Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a cabinet having a storage space formed therein; a door opening and closing the storage space; and a hinge rotatably connecting the door to the cabinet. The hinge includes: a hinge plate extending from the cabinet; and a hinge pin protruding from the hinge plate and inserted into the door. The door has a mounting guide extending toward the hinge pin to guide an adjustment member for adjusting the height of the door, to be mounted on the hinge pin.

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] To this end, a refrigerator is being developed in which the top and bottom of the refrigerator door are supported by a plurality of hinge pins, and the refrigerator door opens and closes as the center of rotation changes.

[0006] However, in the case of refrigerators like this, there is a problem that the door has a structure that is supported by multiple hinge pins, making it impossible or difficult to adjust the height of the door.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which the height of the refrigerator door can be easily adjusted.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator having a door height that can be adjusted, wherein a plurality of hinge pins are provided.

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerator in which the height adjustment state of a door that is opened and closed is maintained while the center of rotation of the refrigerator door changes.

[0010] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cabinet having a storage space formed therein; a door for opening and closing the storage space; and a hinge for rotatably connecting the door to the cabinet; wherein the hinge comprises: a hinge plate extending from the cabinet; and a hinge pin protruding from the hinge plate and inserted into the door; and a mounting guide extending toward the hinge pin and guiding an adjusting member for adjusting the height of the door to be mounted on the hinge pin may be formed on the door.

[0011] The door is provided on the lower surface thereof and includes a guide member that forms a path along which the hinge pin moves when the door is opened and closed, and the hinge pin may include a first hinge pin that protrudes from one side of the hinge plate and is inserted into the guide member; and a second hinge pin that protrudes from a position spaced apart from the first hinge pin and is inserted into the guide member.

[0012] The above-mentioned adjusting member is formed in a ring shape with one side open and can be mounted around the hinge pin.

[0013] The first hinge pin and the second hinge pin are formed in a plate shape through which they pass, and include a contact plate that comes into contact with the guide member, and the mounting guide can be formed to have an inclination directed between the contact plate and the hinge plate.

[0014] The above adjusting member can be mounted on either the first hinge pin or the second hinge pin.

[0015] The first hinge pin is positioned forward of the second hinge pin, and the mounting guide extends from the rear end of the door toward the first hinge pin, so that the adjusting member can be mounted to the first hinge pin.

[0016] The first hinge pin is positioned forward of the second hinge pin, and the mounting guide extends from the side end of the door toward the second hinge pin, so that the adjusting member can be mounted on the second hinge pin.

[0017] The first hinge pin and the second hinge pin are connected by a connecting portion, and the adjusting member can be mounted on either the first hinge pin or the second hinge pin.

[0018] The above-mentioned adjusting member may include a first insertion portion into which the first hinge pin is inserted, and a second insertion portion into which the second hinge pin is inserted.

[0019] The door further includes a lower cap forming the lower surface, and the mounting guide may be provided on the lower cap.

[0020] The above mounting guide may extend from the rear end of the lower cap toward the hinge pin.

[0021] The above mounting guide includes a plurality of guide protrusions arranged at regular intervals along the lower surface of the door, and the plurality of guide protrusions can extend obliquely toward the hinge pin.

[0022] The above hinge pin may be positioned within an extension line of a guide protrusion arranged on both ends among the plurality of guide protrusions.

[0023] The above guide protrusion includes outer protrusions arranged on both ends and a plurality of inner protrusions arranged between a pair of the outer protrusions, and the outer protrusions may protrude further from the lower surface of the door than the inner protrusions.

[0024] The above mounting guide may be formed to protrude further from the lower surface of the door toward the hinge pin.

[0025] In another aspect, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cabinet having a storage space with an open front; a door for opening and closing the storage space; a hinge including a hinge plate mounted on the cabinet and a hinge pin protruding from the hinge plate; and guide members provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the door and forming a path along which the hinge pin moves when the door is opened and closed, wherein the hinge pin includes a first hinge pin protruding from one side of the hinge plate and inserted into the guide member; and a second hinge pin protruding from a position spaced apart from the first hinge pin and inserted into the guide member, and a mounting guide may be formed on the door to guide an adjusting member for adjusting the height of the door to be selectively mounted on the hinge pin by extending toward the hinge pin.

[0026] The above mounting guide may be formed integrally with the lower cap.

[0027] A sunken guide slit may be formed between the plurality of guide protrusions.

[0028] The above-mentioned adjusting member can be mounted on the hinge pin in multiple layers.

[0029] The above doors are arranged in pairs on the left and right sides, and the upper heights of the doors can be adjusted equally by the adjusting member.

[0030] The above door includes an upper door for opening and closing an upper storage space and a lower door for opening and closing a lower storage space, and the hinge may be an upper hinge connected to the upper end of the upper door and may be connected to the lower end of the lower door.

[0031] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention has the following effects.

[0032] According to this embodiment, there is an advantage in that the height of the door can be adjusted by mounting an adjusting member on the hinge pin while the door is mounted, and a step difference can be prevented from occurring.

[0033] In addition, there is an advantage in that the height can be easily adjusted by mounting an adjusting member on only one hinge pin even when multiple hinge pins for door rotation are arranged in a row.

[0034] In particular, there is an advantage in that the adjusting member can be installed at the exact position of the hinge pin by installing the adjusting member along the installation guide provided on the door ramen even when the hinge pin at the bottom of the door is not clearly visible.

[0035] In addition, the lower surface of the mounting guide is formed to be inclined so that the adjustment member can be guided to move to an accurate position between the contact plate and the hinge plate, thereby significantly improving workability.

[0036] Therefore, there is an advantage in that the adjusted height can be maintained by installing an adjusting member even in a door having a structure in which the center of rotation of the door changes when the door is opened and closed.

[0037] In addition, the mounting guide is formed integrally with the lower cap, making it easy to form, and has the advantage of being formed at the rear end of the door to prevent external exposure when the door is closed.

[0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the refrigerator with the door open.

[0040] Figure 3 is an enlarged drawing of part A of Figure 2.

[0041] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view from below showing the door and hinge separated.

[0042] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view from above showing the door, guide member, and hinge separated.

[0043] Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the arrangement of passes forming the guide groove of the above guide member.

[0044] Fig. 7 is a bottom view showing the arrangement of hinge pins within the guide member when the door is closed.

[0045] Fig. 8 is a bottom view showing the arrangement of hinge pins within the guide member when the door is opened at a first angle.

[0046] Fig. 9 is a bottom view showing the arrangement of the hinge pin within the guide member when the door is opened at a second angle.

