The first door (21) may further include a filler (280). The filler (280) may be rotatably provided on the first door (21). In the case of doors on both the left and right sides, the filler (280) may be rotatably provided on one door.

[0090] The above filler (280) can prevent cold air from leaking from the storage space between a pair of first doors (21) arranged left and right. The filler (280) can rotate in the direction in which the filler (280) unfolds by interacting with a guide mechanism (not shown) provided in the cabinet (10) during the process of closing the first door (21). The operation of moving the filler (280) in the direction in which it unfolds can be described as an operation of moving the filler (280) to a cold air blocking position.

[0091] On the other hand, the filler (280) can rotate in the folding direction by interacting with the guide mechanism provided in the cabinet (10) during the process of opening the first door (21). Since the structure of the filler (280) itself can be implemented by a known technology, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0092] Hereinafter, the first hinge mechanism (30) and the second hinge mechanism (40) will be described in detail.

[0093] The first hinge mechanism (30) may include a first hinge body (310). The first hinge body (310) may be coupled to the top or front surface of the cabinet (10).

[0094] A part of the first hinge body (310) may overlap the upper side of the first door (21) in the vertical direction.

[0095] The first door (21) may include a hinge mounting portion (210). The hinge mounting portion (210) may be formed by one side of the first door (21) being sunken toward the other side. Alternatively, the hinge mounting portion (210) may be formed by the rear side of the first door (21) being sunken forward. A portion of the first hinge body (310) may be positioned in the hinge mounting portion (210).

[0096] The first door (21) may further include a door frame (220) coupled with the panel assembly (270). The hinge mounting portion (210) may be provided on the door frame (220), for example. The hinge mounting portion (210) may be formed at a position spaced downward from the upper surface of the door frame (220).

[0097] The first door (21) may further include a door liner (225) connected to the door frame (220). The filler (280) may be rotatably connected to the door liner (225).

[0098] The above first hinge mechanism (30) may further include a first pin unit (320).

[0099] The first pin unit (320) may include a first pin (321) and a second pin (322). The first pin (321) and the second pin (322) may be spaced apart from the first hinge body (310).

[0100] At least one of the first pin (321) and the second pin (322) may be coupled to the first hinge body (310). Alternatively, at least one of the first pin (321) and the second pin (322) may be formed integrally with the first hinge body (310).

[0101] The first pin (321) may be formed in a cylindrical shape or may be formed in a non-cylindrical shape and include a round surface. The second pin (322) may be formed in a cylindrical shape or may be formed in a non-cylindrical shape and include a round surface.

[0102] The first pin (321) and the second pin (322) may, for example, extend from the first hinge body (310) toward the first door (21). The first pin (321) and the second pin (322) may extend downward from the first hinge body (310).

[0103] The first hinge mechanism (30) may further include a first pin slot (232). For example, the first pin slot (232) may be located in the first door (21). The first pin unit (320) may be accommodated in the first pin slot (232).

[0104] The first pin slot (232) may be formed by the bottom surface (211) (or one surface) of the hinge mounting portion (210) being sunken. Alternatively, the first guide member (230) coupled to the first door (21) may form the first pin slot (232). In this case, a receiving groove (212) for receiving the first guide member (230) may be formed in the bottom surface (211) of the hinge mounting portion (210).

[0105] The first door (21) can be opened while the first pin (321) and the second pin (322) are accommodated in the first pin slot (232). The rotation center of the first door (21) can be moved depending on the shape of the first pin slot (232). Depending on the shape of the first pin slot (232), the rotation center can move continuously or stepwise.

[0106] The refrigerator (1) may further include a damping mechanism (50). The damping mechanism (50) may provide a damping force to the first door (21) during the closing process of the first door (21), thereby reducing the closing speed of the first door (21). The damping mechanism (50) may be referred to as a hydraulic damper or an oil damper, since the damping force is applied by resistance during the flow of oil inside.

[0107] In this embodiment, the damping mechanism (50) may be installed, for example, in the first door (21).

[0108] On the other side forming the hinge mounting portion (210), a receiving portion (213) in which the damping mechanism (50) is received may be formed.

[0109] When the damping mechanism (50) is accommodated in the receiving portion (213), a portion of the damping mechanism (50) may be exposed to the hinge mounting portion (210) or may protrude from the hinge mounting portion (210).

[0110] The above damping mechanism (50) can act with the first hinge body (310) during the opening and closing process of the first door (21).

[0111] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a damping mechanism according to the present embodiment, Fig. 7 is a plan view of a damping mechanism according to the present embodiment, and Fig. 8 is a drawing schematically showing the inside of a damping mechanism according to the present embodiment.

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the damping mechanism (50) may include a housing (510). The housing (510) may form the outer shape of the damping mechanism (50).

[0113] In the above housing (510), a receiving space (511) with one side open can be formed.

[0114] The above damping mechanism (50) may further include a cylinder (530) accommodated inside the accommodation space (511).

[0115] The housing (510) has one end opened so that the cylinder (530) can be inserted, and the cylinder (530) can protrude through the opened end of the housing (510).

[0116] The housing (510) may include a guide slot (512) for guiding the movement of the cylinder (530). A guide protrusion (534) accommodated in the guide slot (512) may be provided on the outside of the cylinder (530). By the guide protrusion (534) and the guide slot (512), the linear movement of the cylinder (530) may be facilitated, while the rotation of the cylinder (530) may be restricted. As another example, the housing (510) may include a guide protrusion, and the cylinder (530) may include a guide slot.

[0117] A fixing protrusion (515) may be provided on the outside of the housing (510) to fix the housing (510) to the first door (21). For example, the fixing protrusion (515) may be arranged on the upper surface of the housing (510), but the position of the fixing protrusion (515) is not limited thereto. The fixing protrusion (515) may include an inclined surface. The inclined surface may be inclined downward as it moves away from a contact portion (532) to be described later.

