WO2024022184A1

WO2024022184A1 - Hinge mechanism for refrigerator and refrigerator

Info

Publication number: WO2024022184A1
Application number: PCT/CN2023/108054
Authority: WO
Inventors: 王兆鑫; 张�浩; 张振兴; 廖耀军
Original assignee: 青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司; 海尔智家股份有限公司
Priority date: 2022-07-27
Filing date: 2023-07-19
Publication date: 2024-02-01
Also published as: CN117513898A

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of household appliances. Disclosed is a hinge mechanism for a refrigerator. A refrigerator comprises a door body and a cabinet body. The hinge mechanism comprises: a hinge assembly, which is suitable to be connected to the door body and is provided with a limiting part; and a hinge mount, which is suitable to be connected to the cabinet body and is provided with a limiting fitting part. In an initial state, when the hinge assembly is driven by external force, the limiting part fits into the limiting fitting part so as to lead the hinge assembly to successively undergo translational movement and rotation relative to the hinge mount in the direction away from the hinge mount, such that the door body successively undergoes translational movement and rotation relative to the cabinet body in the direction away from the cabinet body, thereby opening the door body. During the process from the closed state to the open state of the refrigerator of the present application, the hinge mechanism is provided to cause the refrigerator door body to successively undergo the translational movement and rotation relative to the cabinet body in the direction away from the cabinet body, so that the open door body interferes with neither a side wall of the cabinet body nor a wall near the cabinet body, which aids a user in easily using a drawer in the cabinet body of the refrigerator when the refrigerator door body is open.

Description

Hinge mechanism for refrigerator, refrigerator

This application is filed based on a Chinese patent application with application number 202210893259.8 and a filing date of July 27, 2022, and claims the priority of the Chinese patent application. The entire content of the Chinese patent application is hereby incorporated into this application as a reference.

Technical field

The present application relates to the technical field of household appliances, for example, to a hinge mechanism for a refrigerator and a refrigerator.

Background technique

Refrigerators have become essential household appliances in daily life. Existing refrigerator doors are often opened through hinges. Since the hinges are installed between the refrigerator door and the box, after the refrigerator door is opened, the door will open. The position of the refrigerator door and the side wall of the box overlap and interfere, which limits the opening angle of the refrigerator door, making it impossible to easily pull out the drawer in the box, affecting the user's experience of using the drawer.

In order to make the refrigerator door open at a wider angle, the related art discloses a refrigerator, which includes a box body and a door body for opening and closing the box body. The refrigerator also includes a hinge body fixed on the box body, and the hinge body is provided with a There is a positioning shaft and a guide shaft, and the door body is provided with a positioning groove that matches the positioning shaft and a guide slot that matches the guide shaft; the side on the left and right sides of the refrigerator where the hinge body is set is the pivot side, and the door body is in the first position when it is closed. In one state, the door body has a side wall close to the pivot side in the first state and a front wall far away from the box body in the first state, and the positioning groove has a first position close to the side wall and the front wall and a first position compared to the first position. The second position away from the side wall and the front wall, the guide groove has a third position and a fourth position, when the door body is in the first state, the positioning shaft is in the second position, and the guide shaft is in the fourth position; the guide shaft and the guide groove It is set as follows: when the door body is opened from the first state, the door body rotates with the positioning shaft as the rotation center, and the positioning shaft moves from the second position to the first position under the limitation of the guide shaft and the guide groove, and the guide shaft When moving from the fourth position to the third position, the door body is opened at a certain angle to the second state, and the door body is moved a certain distance away from the pivot side; the guide groove has a rotation relative to the third position and away from the fourth position. The starting position and the relative rotation starting position are close to the rotation end position of the side wall. The guide groove is in the shape of an arc between the rotation starting position and the rotation end position, and the angle of the arc is greater than or equal to 90°.

Although the related art achieves a larger opening angle of the refrigerator door, in the process of implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is found that there are at least the following problems in the related art:

The opening angle of the refrigerator door in the related art is greater than or equal to 90°. As a result, after the refrigerator door is opened, the door occupies more external space on the side wall of the refrigerator. This often results in the wall near the refrigerator door and the side wall of the cabinet being blocked. The body interferes, which reduces the convenience of using the refrigerator and makes it difficult to pull out the drawer inside the box easily.