[0047] Figure 10 is a partial perspective view showing the mounting guide on the lower surface of the door.

[0048] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the adjustment member being installed with the door open.

[0049] Fig. 12 is a bottom view showing the control member installed in an open state.

[0050] Figure 13 is a drawing showing the adjusting member being mounted on the hinge pin using a mounting tool.

[0051] Fig. 14 is a side view showing the state before height adjustment of the door.

[0052] Fig. 15 is a side view showing the door moved upward for installation of the above-described adjusting member.

[0053] Figure 16 is a side view showing the completed height adjustment state of the door.

[0054] Fig. 17 is a plan view showing an adjusting member mounted on a hinge pin of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Fig. 18 is a partial bottom view showing the mounting guide on the lower side of the door.

[0056] Fig. 19 is a plan view showing a hinge pin and an adjusting member of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Fig. 20 is a plan view showing a hinge pin and an adjusting member of a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Fig. 21 is a partial perspective view showing the state of the door and hinge of a refrigerator according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 22 is an exploded perspective view showing the joint structure of the hinge, guide member, and adjusting member.

[0060] 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 spirit of the present invention can be easily proposed by adding, modifying, or deleting other components.

[0061] 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.

[0062] In addition, although the embodiment of the present invention describes a refrigerator in which a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment are arranged vertically and each has a door, it is to be noted in advance that the present invention is not limited to the structure and shape of the refrigerator and is applicable to all types of refrigerators having a rotating door.

[0063] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the refrigerator with the door open.

[0064] 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.

[0065] In addition, the refrigerator (1) may be installed so as to be in harmony with the furniture or walls of an indoor space. For example, a space corresponding to the size of the refrigerator (1) may be provided in the furniture or wall, and the refrigerator (1) may be accommodated therein, or the refrigerator (1) may be installed in a built-in type. In addition, the refrigerator (1) may be installed so that multiple refrigerators are arranged in parallel and in series.

[0066] 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, and may be configured to be positioned on the same or close plane to have a sense of unity.

[0067] Looking at the structure of the refrigerator (1) in more detail, the cabinet (10) can have the storage space divided vertically by a barrier (13) to form an upper storage space (11) and a lower storage space (12). For example, the upper storage space (11) can be a refrigerator compartment, and the lower storage space can be a freezer compartment.

[0068] The above door (20) can be configured to open and close the storage space, and can include an upper door (201) for opening and closing the upper storage space (11) and a lower door (202) for opening and closing the lower storage space (12).

[0069] The door (20) may include a front panel (21) forming the front, a door liner (22) forming the rear, an upper cap (23) forming the upper surface, and a lower cap (24) forming the lower surface. In addition, the interior of the door (20) may be filled with insulating material while the front panel (21), the door liner (22), the upper cap (23), and the lower cap (24) are combined. Meanwhile, the door (20) may further include side frames (25) forming the left and right sides.

[0070] The upper door (201) and lower door (202) can be arranged as a pair on each of the left and right sides, and can be configured to be opened and closed by rotation. That is, the upper storage space (11) can be opened and closed by a pair of upper doors (201), and the lower storage space (12) can be opened and closed by a pair of lower doors (202).

[0071] Meanwhile, depending on the installation environment of the refrigerator (1) or the tolerance during assembly, the doors (20) arranged side by side may form a step at a predetermined height (H) in the vertical direction. Of course, even if the doors (20) are arranged singly, the neighboring doors may form a step with the refrigerator door or the furniture door.

[0072] The above door (20) can be rotated by being connected to the cabinet (10) by a hinge device (31, 32, 33). For example, a first hinge (31) and a second hinge (32) can be provided at the top and bottom of a pair of upper doors (201) arranged on the left and right sides. The upper door (201) can be rotatably mounted on the cabinet (10) by the first hinge (31) and the second hinge (32). In addition, by arranging an adjusting member (325 in FIG. 4) on the second hinge (32), the height of the door (20) can be adjusted, and a step difference of the door (20) can also be eliminated.

[0073] The upper and lower portions of the lower door (202) may be provided with the second hinge (32) and the third hinge (33). The lower door (202) may be rotatably mounted to the cabinet (10) by the second hinge (32) and the second hinge (33).

[0074] The above first hinge (31) may be called an upper hinge, the second hinge (32) may be called a center hinge, and the third hinge (33) may be called a lower hinge.

[0075] The present invention can be applied to all types of refrigerators equipped with hinges, regardless of the shape or arrangement of the door. However, for convenience of explanation and understanding, the structure of the second hinge (32) for adjusting the height of the upper door (201) will be described below as an example with reference to the drawings. The upper door (201) may be referred to as the door (20), and the second hinge (32) may be referred to as the hinge (32).

[0076] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of section A of Figure 2. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view from below showing the door and hinge separated. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view from above showing the door, guide member, and hinge separated.

[0077] As illustrated, the hinge (32) can connect the cabinet (10) and the door (20). For example, the hinge (32) can be connected to the lower end of the upper door (201) and the upper end of the lower door (202).

[0078] The hinge (32) may be fixedly mounted on one side of the cabinet (10) and movably mounted along a guide groove (400) provided on the door (20) on the other side. The hinge (32) may include a hinge bracket (321), a hinge plate (322), and a hinge pin (323).

[0079] The above hinge bracket (321) allows the hinge (32) to be mounted on the cabinet (10) and may be formed of a metal material. In addition, the hinge bracket (321) may extend along the front of the barrier (13). The hinge bracket (321) may be fixedly mounted on the cabinet (10) by a screw.

[0080] In addition, the hinge plate (322) may be coupled to the hinge bracket (321). The rear end of the hinge plate (322) may be inserted into and coupled to the hinge bracket (321). 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.

[0081] 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 door (20).

[0082] In addition, a restraining protrusion (3223) may be formed around the periphery of the hinge plate (322). The restraining protrusion (3223) may be caught and restrained by an end of a stopper (27) provided on the lower surface of the door (20).

[0083] When the door (20) is opened and closed, the end of the stopper (27) can be elastically deformed by contacting the restraining protrusion (3223). And, when the door (20) is closed, the end of the stopper (27) can be caught and restrained by the restraining protrusion (3223), thereby preventing the door from being opened arbitrarily.

[0084] And, when the door (20) is rotated in the direction of opening, the end of the stopper (27) is elastically deformed and then restored at the moment when it separates from the catch (3223), so that elastic force can be provided in the direction of opening the door (20).