[0118] The housing (510) may further include the coupling portion (516). A coupling hole (517) for fastening a screw may be formed in the coupling portion (516).

[0119] The above cylinder (530) may include a contact portion (532) that can come into contact with the first hinge body (310).

[0120] The above contact portion (530) may be formed in a shape in which the central portion protrudes and the ends become lower. Accordingly, the protruding central portion of the contact portion (532) may come into contact with the contact surface of the first hinge body (310) described later, and a force may be applied in a direction intersecting the tangent line of the contact surface, i.e., in the insertion direction of the cylinder (530). When the cylinder (530) is formed in a shape in which both ends are lowered based on the central portion, unnecessary interference with points other than one point of the contact surface can be prevented during the process in which the damping mechanism (50) rotates together with the first door (21).

[0121] The above contact portion (532) may include a round surface (532a).

[0122] One end (e.g., a contact portion) of the cylinder (530) may be exposed to the outside of the housing (510), and the other end may be maintained in a state inserted into the interior of the receiving space (511).

[0123] When the cylinder (530) is pressurized, the cylinder (530) can be inserted while being cushioned by the flow of oil inside the damping mechanism (50).

[0124] A buffer space (540) with one end open may be formed inside the cylinder (530). A piston (520) may be movably positioned within the buffer space (540). The open end of the cylinder (530) may be shielded by a sealing member.

[0125] The piston (520) may be supported by an elastic member (545) within the buffer space (540). The buffer space (540) may be filled with oil for damping. A rod (522) is connected to the piston (520), and the rod (522) may extend outside the cylinder (530) and be fixed within the housing (510).

[0126] The state of Fig. 7 is when the cylinder (530) is in the most protruding state, and when the end of the cylinder (530) (the contact portion is located on the left side of the drawing) is pressed in this state, the cylinder (530) can be inserted into the housing (510) while moving to the right (as seen in Fig. 7). At this time, the cylinder (530) moves along the rod (522), and the piston (520) can move relatively to the left (as seen in Fig. 7) within the buffer space (540).

[0127] In this embodiment, the damping force of the damping mechanism (50) can be varied during the closing process of the first door (21).

[0128] The cylinder (530) may include a first portion (541). The cylinder (530) may further include a second portion (542) having an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the first portion (541).

[0129] The damping force generated when the piston (520) moves within the first part (541) may be referred to as the first damping force. The first damping force may be generated when the first door (21) closes below the first reference angle.

[0130] When the piston (520) moves within the first part (541), the oil within the buffer space (540) can move to the right space of the piston (520) along the orifice formed in the piston (520).

[0131] The oil within the buffer space (540) flows at a constant flow rate along the orifice, thereby providing a constant oil resistance. This oil resistance acts as a first damping force. The first damping force may be constant or variable.

[0132] The damping force generated when the piston (520) moves within the second portion (542) may be referred to as the second damping force. The second damping force may be smaller than the first damping force. The second damping force may be generated when the first door (21) closes at a second reference angle or less, which is smaller than the first reference angle.

[0133] When the piston (520) moves within the second portion (542), a portion of the oil (first oil amount) within the buffer space (540) can move to the right space of the piston (520) along the space between the inner surface of the second portion (542) and the piston (520). Another portion of the oil (second oil amount) within the buffer space (540) can move to the right space of the piston (520) through the orifice. The first oil amount can be greater than the second oil amount.

[0134] Oil resistance may occur during the process in which the oil passes through the orifice. Since the first oil amount is greater than the second oil amount, the second damping force is less than the first damping force.

[0135] The second portion (542) may include a first section (542a) extending obliquely from the first portion (541), and a second section (542b) extending from the first section (542a). The inner diameter of the second section (542b) may be equal to or greater than the maximum inner diameter of the first section (542a). The inner diameter of the second section (542b) may be constant in the longitudinal direction, or may increase as it moves away from the first section (542a).

[0136] When the piston (520) is positioned inside the second part (542), the second damping force can be varied by the diameter difference between the first section (542a) and the second section (542b). For example, the second damping force can be reduced during the closing process of the first door (21).

[0137] The reduced second damping force may be constant until the first door (21) is completely closed. At this time, the reduced second damping force may be 0 or a minimum damping force greater than 0.

[0138] When the cylinder (530) is moved in the insertion direction, the elastic member (545) can be compressed. When the external force applied to the cylinder (530) is removed, the cylinder (530) returns to its original position due to the elasticity of the elastic member (545), and the oil located in the space to the right of the piston (520) can flow back toward the buffer space (540).

[0139] The structure of at least one of the housing (510), cylinder (530), piston (520), and rod (522) constituting the damping mechanism (50) may have various other structures in addition to the present embodiment. That is, the oil damping structure for cushioning the cylinder (530) that comes into contact with the contact surface of the first hinge body (310) may be applied in various ways.

[0140] Fig. 8 (a) is a perspective view showing a state in which a damping mechanism according to the present embodiment is coupled to a first door, and Fig. 8 (b) is a plan view showing a state in which a damping mechanism according to the present embodiment is coupled to a first door.

[0141] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, a protrusion slot (214) for receiving the fixed protrusion (515) may be formed in the first door (21) during the process of mounting the damping mechanism (50). The protrusion slot (214) may be in communication with the receiving portion (213).

[0142] The first door (21) may include a wall (215) forming the receiving portion (213). The wall (215) may surround a portion of the perimeter of the damping mechanism (50).

[0143] The first door (21) may be provided with a space (218) capable of accommodating a component. The space (218) may be formed, for example, by a portion of the upper surface of the door frame (220) being sunken downward. The receiving portion (213) may be in communication with the space (218).