Contents of the invention

In order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a simplified summary is provided below. This summary is not intended to be a general review, nor is it intended to identify key/important elements or delineate the scope of the embodiments, but is intended to serve as a prelude to the detailed description that follows.

The present invention provides a hinge mechanism for a refrigerator to solve the problem of overlapping and collision of the side walls of the box in the existing refrigerator, or the opening angle of the door of the refrigerator being greater than or equal to 90°, which causes the door and the wall near the side wall of the box to be in contact with each other. There is a technical problem that the refrigerator door is restricted from opening due to physical interference, resulting in the drawer in the box being unable to be easily pulled out for use.

The technical solution of the first aspect of the embodiment of the present invention provides and discloses a hinge mechanism for a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a door body and a box body. The hinge mechanism includes: a hinge assembly adapted to be in contact with the door body. The connection is provided with a limiting portion; the hinge seat is suitable for being connected to the box and is provided with a limiting fitting portion; in the initial state, the hinge assembly is driven by an external force, and the limiting portion and the limiting fitting portion Cooperate to guide the hinge assembly to sequentially perform translational movements and rotations relative to the hinge seat in a direction away from the hinge seat, so that the door body sequentially moves away from the box relative to the box. Translational movement and rotation realize the opening of the door body.

In some embodiments, the hinge assembly includes: a hinge, adapted to be connected to the door body, and provided with a first limiting portion; a rotating member, movably connected to the hinge, and provided with a second limiting portion; The first limiting part cooperates with the limiting fitting part, and the second limiting part cooperates with the limiting fitting part to guide the hinge assembly to move away from the hinge seat in sequence. Translational movement and rotation in the direction of the hinge seat, wherein the limiting part includes the first limiting part and the second limiting part.

In some embodiments, the first limiting part and the second limiting part include a first limiting protrusion and a second limiting protrusion respectively; the limiting fitting part includes a limiting groove, and the The limiting groove includes: a linear groove segment; a curved groove segment, located on one side of the linear groove segment and connected with the linear groove segment; in the initial state, the first limiting protrusion and the second limiting groove segment The positioning protrusions are all located in the linear groove segment. Driven by an external force, the first limiting protrusion slides relative to the linear groove segment, so that the hinge assembly moves away from the hinge base relative to the hinge base. For translational movement in the direction of the hinge base, the second limiting protrusion slides into the curved groove section through the linear groove section, so that the hinge assembly rotates relative to the hinge base.

In some embodiments, in the initial state, the second limiting protrusion and the first limiting protrusion are arranged sequentially in the linear groove section along the direction of the translation movement, and in the first limiting protrusion When the positioning protrusion is located at the first end of the linear groove segment and abuts against the groove wall at the first end, the second limiting protrusion slides to the connection point between the linear groove segment and the curved groove segment. .

In some embodiments, in the initial state, the second limiting protrusion is located at the second end of the linear groove segment and abuts against the groove wall at the second end.

In some embodiments, the rotating member is rotationally connected to the hinge, and the hinge mechanism further includes: a driving component for providing the external force. The driving component includes a rotating component and a driving component, and the rotating component is connected with the driving component. The rotating member is rotationally connected, and the driving member is drivingly connected with the rotating component for driving the rotating component to rotate.

In some embodiments, the rotating component includes: a first rotating member, one end of the first rotating member is rotationally connected to the rotating member; a second rotating member, one end of the second rotating member is connected to the third rotating member. The other end of a rotating member is rotationally connected, and the driving member is drivingly connected to the other end of the second rotating member for driving the second rotating member to rotate.

The technical solution of the second aspect of the embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator; including a door body; a box body; a hinge mechanism as described in the above embodiments, the hinge assembly is connected to the door body, and the hinge base is connected to the door body. The boxes are connected.

In some embodiments, the box defines an accommodation cavity, a cavity wall of the accommodation cavity is provided with an installation groove, and the hinge seat is located in the installation groove.