[0085] A limiting portion (3222) that limits the opening of the door (20) may be formed on one side of the hinge plate (322). The limiting portion (3222) may contact a limiting projection (263) protruding from the lower surface of the door (20) when the door (20) is rotated to the maximum opening angle, thereby preventing the door (20) from opening any further from the maximum opening angle.

[0086] 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 pins of the first hinge (31) and the third hinge. Accordingly, the door (20) can be moved stably without being eccentric or shaking during the opening and closing process.

[0087] The above hinge pin (323) may be composed of a first hinge pin (3231) and a second hinge pin (3232). The first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232) may penetrate the hinge plate (322) in the vertical direction. Therefore, the upper and lower ends of the first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232) may be inserted into the guide grooves (400) of the lower end of the upper door (201) and the upper end of the lower door (202), respectively. That is, the upper door (201) may be rotatably supported from below by the hinge (32), and at the same time, the lower door (202) may be rotatably supported from above.

[0088] In addition, a flange portion (3235) protruding to contact the upper surface of the hinge plate (322) may be formed around the circumference of the hinge pin (323). The flange portion (3235) may be formed to protrude outward along the circumference of the hinge pin (323). In addition, the hinge pin (323) may be fixed in a press-fit state to the hinge plate (322) by the flange portion (3235) and may maintain a constant protrusion length.

[0089] The hinge pin (323) can be extended in the vertical direction by a sufficient length. Therefore, the height of the door (20) can be adjusted up and down when the hinge pin (323) is inserted into the guide member (40). To this end, an adjusting member (325) can be inserted and mounted into the hinge pin (323). In addition, a mounting guide (28) can be formed on the lower surface of the door (20) to guide the insertion and mounting of the adjusting member (325). The mounting guide (28) can be positioned adjacent to the rear end of the door (20) and can guide the adjusting member (325) to be mounted at the rear of the door (20).

[0090] And, a contact plate (324) may be arranged on the hinge pin (323). The contact plate (324) is formed of a plate-shaped metal material, and a pair of through holes (3241) may be formed. The first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232) may protrude upward by penetrating the pair of through holes (3241). In a state where the contact plate (324) is mounted, the lower surface of the contact plate (324) is supported by the flange portion (3235), and the upper surface of the contact plate (324) may be in contact with the lower surface of the guide member (40).

[0091] The above contact plate (324) is formed of a metal material and can prevent the guide member (40) from being scratched or worn due to friction with the hinge pin (323). The contact plate (324) can be formed to have a width greater than the width of the guide groove (400) formed in the guide member (40). In addition, the adjustment member (325) can be inserted between the contact plate (324) and the flange portion (3235).

[0092] Meanwhile, the lower surface of the door (20) may be formed by a lower cap (24). The guide member (40) may be mounted on one end of the lower cap (24). In addition, a reinforcing plate (26) may be arranged on the lower cap (24), and the guide member (40) may be mounted by penetrating the reinforcing plate (26).

[0093] The above reinforcing plate (26) may be formed of a plate-shaped metal material and may include a plate portion (261) that is fixedly mounted on the lower surface of the door (20). The reinforcing plate (26) may further include a plate hole (262) into which the guide member (40) is inserted. In addition, a screw may be fastened to the plate portion (261) to fix the reinforcing plate (26) to the cylindrical lower cap (24).

[0094] The front end of the above plate portion (261) may be bent downward to form a limiting protrusion (263). The limiting protrusion (263) may extend downward to contact the limiting portion (3222) when the door (20) is fully opened.

[0095] In addition, a shielding portion (241) extending downwardly to shield the stopper (27) and the limiting protrusion (263) may be further formed on the lower front end of the lower cap (24).

[0096] 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 provided on the upper side of the upper door (201) and the guide member provided on the lower door (202), with only the mounting direction being different.

[0097] The guide member (40) may be exposed downwards in a state where it is mounted on the lower surface of the door (20). In addition, the first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232) may be inserted into the inside of the guide groove (400). In addition, when the door (20) is opened and closed, the first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232) may move along the guide groove (400). The guide member (40) may include a pair of side portions (411), a first connecting portion (412), and a second connecting portion (413). In addition, a reinforcing portion (414) may be formed along the periphery of the guide groove (400) in the guide member (40). The above reinforcement part (414) can come into contact with the above contact plate (324).

[0098] Meanwhile, the guide member (40) can be inserted and mounted into the guide member mounting portion (241) sunken into the lower cap (24). The guide member (40) can be fixed to the guide member mounting portion (241), and the reinforcing portion (414) can be exposed downward when the guide member (40) is mounted.

[0099] Below, the detailed structure of the guide member (40) and the movement state of the hinge pin (323) when the door (20) is opened and closed will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0100] Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the arrangement of passes forming the guide groove of the above guide member.

[0101] As illustrated, the guide member (40) may be formed with a guide groove (400) that forms a path along which the hinge pin moves. 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 (C) of the door (20) and allowing the door (20) to be opened and closed. That is, the door (20) may be moved while rotating so as not to interfere with a neighboring wall, another refrigerator, or an electrical appliance during the opening and closing process.

[0102] For example, the guide groove (400) may be composed of five passes (406). The passes (406) may extend in different extension directions, and the five 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.

[0103] The movement path of the hinge pin (323) is determined by the shape of the guide groove (400), and the position of the rotation center (C) of the door (20) can be moved depending on the position of the hinge pin (323) being moved. That is, the rotation center (C) of the door (20) does not mean any one fixed axis, but can be understood as a virtual rotation center that changes depending on the movement path of the first pin (3231) and the second pin (3232).

[0104] For example, the guide groove (400) may be composed of a plurality of passes (406) defined by a plurality of circular arcs having different centers. That is, 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.

[0105] The first pass (401) may be formed at one end of the guide groove (400). The first pass (401) may be formed so that the hinge pin (323) is positioned when the door (20) is closed. That is, the first pin (3231) and the second pin (3232) 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 (3231) and the second pin (3232). In addition, the length of the first pass (401) may correspond to the distance between the centers of the first pin (3231) and the second pin (3232).

[0106] Accordingly, the first pass (401) can form a path along which the hinge pin (323) moves when the door (20) starts to open. That is, when the hinge pin (323) starts to move in the first pass (401), the door (20) can be opened.

[0107] 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 (3231) and the guide groove (400) intersects with a vertical line passing through the contact point of the second pin (3232) and the guide groove (400).

[0108] The first center (C1) may be positioned at the corner area of ​​the front and side of the door (20) so as not to interfere with the wall (O) when the door (20) begins to open. In addition, the first center (C1) may be positioned at the position closest to the side of the door (20) among the centers (C), that is, at the far left (x-axis direction in FIG. 6).