[0144] In the process of inserting the damping mechanism (50) into the receiving portion (213), the fixed protrusion (515) can be moved along the protrusion slot (214), and when the fixed protrusion (515) is moved to a position where it comes into contact with one end of the wall (215), the movement of the damping mechanism (50) can be restricted.

[0145] In this state, since the fastening portion (516) is exposed to the space portion (218), a screw can penetrate the fastening portion (516) and be fastened to the door frame (220). After the damping mechanism (50) is assembled, the space portion (218) can be covered by a separate cover member.

[0146] Figure 9 is a plan view of a first hinge body according to the present embodiment.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 9, the first hinge body (310) of the present embodiment may include a first member (311) coupled to the cabinet (10).

[0148] The first hinge body (310) may further include a second member (312) at least a portion of which is positioned on the hinge mounting portion (210).

[0149] The first pin (321) and the second pin (322) may be provided in the second member (312).

[0150] The first member (311) and the second member (312) may be connected by a third member (313). The first member (311) and the second member (312) may be positioned at different heights, and the third member (313) may be inclined. As another example, it is also possible for a single member with the same height to form the first hinge body (310).

[0151] The above first hinge body (310) may include a contact surface (314) for contacting the contact portion (532) of the damping mechanism (50).

[0152] The above contact surface (314) may include a first contact surface (314a) and a second contact surface (314b) inclined with the first contact surface (314a).

[0153] The second contact surface (314b) may extend from the first contact surface (314a) in a direction away from the first member (311) or the cabinet (10). The second contact surface (314b) may extend from the first contact surface (314a) in a direction closer to the first pin (321) or the second pin (322).

[0154] The second member (312) may include the contact surface (314).

[0155] The second member (312) may further include a pin coupling portion (316) to which the first pin (321) and the second pin (322) are coupled. The contact surface (314) may be positioned closer to the damping mechanism (50) than the pin coupling portion (316).

[0156] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the first door according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the first door and the second hinge mechanism according to the present embodiment in a separated state.

[0157] Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing an auto closing device and a guide member according to the present embodiment separated from the first door, and Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a second hinge mechanism according to the present embodiment. Fig. 14 is a plan view of the second hinge mechanism according to the present embodiment.

[0158] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 14, the second hinge mechanism (40) according to the present embodiment may include a second hinge body (410). The second hinge body (410) may be coupled to the front or bottom of the cabinet (10).

[0159] A portion of the second hinge body (410) may overlap the lower side of the first door (21) in the vertical direction. The second hinge body (410) may support the load of the first door (21).

[0160] The second hinge body (410) may include, for example, a coupling portion (411) coupled to the cabinet (10) and an extension portion (412) extending from the coupling portion (411). One or more coupling holes (411a) into which a coupling member is coupled may be formed in the coupling portion (411).

[0161] The above second hinge mechanism (40) may further include a second pin unit (420).

[0162] The second pin unit (420) may, for example, extend from the second hinge body (410) toward the first door (21). The second pin unit (420) may extend upward from the extension portion (412).

[0163] The above second pin unit (420) may include a first hinge pin (421) and a second hinge pin (422).

[0164] The first hinge pin (421) and the second hinge pin (422) may be formed integrally with the extension (412) or may be coupled to the extension (412).

[0165] When the first hinge pin (421) and the second hinge pin (422) are coupled to the extension (412), for example, a portion of each of the first hinge pin (421) and the second hinge pin (422) can be pressed into a hole formed in the extension (412).

[0166] The first hinge pin (421) may include a flange (423) that contacts the extension (412) and a first pin (421a) extending from the flange (423).

[0167] The second hinge pin (422) may include a flange (423) that contacts the extension (412) and a second pin (422a) that extends from the flange (423). The flange of the first hinge pin may be referred to as a first flange, and the flange of the second hinge pin may be referred to as a second flange.

[0168] The first pin (421a) of the second hinge mechanism (40) can be aligned vertically with the first pin (321) of the first hinge mechanism (30). The second pin (422a) of the second hinge mechanism (40) can be aligned vertically with the second pin (322) of the first hinge mechanism (30).

[0169] The diameter of the flange (423) may be larger than the diameter of the first pin (421a) and the diameter of the second pin (422a). Accordingly, the downward movement of each hinge pin (421, 422) may be restricted by the flange (423).

[0170] The first pin (421a) and the second pin (422a) can be inserted into the lower side of the first door (21) to enable rotation of the first door (21).

[0171] Each of the first and second hinge pins (421, 422) may further include a third pin (424) for rotation of the second door (22). The third pin (424) may extend downward from the flange (423). Of course, it is also possible for the third pin (424) to be omitted and for the second door (22) to be configured to be rotatable by a hinge pin separate from each of the hinge pins (421, 422).

[0172] The second hinge mechanism (40) may further include a second pin slot (252). The second pin slot (252) may be located, for example, in the first door (21). The second pin unit (420) may be accommodated in the second pin slot (252).

[0173] The second pin slot (252) may be provided on the lower side of the first door (21). The second pin slot (252) may be formed as the lower surface of the first door (21) is sunken upward. Alternatively, the second pin slot (252) may be formed by a second guide member (250). The second guide member (250) may be coupled to the lower side of the first door (21). For example, the second guide member (250) may be coupled to the lower surface (221) of the door frame (220). When the second guide member (250) is coupled to the door frame (220), a receiving groove may be formed in the door frame (220) to receive the second guide member (250).

[0174] The second pin slot (252) may be formed to be symmetrical in the same shape as the first pin slot (232).

[0175] Meanwhile, the refrigerator (1) may further include an auto-closing device (60) that provides closing force to the first door (21) during the process of opening and closing the first door (21).

[0176] In Fig. 11, as an example, the second hinge body (410) is shown supporting the lower side of the first door (21), and the auto closing device (60) is installed on the lower side of the first door (21). The door frame (220) may include a shielding member (221) to reduce external exposure of the auto closing device (60).