In some embodiments, the installation groove is provided on the top cavity wall of the accommodation cavity, and the side cavity wall of the accommodation cavity is provided with an escape groove for avoiding the rotating component.

The hinge mechanism for a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present invention can achieve the following technical effects:

When the refrigerator is in the closed state to the open state, the hinge mechanism is provided to cause the refrigerator door body to perform translational movement and rotation relative to the box body in a direction away from the box body. In other words, the door body rotates after translational movement. Through the translational movement of the door body, the distance between the door body and the box body and the distance between the door body and the wall can be increased. At this time, the door body rotates again, so that the door body is in position. After opening, it can completely avoid the use space in the box. After the refrigerator door is opened, it neither interferes with the side wall of the box nor with the wall near the box, making it easy for users to use the refrigerator box after the refrigerator door is opened. of drawers.

The above general description and the following description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not intended to limit the application.

Description of drawings

One or more embodiments are exemplified by corresponding drawings. These exemplary descriptions and drawings do not constitute limitations to the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements. The drawings are not limited to scale and in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator with a hinge mechanism in an exploded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of position A in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of another refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of a door body and a hinge mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 6 shows a hinge base, the first limiting protrusion and the second limiting protrusion provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure in the door-closing position. Schematic diagram of the positional relationship;

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between a hinge base, a first limiting protrusion and a second limiting protrusion after translational movement provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between a hinge base, a first limiting protrusion and a second limiting protrusion in the door-opening position provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 9 is a schematic structural diagram of yet another refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 10 is a schematic structural diagram of yet another refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Reference signs:

100: Door body; 200: Box body; 210: Accommodation cavity; 211: Installation groove; 212: Avoidance groove; 300: Hinge assembly; 310: Limiting part; 311: First limiting part; 312: Second limiting part part; 320: hinge; 321: first limiting protrusion; 330: rotating member; 331: second limiting protrusion; 400: hinge seat; 410: limiting fitting part; 420: limiting groove; 421: straight line Groove section; 422: curved groove section; 500: driving component; 510: rotating component; 511: first rotating part; 512: second rotating part; 513: driving gear; 514: driven gear; 520: driving part; 600 : The first end of the linear groove segment; 700: The second end of the linear groove segment.

Detailed ways

In order to understand the characteristics and technical content of the embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail, the implementation of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The attached drawings are for reference only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following technical description, for convenience of explanation, multiple details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, one or more embodiments may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices may be shown simplified to simplify the drawings.

The terms "first", "second", etc. in the description and claims of the embodiments of the present disclosure and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that data so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances for the purposes of the embodiments of the disclosure described herein. Furthermore, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "middle", "outer", "front", "back", etc. is based on the orientation or position shown in the drawings. Positional relationship. These terms are mainly used to better describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and its embodiments, and are not used to limit the indicated device, element or component to have a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Moreover, some of the above terms may also be used to express other meanings in addition to indicating orientation or positional relationships. For example, the term "upper" may also be used to express a certain dependence relationship or connection relationship in some cases. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the use of these terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances. specific meaning.

In addition, the terms "setting", "connection" and "fixing" should be understood broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection, or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediary, or two devices, components or Internal connections between components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

Unless otherwise stated, the term "plurality" means two or more.

It should be noted that, as long as there is no conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined with each other.

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 10 , embodiments of the present disclosure provide a hinge mechanism for a refrigerator, including a hinge assembly 300 and a hinge base 400 .

The hinge assembly 300 is suitable for connecting with the door body 100 and is provided with a limiting portion 310; the hinge seat 400 is suitable for being connected with the box 200 and is provided with a limiting fitting portion 410; in the initial state, the hinge assembly 300 is driven by an external force and is limited in position. The portion 310 cooperates with the limiting fitting portion 410 to guide the hinge assembly 300 to perform translational movement and rotation relative to the hinge seat 400 in a direction away from the hinge seat 400, so that the door 100 moves away from the box 200 relative to the box 200. The translation movement and rotation in the direction realize the opening of the door 100.