[0109] The second pass (402) may extend to the left and rear from the end of the first pass (401). 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. 6) than the first center (C1) and may be located at a position further from the side of the door (20).

[0110] The third pass (403) may extend to the left and rearward from the end of the second pass (402). 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 located forward (in the y-axis direction in FIG. 6) of the first center (C1) and further rearward than the second center (C2). In addition, the third center (C3) may be located at a position further from the side of the door (20) than the second center (C2).

[0111] The fourth pass (404) may extend to the left and forward from the end of the third pass (403). 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. 6) of the first center (C1) and further rearward than the third center (C3). In addition, the fourth center (C4) may be located at a position further from the side of the door (20) than the third center (C3).

[0112] The fifth pass (405) may form another end of the guide groove (400). In addition, the fifth pass (405) may be formed so that the hinge pin (323) 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 (3231) and the second pin (3232).

[0113] 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).

[0114] 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 located further rearward than the first center (C1), and may be located furthest rearward among the plurality of centers. In addition, the fifth center (C5) may be located further from the side surface 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 become farther from the side surface of the door (20). Accordingly, the guide groove (400) can enable smoother movement of the hinge pin (323), and smooth opening and closing rotational motion of the door (20) can be enabled.

[0115] As another example, the guide member may be formed with guide grooves into which the first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232) are inserted, each independently. As another example, the guide member may be provided in multiple numbers, into which the first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232) are inserted, respectively.

[0116] Hereinafter, the movement state of the hinge pin (323) 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.

[0117] Fig. 7 is a bottom view showing the arrangement of hinge pins within the guide member when the door is closed. Fig. 8 is a bottom view showing the arrangement of hinge pins within the guide member when the door is opened at a first angle. Fig. 9 is a bottom view showing the arrangement of hinge pins within the guide member when the door is opened at a second angle.

[0118] As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the door (20) is closed, the hinge pin (323) can be positioned at the first pass (401). That is, the first pin (3231) and the second pin (3232) can be positioned at both ends of the first pass (401). In particular, the second pin (3232) can be positioned at the intersection of an arc forming the first pass (401) and the second pass (402). Therefore, the moment the door (20) starts opening, the second pin (3232) can be moved to the second pass (402).

[0119] Meanwhile, the side of the refrigerator (1) is positioned adjacent to the wall (O) by a set distance (G1). In addition, when the door (20) starts to open, if the center of rotation of the door (20) is positioned at the corner of the side and front of the door (20) where interference with the wall (O) is expected first, interference between the door (20) and the wall can be prevented.

[0120] Therefore, 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 and side 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 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).

[0121] When the door (20) is closed, the contact portion (273) of the stopper (27) may be inserted into the interior of the restraining groove (324) of the hinge plate (322). In addition, the contact portion (273) is in contact with the inner surface of the restraining groove (324) and is thus in a state of being caught and restrained, thereby preventing the door (20) from being opened arbitrarily or not being closed properly.

[0122] 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).

[0123] At the moment when the opening of the door (20) begins, the first pin (3231) can move from the first pass (401), and the second pin (3232) can enter the second pass (402). Since the first pin (3231) and the second pin (3232) are positioned in the first pass (401) and the second pass (402) extending in different directions, the door (20) is accurately opened while the rotational force is transmitted by the rotational operation without the door (20) being twisted or slipping.

[0124] When the door (20) is further opened, the first pin (3231) may be positioned in the first pass (401) and the second pin (3232) may enter the third pass (403). That is, the second pass (402) may be positioned between the first pin (3231) and the second pin (3232).

[0125] And, as illustrated in FIG. 8, when the door (20) is further opened by a set angle (α1, for example, 45°), the first pin (3231) can be moved along the third pass (403) and the second pin (3232) can be moved along the fourth pass (404). That is, the third pass (403) can be positioned between the first pin (3231) and the second pin (3232).

[0126] In this state, the edges of the wall (O) and the door (20) can be as close as the set distance (G2), and the door (20) and the wall (O) can rotate without colliding with each other. In addition, the hinge pin (323) moves smoothly along the guide groove (400), and the first pin (3231) and the second pin (3232) move in different second passes (402) and fourth passes (404), respectively, so that the door (20) rotates without being twisted or slipping.

[0127] And, as illustrated in FIG. 9, when the door (20) is further opened by a set angle (α2, for example, 90°), the first pin (3231) can be moved to the fourth pass (404) and the second pin (3232) can be moved to the fifth pass (405).

[0128] In this state, the front surface of the wall (O) and the door (20) can be spaced apart from each other by a set distance (G3), and the door (20) does not collide with the wall (O). In addition, the hinge pin (323) moves smoothly along the guide groove (400), and the first pin (3231) and the second pin (3232) move on different fourth passes (404) and fifth passes (405), respectively, so that the door (20) rotates without being twisted or slipping.

[0129] And, when the door (20) is further opened to the maximum open state, the first pin (3231) can be moved along the fourth pass (404), and the second pin (3232) can be moved to the end of the fifth pass (405).

[0130] 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 (323) may be stopped on the inside of the guide groove (400), and the second pin (3232) may be in contact with the end of the fifth pass (405), so that the door (20) may remain stopped.

[0131] And, the process of closing the door (20) can be performed in the reverse order of the above-described embodiment.

[0132] In this way, during the opening and closing process of the door (20), the hinge pins (323) move along the path of the guide groove (400), and the door (2`0) moves while changing its center of rotation (C) so that it can be opened without colliding with the wall surface (O).

[0133] Fig. 10 is a partial perspective view showing the mounting guide on the lower surface of the door. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the adjustment member being mounted while the door is open. Fig. 12 is a bottom view showing the adjustment member being mounted while the door is open.

[0134] As illustrated, a guide member (40) and a mounting guide (28) may be provided on the lower surface of the door (20). For example, the guide member (40) and the mounting guide (28) may be provided on the lower cap (24).

[0135] The above-mentioned mounting guide (28) may be positioned further rearward than the guide member (40). That is, the guide member (40) may be positioned on the rear side of the lower cap (24). Therefore, when the door (20) is open, the adjustment member (325) may be mounted on the rear side of the door (20), that is, on the door liner (22) side. In addition, since the guide member (40) is positioned on the rear end of the lower cap (24), it is not exposed forward when the door (20) is closed.

[0136] In addition, the mounting guide (28) and the guide member (40) can be placed on one side of the left and right sides of the door (20) that is closer to the hinge (32).