[0177] At this time, it should be noted that there is no limitation on the position of the auto-closing device (60). For example, the auto-closing device (60) may be positioned above the first door (21). In this case, the damping mechanism (50) may be positioned below the first door (21).

[0178] The above auto closing device (60) can provide closing force to the first door (21) while interacting with the second hinge body (410) during the process of closing the first door (21).

[0179] The auto closing device (60) may partially protrude downward from the lower surface of the first door (21) to interact with the second hinge body (410).

[0180] The above auto closing device (60) may include a body (610) installed in the first door (21). The body (610) may be inserted into the first door (21).

[0181] The auto closing device (60) may further include a lever (620) movably installed on the body (610). For example, the lever (620) may be rotatable with respect to the body (610) with respect to a center of rotation (A1). The lever (620) may be movably connected to the body (610) while being elastically supported. For example, the auto closing device (60) may further include an elastic member for elastically supporting the lever (620). The elastic member may be, for example, a torsion spring.

[0182] The above lever (620) may further include a contact portion (622) for contacting the second hinge body (410). The contact portion (622) may be, for example, a rotatable roller or a member whose shape can be changed.

[0183] When the first door (21) is closed while the elastic member connected to the lever (620) has accumulated elastic force, the elastic force acts as a closing force of the first door (21), so that the first door (21) can be automatically closed.

[0184] The second hinge body (410) may further include a contact surface (413) that contacts the contact portion (622) of the lever (620). The contact surface (413) may be one surface of the extension portion (412) or one surface of a member coupled to the extension portion (412).

[0185] The above contact surface (413) may include a first contact surface (414). The first contact surface (414) may be the surface that the lever (620) first comes into contact with when the first door (21) is closed after the first door (21) is opened.

[0186] When the first door (21) is opened at a set angle or more, the lever (620) does not come into contact with the first contact surface (414). When the first door (21) is closed at an angle smaller than the set angle, the lever (620) may come into contact with the first contact surface (414).

[0187] The first contact surface (414) may be inclined in a direction away from the second pin unit (420) as it gets closer to the front of the cabinet (10) or the coupling portion (411).

[0188] The above contact surface (413) may further include a second contact surface (415) extending from the first contact surface (414). The second contact surface (415) may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the first contact surface (415).

[0189] The second contact surface (415) may be inclined in a direction that gets closer to the second pin unit (420) as it gets closer to the front surface of the cabinet (10) or the coupling portion (411).

[0190] When the first door (21) is closed, the lever (620) moves along the second contact surface (415) to provide closing force to the first door (21), so that the first door (21) can be automatically closed.

[0191] The above contact surface (413) may further include a third contact surface (416) extending from the second contact surface (415). The third contact surface (416) may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the second contact surface (415).

[0192] At least one of the second contact surface (415) and the third contact surface (416) may include a round surface.

[0193] The third contact surface (416) may extend from the second contact surface (415) in a direction approaching the second pin unit (420).

[0194] The second hinge body (410) may further include a receiving groove (417) for receiving a portion of the lever (620) or reducing interference with the lever (620) when the lever (620) is in contact with the third contact surface (416).

[0195] FIG. 15 (a) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first hinge body and the damping mechanism when the first door according to the present embodiment is closed, and FIG. 15 (b) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the second hinge body and the auto closing device and the positional relationship between the second pin unit and the second pin slot when the first door according to the present embodiment is closed.

[0196] FIG. 16 (a) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first hinge body and the damping mechanism in a state where the first door according to the present embodiment is opened by a first angle, and FIG. 16 (b) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the second hinge body and the auto closing device and the positional relationship between the second pin unit and the second pin slot in a state where the first door according to the present embodiment is opened by a first angle.

[0197] FIG. 17 (a) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first hinge body and the damping mechanism in a state where the first door according to the present embodiment is opened to a second angle, and FIG. 17 (b) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the second hinge body and the auto closing device and the positional relationship between the second pin unit and the second pin slot in a state where the first door according to the present embodiment is opened to a second angle.

[0198] FIG. 18 (a) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first hinge body and the damping mechanism in a state where the first door according to the present embodiment is opened to a third angle, and FIG. 18 (b) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the second hinge body and the auto closing device and the positional relationship between the second pin unit and the second pin slot in a state where the first door according to the present embodiment is opened to a third angle.

[0199] FIG. 19 (a) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first hinge body and the damping mechanism in a state where the first door according to the present embodiment is opened to the fourth angle, and FIG. 19 (b) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the second hinge body and the auto closing device and the positional relationship between the second pin unit and the second pin slot in a state where the first door according to the present embodiment is opened to the fourth angle.

[0200] FIG. 20 (a) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the first hinge body and the damping mechanism in a state where the first door according to the present embodiment is opened by a fifth angle, and FIG. 20 (b) is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the second hinge body and the auto closing device and the positional relationship between the second pin unit and the second pin slot in a state where the first door according to the present embodiment is opened by a fifth angle.

[0201] FIG. 21 is a drawing showing the operation of the auto closing device, damping mechanism, and filler according to the opening angle of the first door according to the present embodiment.

[0202] In each of FIGS. 15 to 20, (a) is a drawing showing the first door viewed from the upper side of the first door, and (b) is a drawing showing the first door viewed from the lower side of the first door, with the first door omitted.

[0203] It should be noted that the description of the second pin unit and the second pin slot below can be equally applied to the first pin unit and the first pin slot.

[0204] Referring to FIGS. 15 to 21, in the present embodiment, the second pin slot (252) may be formed in a curved shape. The curvature of the second pin slot (252) may be variable. The curvature of the second pin slot (252) may be continuously variable or stepwise variable.

[0205] When the curvature of the second pin slot (252) is changed stepwise, the second pin slot (252) may include a plurality of distinct passes (261, 262, 263, 264, 265). That is, the second pin slot (252) may include a plurality of passes (261, 262, 263, 264, 265) that extend in different directions or have different curvatures.