The initial state in this embodiment is that the door 100 of the refrigerator is in a closed state, that is, the refrigerator is in a closed state. When the refrigerator is in the closed state to the open state, the hinge mechanism is provided and the limiting portion 310 of the hinge assembly 300 cooperates with the limiting matching portion 410 of the hinge base 400 so that the refrigerator door 100 is sequentially positioned relative to the box 200 The translational movement and rotation in the direction away from the box 200 allows the refrigerator door 100 to completely avoid the use space in the box 200 after opening, and does not interfere with the wall near the side wall of the box 200, making it convenient for the user to open the refrigerator door. After the body 100 is opened, the drawers in the refrigerator case 200 can be easily used.

Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 , after the refrigerator door 100 in this embodiment is opened, the limiting portion 310 of the hinge assembly 300 cooperates with the limiting matching portion 410 of the hinge base 400 , and the door body The opening angle of 100 relative to the box 200 is still 90°. Due to the hinge mechanism provided in this embodiment, the door 100 of the refrigerator is located on the outside of the side wall of the box 200 after being opened, thus avoiding the need for the refrigerator door 100 to contact the box 200. The side walls overlap and interfere with each other, which does not affect the user's use of the internal space of the refrigerator box 200, and is more conducive to the use of the internal drawer of the refrigerator box 200.

Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 , when the refrigerator is moving from a closed state to a door-open state, the limiting portion 310 of the hinge assembly 300 cooperates with the limiting matching portion 410 of the hinge base 400 to lock the refrigerator door. 100 first performs a translational movement in a direction away from the box 200 relative to the box 200. Then, the limiting portion 310 of the hinge assembly 300 cooperates with the limiting matching portion 410 of the hinge base 400, so that the refrigerator door 100 moves relative to the box. The body rotates 200 degrees. In this way, the refrigerator door 100 first moves in translation relative to the box 200, and then rotates and opens, so that the door 100 is located on the side of the box 200 after opening. The outside of the wall, that is, the door 100 can completely avoid the use space in the box 200, and the opening angle of the door 100 relative to the box 200 is 90°, and does not interfere with the wall near the side wall of the box 200, which is convenient for convenience. The user can easily use the drawer in the refrigerator box 200, so that the drawer can be freely pulled out or pushed into the refrigerator box 200, thereby improving the user's experience of using the refrigerator.

Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 , the hinge assembly 300 includes a hinge 320 and a rotating member 330 , wherein the hinge 320 is adapted to be connected to the door body 100 and is provided with a first limiting portion 311 ; the rotating member 330 and the hinge 320 is movably connected and provided with a second limiting part 312; the first limiting part 311 cooperates with the limiting fitting part 410, and the second limiting part 312 cooperates with the limiting fitting part 410 to guide the hinge assembly 300 to face each other. The hinge base 400 sequentially performs translational movement and rotation in a direction away from the hinge base 400 , wherein the limiting portion 310 includes a first limiting portion 311 and a second limiting portion 312 .

For example, the first limiting portion 311 of the hinge 320 can cooperate with the limiting fitting portion 410 to guide the hinge assembly 300 to perform a translational movement relative to the hinge base 400 in a direction away from the hinge base 400 . The second limiting portion 312 of the rotating member 330 cooperates with the limiting matching portion 410, and because the rotating member 330 is movably connected to the hinge 320, the hinge assembly 300 is guided to rotate relative to the hinge base 400.

For example, the hinge 320 is provided with a through-mounting hole, and the rotating member 330 is inserted through the mounting hole. That is, the rotating member 330 is rotationally connected to the hinge 320 through the mounting hole, and after the rotating member 330 passes through the mounting hole, it extends beyond the mounting hole. Part of the second limiting portion 312 is configured to match the second limiting portion 312 with the limiting fitting portion 410 . In this way, the rotating member 330 is rotationally connected to the hinge 320. When the rotating member 330 rotates, the rotating member 330 drives the hinge 320 to move, so that both the first limiting part 311 and the second limiting part 312 can interact with the limiting matching part 410. Cooperate to guide the hinge assembly 300 to sequentially perform translational movement and rotation in a direction away from the hinge base 400 relative to the hinge base 400 .

Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 and 9 , a second hinge assembly and a second hinge base are also provided along the height direction of the refrigerator door 100 . Likewise, the second hinge assembly includes a second hinge and swivel 330 . The second hinge is provided with a third limiting part, and the rotating member 330 is provided with a fourth limiting part.

For example, the second hinge is adapted to be connected to the door body 100, and the second hinge is provided with a third limiting portion; the rotating member 330 is movably connected to the second hinge, and the rotating member 330 is provided with a fourth limiting portion; the second hinge The seat is provided with a second limiting fitting part, a third limiting part cooperates with the second limiting fitting part, and a fourth limiting part cooperates with the second limiting fitting part to guide the second hinge component relative to the third limiting fitting part. The two hinge seats sequentially perform translational movement and rotation in a direction away from the second hinge seat. Since the rotating part 330 is movably connected to the hinge 320 and the second hinge at the same time, when the rotating part 330 rotates, the rotating part 330 drives the hinge 320 and the second hinge to move synchronously, so that the first limiting part 311 and the second limiting part 312 are both It can cooperate with the limiting fitting portion 410 to guide the hinge assembly 300 to perform translational movement and rotation relative to the hinge base 400 in a direction away from the hinge base 400. At the same time, the rotating member 330 also enables the third limiting portion and the fourth limiting portion to cooperate with the second limiting matching portion to guide the second hinge assembly relative to the second hinge seat in a direction away from the second hinge seat. translational motion and rotation move. This arrangement allows the hinge assembly 300 and the second hinge assembly arranged along the height direction of the door 100 to move synchronously during the opening process of the refrigerator door 100 to drive the refrigerator door 100 to first move in translation in a direction away from the box 200 , and then rotate relative to the box 200 to increase the smoothness of the refrigerator door 100 during the opening process.

Optionally, as shown in Figures 4 to 8, the first limiting part 311 and the second limiting part 312 respectively include a first limiting protrusion 321 and a second limiting protrusion 331; the limiting fitting part 410 includes The limiting groove 420 includes: a linear groove segment 421; a curved groove segment 422, which is located on one side of the linear groove segment 421 and is connected with the linear groove segment 421; in the initial state, the first limiting protrusion 321 and The second limiting protrusions 331 are located in the linear groove segments 421 . Driven by an external force, the first limiting protrusion 321 slides relative to the linear groove segment 421, so that the hinge assembly 300 performs a translational movement relative to the hinge base 400 in a direction away from the hinge base 400. The second limiting protrusion 331 passes through the linear groove. The segment 421 slides into the curved groove segment 422 to allow the hinge assembly 300 to rotate relative to the hinge base 400 .

Optionally, as shown in Figures 4 to 8, the first limiting part 311 is a first limiting protrusion 321, the second limiting part 312 is a second limiting protrusion 331, and the limiting groove 420 includes a linear groove. Segment 421 is connected to the curved groove section 422, and the straight groove section 421 is connected to the curved groove section 422. The curved groove section 422 is connected to the straight groove section 421 at the middle position of the straight groove section 421. In the initial state, the first limiting protrusion 321 and the second limiting protrusion 331 are both in the linear groove section 421. Driven by external force, the first limiting protrusion 321 and the second limiting protrusion 331 are both first Slide along the linear groove section 421 so that the hinge assembly 300 first performs translational movement in a direction away from the hinge base 400 . Afterwards, the second limiting protrusion 331 slides into the curved groove section 422 from the connection between the linear groove section 421 and the curved groove section 422, so that the hinge assembly 300 rotates relative to the hinge base 400.

Optionally, as shown in Figures 4 to 8, in the initial state, the second limiting protrusion 331 and the first limiting protrusion 321 are sequentially arranged in the linear groove section 421 along the direction of translation movement, and in the first limit When the positioning protrusion 321 is located at the first end 600 of the linear groove segment and abuts against the groove wall of the first end 600 of the linear groove segment, the second limiting protrusion 331 slides to communicate with the linear groove segment 421 and the curved groove segment 422 at.