[0137] The above mounting guide (28) can be positioned adjacent to the rearward protruding portion of the guide member (40). In addition, the mounting guide (28) is formed to face the hinge pin (323) within the guide groove (400), thereby inducing the adjusting member (325) to move and be mounted toward the hinge pin (323).

[0138] The above mounting guide (28) may be formed integrally with the lower cap (24). That is, the mounting guide (28) may be formed together with the lower cap (24) during molding. Of course, the mounting guide (28) may also be formed separately and mounted on the lower cap (24).

[0139] In detail, the mounting guide (28) may extend from the rear end of the lower cap (24) toward the hinge pin (323). The mounting guide (28) may include a plurality of guide protrusions (281, 282) arranged along the lower surface of the door (20). The guide protrusions (281, 282) may be arranged at regular intervals in the left and right directions. The plurality of guide protrusions (281, 282) may extend in a direction toward the hinge pin (323). In addition, the guide protrusions (281, 282) may extend so as to protrude further as they extend from the front to the rear.

[0140] The above guide protrusions (281, 282) may include outer protrusions (281) arranged on both sides, and a plurality of inner protrusions (282) arranged between a pair of outer protrusions (281). The outer protrusions (281) may form left and right sides of the mounting guide (28). In addition, the outer protrusions (281) may be arranged to be inclined toward the hinge pin (323).

[0141] In detail, the outer protrusions (281) arranged on both left and right sides may extend toward the first hinge pin (3231). For this purpose, the outer protrusions (281) may extend in directions intersecting each other. For example, the extension lines of the outer protrusions (281) arranged on both left and right sides may extend to cross each other past the guide groove (400). The angle (β2) formed between the extension lines of the outer protrusions (281) may be an acute angle. In addition, the point (Cp) where the extension lines of the outer protrusions intersect may be located between the two ends of the guide member (40). In addition, the first hinge pin (3231) may be located between the extension lines. Therefore, when the adjusting member (325) is inserted in the extension direction of the mounting guide (28) from the inside of the mounting guide (28), the adjusting member (325) can be naturally moved to be mounted on the first hinge pin (3231).

[0142] Meanwhile, the outer protrusion (281) may protrude further downward than the inner protrusion (282). The outer protrusion (281) may protrude further than the inner protrusion (282) with respect to the lower surface of the door (20). Accordingly, the adjusting member (325) or the adjusting member mounting tool (50 in FIG. 13) may be prevented from leaving the mounting guide (28) and may be directed toward the first hinge pin (3231).

[0143] The above-described mounting guide (28) may further include an inner protrusion (282). A plurality of the inner protrusions (282) may be arranged in series at regular intervals, and a guide slit (283) may be formed between the inner protrusions (282). Accordingly, when the adjusting member mounting tool (50) moves along the mounting guide (28), it may not move left and right due to the guide slit (283).

[0144] The inner protrusion (282) may be positioned between the outer protrusions (281) positioned on the left and right sides. In addition, a plurality of inner protrusions (282) may be positioned at different angles. That is, each of the plurality of inner protrusions (282) may extend toward the first hinge pin (3231).

[0145] In addition, the plurality of inner protrusions (282) may be formed to be lowered and closer to the lower surface of the door as they move toward the hinge pin (323). That is, the inner protrusions (282) may be formed to be inclined upward as they move from the rear to the front.

[0146] At this time, the lower surface of the inner protrusion (282) may have a set angle (β1). For example, the lower surface of the inner protrusion (282) may be extended so that the extension line faces between the contact plate (324) and the upper surface of the hinge plate (322). More specifically, the lower surface of the inner protrusion (282) may be extended so that the extension line faces between the contact plate (324) and the upper surface of the flange portion (3235).

[0147] Accordingly, when the above-mentioned adjusting member (325) is moved according to the guidance of the above-mentioned mounting guide (28), it can be naturally moved between the upper surface of the above-mentioned contact plate (324) and the above-mentioned hinge plate (322) and mounted on the above-mentioned hinge pin (323).

[0148] Hereinafter, the mounting structure of the adjusting member (325) for adjusting the step of the door (20) in the refrigerator (1) having the above structure will be examined in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0149] Fig. 13 is a drawing showing the adjustment member being mounted on the hinge pin using a mounting tool. Fig. 14 is a side view showing the door before height adjustment. Fig. 15 is a side view showing the door moved upward for mounting the adjustment member. Fig. 16 is a side view showing the door after height adjustment is complete.

[0150] As illustrated in Fig. 14, when the door (20) is mounted, the hinge pin (323) is inserted into the guide member (40). Then, the contact plate (324) maintains contact with the lower end of the guide member (40), i.e., the reinforcing member (414). In this state, when the door (20) is opened or closed, the hinge pin (323) can move along the guide groove (400).

[0151] And, if the upper heights of the doors (20) are different and a step is created, the worker adjusts the height of the doors by installing the adjusting member (325).

[0152] In order to install the above-mentioned adjusting member (325), the door (20) is moved upward as illustrated in Fig. 15. At this time, the height of the door (20) being moved may be greater than the thickness of the adjusting member (325). Even if the door (20) is moved upward, the upper end of the hinge axis may be positioned within the guide groove (400), and the door (20) may be substantially connected to the hinge (32).

[0153] In addition, when the door (20) moves upward, the contact plate (324) can also move upward. Accordingly, a space for inserting and mounting the adjusting member (325) can be provided between the contact plate (324) and the hinge plate (322). In addition, a portion of the hinge pin (323) into which the adjusting member (325) is inserted can be exposed.

[0154] In this state, the worker can mount the adjusting member (325) on the hinge pin (323) using the adjusting member mounting tool (50) as illustrated in Fig. 13. For example, the adjusting member mounting tool (50) may include a handle (51), an extension (52), and a holder (53). Then, in a state where the adjusting member (325) is placed on the holder (53), the adjusting member mounting tool (50) can be moved along the mounting guide (28) so that the adjusting member (325) is mounted on the hinge pin (323).

[0155] The above-described adjusting member (325) can be mounted on the first hinge pin (3231) among the first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232). The first hinge pin (3231) can be positioned forward of the second hinge pin (3232). Therefore, when the door (20) is open, access to the first hinge pin (3231) can be relatively easier, and the adjusting member (325) can be mounted on the first hinge pin (3231) without interference with the second hinge pin (3232) through the mounting guide (28).

[0156] In addition, since the adjusting member (325) is mounted below the contact plate (324), even if it is mounted only on the first hinge pin (3231) among the first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232), the adjusted height of the door (20) can be stably maintained by upward movement of the contact plate (324).