[0206] The length of some of the above multiple passes (261, 262, 263, 264, 265) may be different from the length of others. Although not limited, the length of the first pass (261) may be maximum, and the length of the third pass (263) may be minimum.

[0207] Referring to (a) of Fig. 15, when the first door (21) is closed, the contact portion (532) of the damping mechanism (50) contacts the first contact surface (314a) of the first hinge body (310).

[0208] When the contact portion (532) of the damping mechanism (50) is in contact with the first contact surface (314a) of the first hinge body (310), the stroke of the cylinder (530) may be at a minimum. In the present embodiment, the cylinder (530) can move between a first position having a minimum stroke and a second position having a maximum stroke. The position having a minimum stroke may be a position at which the protrusion length of the cylinder (530) in the housing (510) is at a minimum. The position at which the stroke is at a maximum stroke may be a position at which the protrusion length of the cylinder (530) in the housing (510) is at a maximum. In the opening process of the first door (21), the cylinder (530) can move from the first position to the second position. In the closing process of the first door (21), the cylinder (530) can move from the second position to the first position.

[0209] When the first door (21) is closed, the unfolding angle of the filler (280) may be maximum. Alternatively, the folding angle of the filler (280) may be minimum. For example, in (a) of FIG. 15, the folding angle of the filler (280) may be 0 degrees.

[0210] In this embodiment, the state in which the folding angle of the filler (280) is minimum may be a state in which the gap between a pair of first doors (21) in which the filler (280) is arranged left and right is blocked by the filler (280).

[0211] Referring to (b) of FIG. 15, the first pin (421a) may be positioned in the first pass (261), and the second pin (422a) may be positioned in the second pass (262).

[0212] When the first door (21) is closed, the contact portion (622) of the lever (620) can contact the third contact surface (416). When the first door (21) is closed, the rotation angle of the lever (620) with respect to the front of the first door (21) can be greater than 0 degrees. In this case, the elastic force of the elastic member is applied to the lever (620), so that the first door (21) can be maintained in a closed state. That is, even when the first door (21) is closed, a closing force can be applied to the first door (21).

[0213] Meanwhile, when the center of rotation of the first door (21) is positioned at the corners of the side and front of the first door (21) where interference with the furniture (P) is expected first when the first door (21) starts to open, interference between the first door (21) and the furniture (P) can be prevented.

[0214] Accordingly, the center of rotation of the first door (21) at the moment when the opening of the first door (21) begins can be positioned adjacent to the front and side edges of the first door (21).

[0215] Meanwhile, when the user performs an opening operation of the first door (21), the first door (21) may start to open as it moves forward and to one side in the direction of the first pass (261).

[0216] Since the first pin (421a) and the second pin (422a) are positioned in the first pass (261) and the second pass (262) extending in different directions, the opening operation of the first door (21) is accurately performed while the rotational force is transmitted by the rotation operation without the first door (21) being twisted or slipping.

[0217] When the second pin (422a) moves in the second pass (262), the first door (21) can rotate while moving slightly forward and to one side, and thus, the separation of the gasket adhered to the front of the cabinet (10) can be made more easily. That is, interference by the gasket adhered to the cabinet (10) when the first door (21) rotates can be prevented, and the subsequent rotational motion of the first door (21) can be made more smoothly.

[0218] Referring to (a) of FIG. 16, when the first door (21) is rotated by a first angle, the contact portion (532) of the damping mechanism (50) may contact the second contact surface (314b) of the first hinge body (310) or the boundary between the first contact surface (314a) and the second contact surface (314b).

[0219] When the first door (21) is rotated by a first angle, the protruding length of the cylinder (530) may be greater than the protruding length of the cylinder (530) when the first door (21) is closed. For example, when the first door (21) is opened, the protruding length of the cylinder (530) may increase due to the elastic force of the elastic member (545).

[0220] When the first door (21) is rotated by the first angle, the folding angle of the filler (280) may be the first folding angle.

[0221] Referring to (b) of FIG. 16, when the first door (21) is rotated by a first angle, the contact portion (622) of the lever (620) can be positioned at the boundary between the second contact surface (415) and the third contact surface (416). In a state where the first door (21) is rotated by the first angle, the first pin (421a) can be positioned at the first pass (261), and the second pin (422a) can be positioned at the second pass (262).

[0222] Referring to (a) of FIG. 17, when the first door (21) is rotated by a second angle greater than the first angle, the contact portion (532) of the damping mechanism (50) can contact the second contact surface (314b) of the first hinge body (310).

[0223] The protruding length of the cylinder (530) when the first door (21) is rotated by the second angle may be equal to or greater than the protruding length of the cylinder (530) when the first door (21) is rotated by the first angle.

[0224] In a state where the first door (21) is rotated by a first angle, the folding angle of the filler (280) may be a second folding angle greater than the first folding angle. For example, the second folding angle may be a maximum folding angle. In a state where the filler (280) is folded at the second folding angle, the filler (280) may come into contact with one surface of the door liner (225).

[0225] Referring to (b) of FIG. 17, when the first door (21) is rotated by a second angle greater than the first angle, the contact portion (622) of the lever (620) can come into contact with the second contact surface (415). In a state where the first door (21) is rotated by the second angle, the first pin (421a) may be positioned in the first pass (261), and the second pin (422a) may be positioned in the second pass (262) or at a boundary between the second pass (262) and the third pass (263).

[0226] Referring to (a) of FIG. 18, when the first door (21) is rotated by a third angle greater than the second angle, the contact portion (532) of the damping mechanism (50) can contact the second contact surface (314b) of the first hinge body (310).