When the refrigerator is in a closed state, the second limiting protrusion 331 and the first limiting protrusion 321 are sequentially arranged in the linear groove section 421 along the direction of translation movement, that is, the first limiting protrusion 321 is smaller than the second limiting protrusion 321 . The protrusion 331 is closer to the door 100 of the refrigerator.

For example, when the first limiting protrusion 321 and the second limiting protrusion 331 move in translation in the direction away from the refrigerator box 200, the first limiting protrusion 321 has priority over the second limiting protrusion 331 and the straight line. The groove walls of the first end 600 of the groove section are in contact with each other. At this time, the second limiting protrusion 331 is located at the connection between the straight groove section 421 and the curved groove section 422 . The groove wall of the first end 600 of the linear groove section abuts the first limiting protrusion 321 to limit the stopping position of the first limiting protrusion 321 in its translational movement away from the box body 200 . By fixing the distance between the first limiting protrusion 321 and the second limiting protrusion 331 along the direction of the linear groove segment 421, the first limiting protrusion 321 and the second limiting protrusion 331 are positioned along the linear groove segment 421. The distance in the 421 direction is a fixed value. With this arrangement, when the first limiting protrusion 321 abuts the first end 600 of the linear groove segment, In this case, it is ensured that the second limiting protrusion 331 is located at the connection between the straight groove segment 421 and the curved groove segment 422, so that the door 100 of the refrigerator is translated for a certain distance relative to the box 200 in the direction away from the box 200, ensuring that After the door 100 of the refrigerator is rotated, the door 100 of the refrigerator is located outside the side wall of the box 200, and the door 100 does not interfere with the wall near the side wall of the box 200, so that the door 100 of the box door is aligned with the box. The usable space within the body 200 is fully avoided.

Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 , in the initial state, the second limiting protrusion 331 is located at the second end 700 of the linear groove segment and abuts against the groove wall of the second end 700 of the linear groove segment.

In the initial state, the second limiting protrusion 331 is located at the second end 70 of the linear groove segment and abuts against the groove wall of the second end 700 of the linear groove segment. With this arrangement, when the refrigerator is in a closed state, the second end 700 of the linear groove section limits the translational movement of the second limiting protrusion 331 in the direction close to the refrigerator box 200, so that the refrigerator can accurately reach the closed state, ensuring that The reliability of the hinge mechanism of the refrigerator when the refrigerator is closed.

Optionally, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the rotating member 330 is rotationally connected to the hinge 320. The hinge mechanism also includes: a driving assembly 500 for providing external force. The driving assembly 500 includes a rotating assembly 510 and a driving member 520. The rotating assembly 510 Rotally connected to the rotating member 330, the driving member 520 is drivingly connected to the rotating component 510, and is used to drive the rotating component 510 to rotate.

For example, the driving member 520 may be a motor, and the motor is drivingly connected to the rotating component 510 . The rotating assembly 510 also includes a driving gear 513 and a driven gear 514, wherein the driving gear 513 meshes with the driven gear 514. The driving gear 513 is connected to the motor, and the driven gear 514 is connected to the rotating member 330 . When the motor starts to rotate, the motor drives the driving gear 513 to rotate, the driving gear 513 drives the driven gear 514, and the driven gear 514 drives the rotating member 330 to rotate, thereby providing driving force for the rotating member 330. Such an arrangement enables the hinge mechanism in this embodiment to utilize the driving force provided by the driving assembly 500 to electrically open the refrigerator door 100 , thereby improving the convenience of using the refrigerator.

Similarly, when the rotation direction of the motor is opposite to the direction of driving the refrigerator door 100 to open, the motor can drive the hinge mechanism for the refrigerator in this embodiment to electrically close the refrigerator door 100, which facilitates the user's use of the refrigerator. In other words, the hinge mechanism used in the refrigerator in this embodiment can electrically open or electrically close the door 100 through the driving member 520, providing convenience for the user when using the refrigerator.

Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 , the rotating assembly 510 includes a first rotating member 511 and a second rotating member 512 . One end of the first rotating member 511 is rotationally connected to the rotating member 330; one end of the second rotating member 512 is rotationally connected to the other end of the first rotating member 511, and the driving member 520 is drivingly connected to the other end of the second rotating member 512 for The second rotating member 512 is driven to rotate.

For example, the two ends of the first rotating member 511 are connected to the rotating member 330 and the second rotating member 512 respectively, and the two ends of the second rotating member 512 are connected to the driving member 520 and the first rotating member 511 respectively. This arrangement makes the driving member The member 520 provides a driving force to drive the second rotating member 512 to rotate, so that the second rotating member 512 drives the first rotating member 511 to rotate, and then the second rotating member 512 drives the first rotating member 511 to rotate. The first rotating member 511 drives the rotating member 330 to rotate.

For example, the first rotating member 511 and the second rotating member 512 are connected through a pin, so that when the second rotating member 512 rotates, the second rotating member 512 can drive the first rotating member 511 to rotate. The first rotating member 511 is provided with a through hole, and the inner wall surface of the through hole is a first gear surface. A second gear surface is provided on the part of the rotating member 330 connected to the first rotating member 511. The first gear surface and the second gear surface are The surfaces mesh with each other, so that the first rotating member 511 can drive the rotating member 330 to rotate. The driving member 520 drives the second rotating member 512 through the transmission gear. The second rotating member 512 is provided with a gear hole that meshes with the transmission gear. The transmission gear meshes with the gear hole, so that the driving member 520 can drive the second rotating member through the transmission gear. 512 turns. Such an arrangement enables the driving member 520 to drive the second rotating member 512 to rotate, the second rotating member 512 to drive the first rotating member 511 to rotate, and the first rotating member 511 to drive the rotating member 330 to move.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 10 , the movement process of the hinge mechanism for the refrigerator in this embodiment will be described.

When the refrigerator is in a closed state, the second limiting protrusion 331 of the rotating member 330 abuts against the groove wall of the second end 700 of the linear groove section of the hinge base 400 .

When the refrigerator moves from the closed state to the open state, the motor starts to drive the driving gear 513 to rotate, and then the driving gear 513 drives the driven gear 514. The driven gear 514 drives the second rotating member 512 to rotate, and the second rotating member 512 drives the first rotating member. The member 511 rotates, and the first rotating member 511 drives the rotating member 330 to move. Since the second limiting protrusion 331 of the rotating member 330 is located in the linear groove segment 421, the second limiting protrusion 331 of the rotating member 330 is in the linear groove segment. 421 moves in the direction away from the refrigerator box 200. The rotating member 330 is also movably connected with the hinge 320 to transmit the driving force to the hinge 320, so that the first limiting protrusion 321 of the hinge 320 also moves away from the inside of the straight groove section 421. The refrigerator box 200 moves in the direction, and the first limiting protrusion 321 moves to the first end 600 of the linear groove segment, and abuts against the groove wall of the first end 600 of the linear groove segment. At this time, the second limiting protrusion 321 Lift 331 moves to the connection between the straight groove section 421 and the curved groove section 422 . Since the hinge 320 is connected to the door 100 , after the above movement process, the refrigerator door 100 translates a certain distance away from the refrigerator box 200 to increase the distance between the door 100 and the box 200 .

The motor continues to rotate to provide driving force, and the second limiting protrusion 331 moves along the curved groove section 422, causing the hinge 320 to rotate relative to the hinge base 400. When the second limiting protrusion 331 is in contact with the end of the curved groove section 422, When the groove walls are in contact, at this time, the door opening movement process ends, and the door body 100 is in an open state relative to the box body 200 .

Since the door 100 first translates a distance relative to the box 200 in the direction away from the box 200 , the distance between the door 100 and the box 200 is increased, so that after the door 100 is rotated and opened, the door 100 is located in the box 200 outside the side wall, and the door 100 does not interfere with the side wall of the box 200 or with the wall near the box 200, so that the user can easily use the drawer in the refrigerator.