[0157] Meanwhile, the adjusting member (325) may be formed in the shape of a circular snap ring. The adjusting member (325) may have a predetermined thickness, and the height of the door (20) may be adjusted by the thickness of the adjusting member (325). Accordingly, a plurality of adjusting members (325) may be mounted so as to be stacked vertically.

[0158] The above-described adjusting member (325) may be formed to have a size corresponding to the size of the groove formed in the holder (53). In addition, the adjusting member (325) may be formed with an opening (3251) through which the hinge pin (323) passes. The opening (3251) may be formed to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the hinge pin (323), and the hinge pin (323) may be press-fitted through the opening (3251). In addition, a plurality of contact portions (3252) that come into contact with the hinge pin (323) and recessed portions (3253) that are spaced apart from the hinge pin (323) may be formed on the inner surface of the adjusting member (325). The adjusting member (325) may also have various other shapes that can maintain a state of being fitted into the hinge pin (323).

[0159] The worker moves the door (20) upwards as shown in FIG. 15 while opening the door (20) and places the adjusting member (325) on the adjusting member mounting tool (50). Then, the adjusting member mounting tool (50) approaches the mounting guide (28). When the adjusting member mounting tool (50) is moved while in close contact with the mounting guide (28), the adjusting member (325) can naturally move toward the first hinge pin (3231) due to the inclination of the mounting guide (28). Then, the adjusting member (325) can be mounted on the first hinge pin (3231) in the space between the contact plate (324) and the flange portion (3235).

[0160] When at least one adjusting member (325) is mounted on the first hinge pin (3231), the height of the door (20) can be adjusted. When the height adjustment of the door (20) is completed, the door (20) moves downward due to its own weight, as illustrated in FIG. 16. In addition, the upper surface of the adjusting member (325) is in contact with the lower surface of the contact plate (324), and the lower surface of the adjusting member (325) is in contact with the upper surface of the flange portion (3235), so that the height of the door (20) can be increased by the thickness (H) of the adjusting member (325).

[0161] In this state, the guide member (40) is in contact with the contact plate (324), and the hinge pin (323) is maintained in a state of being inserted into the guide groove (400), so that the door (20) can be opened and closed. In addition, even in a situation where the center of rotation of the door (20) changes due to the opening and closing operation of the door (20), the door (20) can maintain a height-adjusted state.

[0162] Meanwhile, the present invention may have various other embodiments in addition to the above-described 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, components that are identical to those of the above-described embodiments may be omitted for detailed description and illustration, and may be described using the same drawing reference numerals. That is, below, only structures that differ from the above-described embodiments will be described, and other components that are not described may be identical to the above-described embodiments.

[0163] Fig. 17 is a plan view showing an adjusting member mounted on a hinge pin of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 18 is a partial bottom view showing a mounting guide on the lower surface of the door.

[0164] As illustrated, a refrigerator (1) according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a hinge (32) connecting a cabinet (10) and a door (20). The hinge (32) may include a hinge bracket (321), a hinge plate (322), and a hinge pin (323).

[0165] The hinge plate (322) may further be formed with a catch (3223) and a limiting portion (3222). In addition, the hinge pin (323) may penetrate the hinge plate (322) and extend in the vertical direction. In addition, the hinge pin (323) may include a first hinge pin (3231) and a second hinge pin (3232) that are spaced apart from each other. The hinge pin (323) may further include a flange portion (3235).

[0166] In addition, a lower cap (24a) may be formed on the lower surface of the door (20), and a guide member (40) having a guide groove (400) into which the hinge pin (323) is inserted may be formed on the lower cap (24a). When the door (20) is opened and closed, both the first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232) may move along the single guide groove (400) to move the door (20).

[0167] The lower cap (24a) may further be provided with a stopper (27) and the reinforcing plate (26). In addition, the lower cap (24) may be formed with a mounting guide (28a) for mounting an adjusting member (325) to the hinge pin (323).

[0168] The above mounting guide (28a) may be formed along one end of the lower surface of the door (20). The above mounting guide (28a) may be formed along one end of the left and right sides of the door (20) that is connected to the hinge (32).

[0169] And, the mounting guide (28a) may extend from one end of the door (20) toward the hinge pin (323). The mounting guide (28) may include a pair of outer protrusions (281) protruding from both ends of the mounting guide (28). And, the mounting guide (28) may include a plurality of inner protrusions (282) arranged between the outer protrusions (281). And, a guide slit (283) may be formed between the inner protrusions (282).

[0170] The above-described plurality of inner protrusions (282) may extend toward the second hinge pin (3232). In addition, the inner protrusions (282) may have a slope that decreases as they move toward the second hinge pin (3232).

[0171] Accordingly, even when the door (20) is closed, the adjusting member mounting tool (50) can be brought close to the mounting guide (28a) from the side of the door (20). In addition, the adjusting member mounting tool (50) can be moved along the mounting guide (28a) to mount the adjusting member (325) to the second hinge pin (3232).

[0172] The above mounting guide (28a) may have the same structure and shape as the mounting guide (28) of the first embodiment described above, with only a difference in the placement position.

[0173] Fig. 19 is a plan view showing a hinge pin and an adjusting member of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0174] As illustrated, a refrigerator (1) according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes a hinge (32) connecting the cabinet (10) and the door (20). The hinge may include a hinge bracket (321), a hinge plate (322), and a hinge pin (323a).

[0175] The hinge plate (322) may further be formed with a catch (3223) and a limiting portion (3222). In addition, the hinge pin (323a) may penetrate the hinge plate (322) and extend in the vertical direction. In addition, the hinge pin (323a) may include a first hinge pin (3231) and a second hinge pin (3232) that are spaced apart from each other. The hinge pin (323a) may further include a flange portion (3235).

[0176] In addition, the hinge (32) may further include a connecting portion (3236) connecting the hinge pins (323a). The connecting portion (3236) may be formed thinner than the thickness of the first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232). In addition, the connecting portion (3236) may be formed to partially connect the first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232) so as not to interfere with each other when the adjusting member (325) is mounted. The first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232) connected by the connecting portion (3236) may be movable along the guide member (40).

[0177] In addition, a lower cap (24) may be formed on the lower surface of the door (20), and a guide member (40) having a guide groove (400) into which the hinge pin (323a) is inserted may be formed on the lower cap (24). In addition, the mounting guide (28) may be formed on the lower cap (24).

[0178] Accordingly, the worker can insert and mount the adjusting member (325) into the first hinge pin (3231) by placing the adjusting member (325) on the adjusting member mounting tool (50) and then moving the adjusting member mounting tool (50) along the mounting guide (28).