[0227] The protrusion length of the cylinder (530) when the first door (21) is rotated by the third angle may be greater than the protrusion length of the cylinder (530) when the first door (21) is rotated by the second angle. That is, since the first contact surface (314a) is inclined with respect to the second contact surface (314b), the external force applied to the cylinder (530) during the opening of the first door (21) is reduced, and thus the protrusion length of the cylinder (530) may be increased.

[0228] When the first door (21) is rotated by a third angle, the folding angle of the filler (280) can be maintained at the second folding angle.

[0229] Referring to (b) of FIG. 18, when the first door (21) is rotated by a third angle greater than the second angle, the contact portion (622) of the lever (620) can come into contact with the second contact surface (415). In a state where the first door (21) is rotated by the third angle, the first pin (421a) can be positioned at the first pass (261), and the second pin (422a) can be positioned at the third pass (263).

[0230] Referring to (a) of FIG. 19, when the first door (21) is rotated by a fourth angle greater than the third angle, the contact portion (532) of the damping mechanism (50) can contact the second contact surface (314b) of the first hinge body (310).

[0231] When the first door (21) is rotated by the fourth angle, the protrusion length of the cylinder (530) may be greater than the protrusion length of the cylinder (530) when the first door (21) is rotated by the third angle. For example, when the first door (21) is rotated by the fourth angle, the protrusion length of the cylinder (530) may be maximum. That is, when the first door (21) is rotated by the fourth angle, the cylinder (530) may be positioned at the second position.

[0232] When the first door (21) is rotated by the fourth angle, the folding angle of the filler (280) can be maintained at the second folding angle.

[0233] Referring to (b) of FIG. 19, when the first door (21) is rotated by a fourth angle greater than the third angle, the contact portion (622) of the lever (620) can come into contact with the second contact surface (415). In a state where the first door (21) is rotated by the fourth angle, the first pin (421a) can be positioned at the first pass (261), and the second pin (422a) can be positioned at the third pass (262).

[0234] Referring to (a) of FIG. 20, when the first door (21) is rotated by a fifth angle (reference angle) greater than the fourth angle, the contact portion (532) of the damping mechanism (50) may be spaced apart from the second contact surface (314b) of the first hinge body (310).

[0235] When the first door (21) is rotated by a fifth angle or more, the external force applied to the cylinder (530) can be removed. Therefore, when the first door (21) is rotated by a fifth angle or more, the cylinder (532) can be maintained in the state of being positioned at the second position.

[0236] When the first door (21) is rotated by the fifth angle, the folding angle of the filler (280) can be maintained at the second folding angle.

[0237] Referring to (b) of FIG. 20, when the first door (21) is rotated by a fifth angle greater than the fourth angle, the contact portion (622) of the lever (620) may be positioned at the boundary between the first contact surface (414) and the second contact surface (415). When the first door (21) is rotated by the fifth angle, the rotation angle of the lever (620) with respect to the front surface of the first door (21) may be maximum. That is, the rotation angle of the lever (620) with respect to the front surface of the first door (21) may increase until the first door (21) is rotated by the fifth angle in a closed state.

[0238] In a state where the first door (21) is rotated by a fifth angle, the first pin (421a) can be positioned adjacent to the second pass (262) in the first pass (261), and the second pin (422a) can be positioned in the third pass (262).

[0239] When the first door (21) is further opened at an angle greater than the fifth angle, the first pin (421a) can be moved to the second pass (262) and the second pin (422a) can be moved to the fourth pass (264).

[0240] When the first door (21) is further opened, the first pin (421a) can be moved along the third pass (263) and the second pin (422a) can be moved along the fourth pass (264).

[0241] When the first door (21) is further opened, the first pin (421a) can be moved to the fourth pass (264) and the second pin (422a) can be moved to the fifth pass (265).

[0242] When the first door (21) is opened to the maximum opening angle, the angle between the front of the cabinet (10) and the rear of the door can be approximately 110°. At this time, the first pin (421a) can be moved along the fourth pass (264), and the second pin (422a) can be moved to the end of the fifth pass (265). Since the centers of curvature of each of the plurality of passes are different, the center of rotation of the first door (21) moves during the opening process of the first door (21), so that the opening angle of the first door (21) can be secured without interfering with the furniture.

[0243] Next, the process of closing the first door (21) will be described.

[0244] Referring to FIG. 21, when the first door (21) is closed, if the first door (21) is closed by a sixth angle greater than the fifth angle (A3), the lever (620) can come into contact with the first contact surface (414) of the second hinge body (410).

[0245] When the first door (21) is additionally closed while the lever (620) is in the first contact surface (414), the rotation angle of the lever (620) with respect to the front of the first door (21) can increase.

[0246] Then, when the first door (21) is closed by the fifth angle (A3), the contact portion (622) of the lever (620) may be positioned at the boundary between the first contact surface (414) and the second contact surface (415). When the closing angle of the first door (21) is reduced to less than the fifth angle (A3), the rotation angle of the lever (620) with respect to the front of the first door (21) is reduced, so that a closing force may be applied to the first door (21).

[0247] In the section where the closing force of the above auto closing device (60) is applied to the first door (21), the first door (21) can be automatically closed by the closing force.

[0248] In the process of the closing force of the auto closing device (60) being applied to the first door (21), when the closing angle of the first door (21) becomes the fourth angle (A2), the contact portion (532) of the damping mechanism (50) can come into contact with the second contact surface (314b) of the first hinge body (310).

[0249] When the closing angle of the first door (21) becomes smaller than the fourth angle (A2), the cylinder (530) is pressed by the second contact surface (314b), and the damping force of the damping mechanism (50) can be applied to the first door (21). The damping force can act as a resistance force during the closing process of the first door (21).

[0250] When the above damping force begins to act, the piston (520) can be positioned within the first part (541).

[0251] In the process where the closing force of the auto closing device (60) is applied to the first door (21), if the damping force is applied to the first door (21), the closing speed of the first door (21) may be reduced.

[0252] Since the above closing force is greater than the above damping force, the first door (21) can be closed even when the above damping force is applied.

[0253] During the process of closing the first door (21), when the closing angle of the first door (21) reaches the first angle or the closing angle of the first door (21) reaches an angle that is greater than the second angle and less than the first angle, the operation of the filler (280) may begin.

[0254] That is, the filler (280) can be opened at an angle where the closing angle of the first door (21) is the same as or similar to the first angle. During the process of opening the filler (280), it can act as a resistance force toward the first door (21). At this time, if the resistance force due to the operation of the filler (280) and the resistance force due to the damping force act together toward the first door (21), there may be a possibility that the first door (21) may not be completely closed.

[0255] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the damping force of the damping mechanism (50) can be reduced or minimized before the filler (280) operates so that the first door (21) can be completely closed.

[0256] For example, the damping force may be reduced when the closing angle of the first door (21) is greater than the first angle, and when the closing angle of the first door (21) reaches the limit angle (A1), the damping force of the damping mechanism (50) may be minimized. The minimum value of the damping force may be 0 or a value greater than 0.

[0257] Alternatively, the damping force of the damping mechanism (50) may be reduced while the filler (280) is operating.

[0258] Although not limited, the piston (520) may move into the second portion (542) at an angle where the closing angle of the first door (21) is less than the second angle. For example, the piston (520) may be positioned within the second portion (542) before the closing angle of the first door (21) reaches the first angle.

[0259] The limit angle (A1) of the first door (21) may be greater than the closing angle of the first door (21) when the filler (280) starts operating.

[0260] When the closing angle of the first door (21) becomes smaller than the limit angle (A1), the filler (280) rotates by interacting with the guide mechanism, and the first door (21) can be fully operated by the closing force. The closing force may be greater than the resistance generated during the rotation of the filler (280).

[0261] FIG. 22 is a drawing showing the operation of an auto-closing device and a damping mechanism according to the opening angle of a first door according to another embodiment.

[0262] Unlike Fig. 21, it is also possible for the refrigerator to not include a filler. In this case, the resistance resulting from the unfolding motion of the filler (280) need not be considered.

[0263] Additionally, in this case, the cylinder (540) does not have to include two parts with different diameters. Alternatively, even if the cylinder (540) includes at least two parts with different diameters, the section over which the damping force acts can be increased.

[0264] Referring to FIG. 21, when the first door (21) is closed, if the first door (21) is closed by a sixth angle greater than the fifth angle (A3), the lever (620) can come into contact with the first contact surface (414) of the second hinge body (410).

[0265] When the first door (21) is additionally closed while the lever (620) is in the first contact surface (414), the rotation angle of the lever (620) with respect to the front of the first door (21) can increase.

[0266] Then, when the first door (21) is closed by the fifth angle (A3), the contact portion (622) of the lever (620) may be positioned at the boundary between the first contact surface (414) and the second contact surface (415). When the closing angle of the first door (21) is reduced to less than the fifth angle (A3), the rotation angle of the lever (620) with respect to the front of the first door (21) is reduced, so that a closing force may be applied to the first door (21).

[0267] In a section where the closing force of the auto closing device (60) is applied to the first door (21), the first door (21) can be automatically closed by the closing force. In a process where the closing force of the auto closing device (60) is applied to the first door (21), when the closing angle of the first door (21) becomes the fourth angle (A2), the contact portion (532) of the damping mechanism (50) can come into contact with the second contact surface (314b) of the first hinge body (310).

[0268] When the closing angle of the first door (21) becomes smaller than the fourth angle (A2), the cylinder (530) is pressed by the second contact surface (314b), and the damping force of the damping mechanism (50) can be applied to the first door (21). The damping force can act as a resistance force during the closing process of the first door (21).

[0269] In the process where the closing force of the auto closing device (60) is applied to the first door (21), if the damping force is applied to the first door (21), the closing speed of the first door (21) may be reduced.

[0270] The damping force of the damping mechanism (50) may be minimized before the first door (21) is completely closed. For example, the damping force may be applied even when the first door (21) is closed at an angle smaller than the first angle.

[0271] Even in the present embodiment, the closing force may be greater than the damping force. Fig. 23 is a drawing showing the contact surface of the second hinge mechanism when a filler is present and the contact surface of the second hinge mechanism when no filler is present.

[0272] Referring to Fig. 23, the shape of the contact surface (413) when the filler (280) is present and the shape of the contact surface (413a) when the filler (280) is not present may be different.

[0273] The contact surface (413a) in the case where the above filler (280) does not exist may include a first contact surface (414a), a second contact surface (415a), and a third contact surface (416a).

[0274] The first contact surface (414) when the filler (280) is present may be the same as the first contact surface (413a) when the filler (280) is not present.

[0275] The second contact surface (414) and the third contact surface (415) when the filler (280) is present may be different from the second contact surface (414a) and the third contact surface (416a) when the filler (280) is not present.

[0276] These two contact surfaces (413a, 413) can be set so that the closing force of the auto closing device (60) when the filler (280) is present is greater than the closing force of the auto closing device (60) when the filler (280) is not present. Alternatively, the section in which the closing force of the auto closing device (60) when the filler (280) is present can be set so that it is longer than the section in which the closing force of the auto closing device (60) when the filler (280) is not present.

[0277] FIG. 24 is a drawing showing a first hinge mechanism and a second hinge mechanism according to another embodiment.

[0278] This embodiment is otherwise identical to the previous embodiment, except for the shape of the guide member. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described below.

[0279] Referring to FIG. 24, the first hinge mechanism (70) of the present embodiment may include a first hinge body (710) and a first pin unit (720).

[0280] The first pin unit (720) may, for example, extend from the first hinge body (710) toward the first door (21). The first pin unit (720) may extend downward from the first hinge body (710).