[0179] The above-mentioned adjusting member (325) may be formed in a ring shape including an opening (3251), a contact portion (3252), and a recessed portion (3253). In addition, the adjusting member (325) may be inserted so that the opening (3251) faces the connecting portion (3236), thereby preventing interference between the adjusting member (325) and the connecting portion (3236).

[0180] Fig. 20 is a plan view showing a hinge pin and an adjusting member of a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0181] As illustrated, a refrigerator (1) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a hinge (32) connecting the cabinet (10) and the door (20). The hinge (32) may include a hinge bracket (321), a hinge plate (322), and a hinge pin (323).

[0182] The hinge plate (322) may further be formed with a catch protrusion (3223) and a limiting portion (3222). In addition, the hinge pin (323) may penetrate the hinge plate (322) and extend in the vertical direction. In addition, the hinge pin (323) may penetrate the hinge plate (322) and extend in the vertical direction. In addition, the hinge pin (323) may include a first hinge pin (3231) and a second hinge pin (3232) that are spaced apart from each other. The hinge pin (323) may further include a flange portion (3235).

[0183] A lower cap (24) may be formed on the lower surface of the door (20), and a guide member (40) having a guide groove (400) into which the hinge pin (323) is inserted may be formed on the lower cap (24). In addition, the mounting guide (28) may be formed on the lower cap (24).

[0184] The above-described adjusting member (326) can be simultaneously mounted on the first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232). In detail, the adjusting member (326) can include a pair of openings (3251) into which the first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232) are inserted, and a contact portion (3252) and a recessed portion (3253) formed on the inner side of each of the openings (3251). In addition, the adjusting member (236) can be formed in a shape in which two rings are connected to each other.

[0185] Accordingly, the adjusting member (326) can be simultaneously mounted on the first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232) by the guidance of the mounting guide (28). In addition, the height of the door (20) can be adjusted while the adjusting member (326) is mounted on the hinge pin (323).

[0186] Fig. 21 is a partial perspective view showing the state of the door and hinge of a refrigerator according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In addition, Fig. 22 is an exploded perspective view showing the joint structure of the hinge, guide member, and adjusting member.

[0187] As illustrated, a refrigerator (1) according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a hinge (32b) connecting the cabinet (10) and the door (20). At this time, the door (20) may be an upper door (201) that opens and closes a storage space at the top of the cabinet (10). In addition, the hinge (32b) may support the upper door (201) from below.

[0188] The hinge (32b) may include a hinge bracket (321), a hinge plate (322), and a hinge pin (323b). The hinge pin (323b) may penetrate the hinge plate (322) and extend in the vertical direction. In addition, the hinge pin (323b) may include a first hinge pin (3231) and a second hinge pin (3232) that are spaced apart from each other. The first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232) may further include a flange portion (3235).

[0189] The above hinge pin (323b) extends upward and downward from the hinge plate (322) and can be inserted into the upper door (201) and the lower door (201), respectively. In addition, the flange portion (3235) can protrude upward from the upper surface of the hinge plate (322).

[0190] In addition, the first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232) may be arranged side by side while being spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. Of course, the first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232) may also be spaced apart from each other in the front-back direction. The first hinge pin (3231) may be arranged further away from the side edge of the door.

[0191] In addition, a guide member (40) having a guide groove (400) formed on the lower surface of the door (201) into which the hinge pin (323a) is inserted may be provided.

[0192] The above guide member (60) may be separately molded and mounted on the lower surface of the door (201). The guide member (60) may include a first guide portion (62) into which the first hinge pin (3231) is inserted and a second guide portion (63) into which the second hinge pin (3232) is inserted. That is, the guide member (60) may have independent paths for guiding the first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232).

[0193] A first guide groove (620) may be formed in the first guide portion (62) at a position corresponding to the first hinge pin (3231). The first guide groove (620) is opened downward, and the first hinge pin (3231) may be inserted therein. The first guide groove (620) may form a path along which the first hinge pin (3231) moves when the door (201) is opened and closed, and the first hinge pin (3231) may move in a state in which the circumference of the first hinge pin (3231) comes into contact with the inner surface of the first guide groove (620). For example, the first guide groove (620) may be formed in an arc shape having a predetermined curvature. Of course, if necessary, the first guide groove (620) may have a shape in which a plurality of arcs having curvatures are connected. In addition, the first guide home (620) may be configured by combining inclined or rounded shapes.

[0194] A second guide groove (630) may be formed in the second guide portion (63) at a position corresponding to the second hinge pin (3232). The second guide groove (630) is opened downward, and the second hinge pin (3232) may be inserted therein. The second guide groove (630) may form a path along which the second hinge pin (3232) moves when the door (201) is opened and closed, and the second hinge pin (3232) may move in a state in which the circumference of the second hinge pin (3232) comes into contact with the inner surface of the second guide groove (630). For example, the second guide groove (630) may be formed in an arc shape having a predetermined curvature. Of course, if necessary, the second guide groove (630) may have a shape in which a plurality of arcs having curvatures are connected. In addition, the second guide home (630) may be configured by combining inclined or rounded shapes.

[0195] Meanwhile, the first guide groove (620) may be formed longer than the second guide groove (630) and may be positioned closer to the cabinet (10). That is, when the door (201) is opened and closed, the movement trajectory of the first hinge pin (3231) may be formed to be larger than the movement trajectory of the second hinge pin (3232).

[0196] Accordingly, when the door (201) is opened and closed, the first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232) can move along the first guide groove (620) and the second guide groove (630). In addition, as with the door (201) of the first embodiment described above, while the door (201) is opened and closed, the rotation center of the door (201) continuously changes as the first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232) come into contact with the first guide groove (620) and the second guide groove (630), and the door (201) is opened and closed without colliding with the adjacent wall surface (O).

[0197] The above guide member (60) may include a guide plate (61) coupled to the lower surface of the door (201). The first guide portion (62) and the second guide portion (63) may protrude upward from the guide plate (61) and be inserted into the lower surface of the door (201). In addition, the first guide groove (620) and the second guide groove (630) may be opened in the guide plate (61). A screw hole (611) may be further formed in the guide plate (61) to fix the guide member (60) to the lower surface of the door (201).

[0198] Meanwhile, a lower cap (24) may be formed on the lower surface of the door (201). In addition, the guide member (60) may be provided on the lower cap (24).

[0199] In addition, a mounting guide (28b) may be formed on the lower surface of the door (201). The mounting guide (28b) may be formed on the lower cap (24). The mounting guide (28b) may be formed integrally with the lower cap (24). If necessary, the mounting guide (28b) may be formed separately and then fixedly mounted on the lower cap (24).