[0281] The first pin unit (720) may include a first pin (721) and a second pin (722). The first pin (721) and the second pin (722) may be spaced apart from the first hinge body (710).

[0282] The basic form and function of the first pin (721) and the second pin (722) are the same as the first pin and the second pin of the previous embodiment, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0283] The first door (21) may include a first guide member (730). The first guide member (730) may form a first pin slot.

[0284] The first pin slot may include a first slot (740) in which the first pin (721) is received, and a second slot (750) in which the second pin (722) is received. The first slot (740) and the second slot (750) may be separated from each other and spaced apart from each other.

[0285] The first guide member (730) may include an extension portion (731) that is fastened to the first door (21). A fastening hole (732) through which a fastening member passes may be formed in the extension portion (731). The fastening member may be fastened to the first door (21) by passing through the fastening hole (732).

[0286] The first guide member (730) may include a first body part (733) forming the first slot (740) and a second body part (734) forming the second slot (750). The first body part (733) and the second body part (734) may extend from the extension part (731).

[0287] The second hinge mechanism (80) of the present embodiment may include a second hinge body and a second pin unit (820).

[0288] The second hinge body may include, for example, a coupling portion (811) coupled to the cabinet (10) and an extension portion (812) extending from the coupling portion (811). The second pin unit (820) may be provided in the extension portion (812).

[0289] The second pin unit (820) may, for example, extend from the second hinge body toward the first door (21). The second pin unit (820) may extend upward from the extension portion (812).

[0290] The second pin unit (820) may include a first pin (821) and a second pin (822). The first pin (821) and the second pin (822) may be spaced apart from each other in the extension portion (812).

[0291] The first door (21) may include a second guide member (850). The guide member (850) may form a second pin slot.

[0292] The second pin slot may include a first slot (860) in which the first pin (821) is received, and a second slot (870) in which the second pin (822) is received. The first slot (860) and the second slot (870) may be separated from each other and spaced apart from each other.

[0293] The second guide member (850) may include an extension portion (851) that is fastened to the first door (21). A fastening hole (852) through which a fastening member passes may be formed in the extension portion (851). The fastening member may be fastened to the first door (21) by passing through the fastening hole (852).

[0294] The second guide member (850) may include a first body part (853) forming the first slot (860) and a second body part (854) forming the second slot (870). The first body part (853) and the second body part (854) may extend from the extension part (851).

[0295] The rotation center of the first door (21) can also be moved by the first hinge mechanism (70) and the second hinge mechanism (80) of the present embodiment.

[0296] Additionally, one or more of the damping mechanism (50), the filler (280), and the auto closing device (60) may be provided together with the first hinge mechanism (70) and the second hinge mechanism (80) of the present embodiment.

Claims

1. Cabinet forming storage space; A door for opening and closing the above storage space; A first hinge mechanism rotatably connecting one side of the door to the cabinet; A second hinge mechanism rotatably connecting the other side of the door to the cabinet; An auto closing device that provides a closing force to the door during the closing process of the door; and A refrigerator including a damping mechanism that provides damping force to the door during the closing process of the door.

2. In paragraph 1, Each of the first and second hinge mechanisms above comprises a pin unit, including a pin slot in which the above pin unit is accommodated; A refrigerator in which the center of rotation of the door moves during the opening process of the door by varying the relative positions of the pin unit and the pin slot.

3. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the auto-closing device operates with one of the first and second hinge mechanisms during the closing process of the door to provide a closing force to the door.

4. In paragraph 3, The above damping mechanism is a refrigerator that provides damping force to the door in the process in which the auto closing device provides closing force to the door.

5. In paragraph 4, A refrigerator wherein the closing force is greater than the damping force.

6. In paragraph 1, The above door, A first door that opens and closes part of the above storage space, comprising a second door for opening and closing another portion of the storage space; The first door is provided with a filler that limits cold air leakage between the first door and the second door, A refrigerator in which the filler operates to move to a cold air blocking position during the process in which the auto closing device provides closing force to the first door.

7. In paragraph 6, A refrigerator in which the damping force of the damping mechanism is reduced before or during the operation of the above filler.

8. In paragraph 7, A refrigerator in which the damping force is 0 or the minimum damping force before or during the operation of the above filler.

9. In paragraph 6, The above damping mechanism is, It includes a housing installed in the above door and a cylinder movable with respect to the housing, A refrigerator in which the cylinder comes into contact with one of the first and second hinge mechanisms during the closing process of the door.

10. In paragraph 9, The above door includes a hinge mounting portion for mounting the above one hinge mechanism, The pin slot is formed on one side of the hinge mounting portion, A refrigerator in which a receiving portion for receiving the housing is formed on the other side of the hinge mounting portion.

11. In paragraph 8, A refrigerator in which, during the closing process of the door, the auto closing device comes into contact with another hinge mechanism among the first and second hinge mechanisms.

12. In paragraph 8, The above one hinge mechanism is installed in the cabinet and includes a contact surface for contacting the cylinder, The above contact surface is a first contact surface that the cylinder contacts when the door is closed, In the process of opening the door, the cylinder comes into contact with the second contact surface and is inclined with respect to the first contact surface, A refrigerator in which the cylinder is spaced apart from the second contact surface when the opening angle of the door becomes greater than the reference angle.

13. In paragraph 12, A refrigerator in which, during the closing process of the door, the damping force when the cylinder contacts the second contact surface is greater than the damping force when the cylinder contacts the first contact surface.

14. In paragraph 13, A refrigerator in which the cylinder contacts the second contact surface or the boundary between the first contact surface and the second contact surface when the operation of the filler starts.

15. In paragraph 1, The above pin unit includes a first pin and a second pin which are spaced apart from each other, The above pin slot comprises a plurality of passes having different curvatures or extending in different directions.

Images