[0200] The above-described mounting guide (28b) can guide the adjusting member (325) for adjusting the height of the door (201) toward the hinge pin (323b). The above-described mounting guide (28b) may have the same structure and shape as the mounting guide (28) of the first embodiment described above, with the only difference being the placement position.

[0201] In detail, the mounting guide (28b) may be formed along one end of the lower surface of the door (201). The mounting guide (28b) may be formed along the front end based on the front-back direction of the door (201). In addition, the mounting guide (28b) may be formed on one end of the left and right sides of the door (201) that is connected to the hinge (32b).

[0202] And, the mounting guide (28b) may extend from the front end of the door (20) to the rear. At this time, the mounting guide (28b) may extend toward the hinge pin (323). The mounting guide (28) may include a pair of outer protrusions (281) protruding from both ends of the mounting guide (28). And, the mounting guide (28) may include a plurality of inner protrusions (282) arranged between the outer protrusions (281). And, a guide slit (283) may be formed between the inner protrusions (282).

[0203] The outer protrusion (281) and the inner protrusion (282) may extend obliquely from both sides of the first hinge pin (3231) toward the hinge pin (323b). The plurality of inner protrusions (282) may extend toward the first hinge pin (3231). In addition, the inner protrusions (282) may have an incline that decreases as they extend toward the second hinge pin (3231).

[0204] Accordingly, even when the door (20) is closed, the adjusting member mounting tool (50) can be brought close to the mounting guide (28b) from the front of the door (20). In addition, the adjusting member mounting tool (50) can be moved along the mounting guide (28b) to mount the adjusting member (325) to the first hinge pin (3231).

[0205] The first hinge pin (3231) may be positioned further from the side of the door than the second hinge pin (3232). Accordingly, the positioning of the mounting guide (28b) formed to face the first hinge pin (3231) is easier, and the guidance of the adjusting member (325) can also be easier.

[0206] The above mounting guide (28b) may be formed to face the second hinge pin (3232), but in this case, the mounting guide (28b) is moved further toward the side end of the door (201), and it is somewhat difficult to secure a space in which the mounting guide (28b) is formed. Therefore, if the space in which the mounting guide (28b) is formed is secured, the mounting guide (28b) may be formed to face the second hinge pin (3232), and the adjusting member (325) may be mounted on the second hinge pin (3232) to adjust the height of the door (201).

[0207] The above-described adjusting member (325) may be formed in the same shape as the adjusting member (325) of the first embodiment described above, and may be formed in a ring shape with an opening (3251) formed on one side thereof, and may be inserted and mounted on the first hinge pin (3231). The adjusting member (325) may be mounted on the first hinge pin (3231) by the guidance of the mounting guide (28b) using the adjusting member mounting tool (50).

[0208] Meanwhile, a contact plate (324) may be mounted on the hinge pin (323b). The contact plate (324) may come into contact with the guide member (60) to prevent the guide member (60) from being worn. The contact plate (324) may be formed in a plate shape of a metal material, and a through hole (3241) through which the first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232) pass may be formed.

[0209] In addition, the adjusting member (325) can be mounted on the first hinge pin (3231) below the contact plate (324). The adjusting member (325) is mounted between the contact plate (324) and the flange portion (3235) to adjust the height of the door (201). Therefore, even if the adjusting member (325) is mounted on only one of the first hinge pin (3231) and the second hinge pin (3232), the entire height of the door (201) can be adjusted.

[0210] The refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention has high industrial applicability because the height of the door can be easily adjusted, thereby improving operability.

Claims

1. Cabinet with storage space; a door that opens and closes the storage space; and A hinge for rotatably connecting the door to the cabinet; The above hinge, A hinge plate extending from the above cabinet; and A hinge pin protruding from the hinge plate and inserted into the door; A refrigerator in which a mounting guide is formed on the door, extending toward the hinge pin, and guiding an adjusting member for adjusting the height of the door to be mounted on the hinge pin.

2. In paragraph 1, It is provided on the lower surface of the door and includes a guide member that forms a path along which the hinge pin moves when the door is opened and closed. The above hinge pin, A first hinge pin protruding from one side of the hinge plate and inserted into the guide member; and A refrigerator comprising a second hinge pin protruding from a position spaced apart from the first hinge pin and inserted into the guide member.

3. In paragraph 2, A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned adjusting member is formed in a ring shape with one side open and is mounted around the hinge pin.

4. In paragraph 2, The first hinge pin and the second hinge pin are formed in a plate shape through which they penetrate, and include a contact plate that comes into contact with the guide member. A refrigerator wherein the above mounting guide is formed to have an inclination directed between the contact plate and the hinge plate.

5. In paragraph 2, A refrigerator wherein the above-mentioned adjusting member is mounted on either the first hinge pin or the second hinge pin.

6. In paragraph 2, The above first hinge pin is located forward of the above second hinge pin, A refrigerator in which the above mounting guide extends from the rear end of the door toward the first hinge pin, so that the adjusting member is mounted to the first hinge pin.

7. In paragraph 2, The above first hinge pin is located forward of the above second hinge pin, A refrigerator in which the above mounting guide extends from the side of the door toward the second hinge pin, so that the adjusting member is mounted to the second hinge pin.

8. In paragraph 2, The first hinge pin and the second hinge pin are connected by a connecting portion, A refrigerator wherein the above-mentioned adjusting member is mounted on either the first hinge pin or the second hinge pin.

9. In paragraph 2, A refrigerator wherein the above-mentioned adjusting member includes a first insertion portion into which the first hinge pin is inserted, and a second insertion portion into which the second hinge pin is inserted.

10. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a lower cap forming the lower surface of the above door, The above mounting guide is provided on the refrigerator lower cap.

11. In paragraph 10, The above mounting guide extends from the rear end of the lower cap toward the hinge pin of the refrigerator.

12. In paragraph 1, The above mounting guide includes a plurality of guide protrusions arranged at regular intervals along the lower surface of the door, A refrigerator wherein a plurality of said guide protrusions extend obliquely toward the hinge pin.

13. In paragraph 12, A refrigerator in which the hinge pin is located within an extension of a guide projection arranged on both ends among the plurality of guide projections.

14. In paragraph 12, The above guide protrusions are, Outer projections placed on both sides, It includes a plurality of inner protrusions arranged between a pair of the above outer protrusions, A refrigerator in which the outer protrusion protrudes further from the lower surface of the door than the inner protrusion.

15. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the above mounting guide is formed to protrude further from the lower surface of the door as it moves toward the hinge pin.

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