The movement process of the hinge mechanism used in the refrigerator from the door-opening state to the door-closing state in this embodiment is similar to the above-mentioned process, and will not be described again here.

The refrigerator provided in this embodiment includes a door body 100 and a box body 200; because it has the hinge mechanism for the refrigerator in any of the above embodiments, it has the hinge mechanism for the refrigerator in any of the above embodiments. All beneficial effects will not be repeated here.

Optionally, the hinge assembly 300 and the door body 100 are connected by bolts, and the hinge seat 400 and the box body 200 are connected by bolts to ensure the stability of the hinge mechanism during the opening or closing process of the refrigerator door 100 .

Optionally, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 8, the box 200 defines a receiving cavity 210. The cavity wall of the receiving cavity 210 is provided with a mounting groove 211, and the hinge base 400 is located in the mounting groove 211.

The cabinet 200 of the refrigerator defines a receiving cavity 210, and the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 210 is provided with a mounting groove 211, so that the hinge base 400 is disposed in the receiving cavity 210. With this arrangement, the hinge base 400 of the refrigerator is hidden inside the cabinet 200 of the refrigerator, making the overall appearance of the refrigerator more concise and beautiful.

For example, the hinge base 400 and the installation groove 211 are connected by bolts, which ensures the stability of the hinge base 400 during the process of opening and closing the refrigerator door. The bolt connection is a detachable connection, which facilitates replacement and repair after the hinge base 400 is damaged due to long-term use.

Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 2 , 3 and 9 , the mounting groove 211 is provided on the top cavity wall of the accommodation cavity 210 , and the side cavity wall of the accommodation cavity 210 is provided with an escape groove 212 for avoiding the rotating member 330 .

The inner wall of the accommodation cavity 210 of the refrigerator box 200 is provided with a mounting groove 211 for installing the hinge base 400 and an escape groove 212 for avoiding the rotating member 330. The installation groove 211 and the escape groove 212 are respectively provided on the top wall and wall of the accommodation cavity 210. The side cavity wall allows the hinge mechanism to be hidden inside the refrigerator box 200 . This arrangement not only satisfies the practicality of making it convenient for users to use the refrigerator drawer after the refrigerator door 100 is opened, but also allows the hinge mechanism to be hidden inside the refrigerator, making the entire refrigerator more beautiful.

Optionally, as shown in Figures 2 to 5, the refrigerator in this embodiment may be a main and auxiliary door refrigerator.

The foregoing description and drawings illustrate embodiments of the disclosure sufficiently to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may include structural and other changes. The examples represent only possible variations. Unless explicitly required, individual components and features are optional and the order of operations may vary. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in or substituted for those of other embodiments. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the structures that have been described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

A hinge mechanism for a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a door body (100) and a box body (200). It is characterized in that the hinge mechanism includes:

The hinge assembly (300) is suitable for connecting with the door body (100) and is provided with a limiting portion (310);

The hinge seat (400) is suitable for connecting with the box (200) and is provided with a limited fitting portion (410);

In the initial state, when the hinge assembly (300) is driven by an external force, the limiting portion (310) cooperates with the limiting matching portion (410) to guide the hinge assembly (300) relative to the hinge. The seat (400) sequentially performs translational movement and rotation in a direction away from the hinge seat (400), so that the door (100) moves in a direction away from the box (200) relative to the box (200). The translation movement and rotation realize the opening of the door body (100).
The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the hinge assembly (300) includes:

The hinge (320) is suitable for connecting with the door body (100) and is provided with a first limiting portion (311);

The rotating member (330) is movably connected to the hinge (320) and is provided with a second limiting portion (312);

The first limiting part (311) cooperates with the limiting fitting part (410), and the second limiting part (312) cooperates with the limiting fitting part (410) to guide the The hinge assembly (300) sequentially performs translational movement and rotation in a direction away from the hinge seat (400) relative to the hinge seat (400), wherein the limiting portion (310) includes the first limiting portion (311) and the second limiting part (312).
The hinge mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that:

The first limiting part (311) and the second limiting part (312) respectively include a first limiting protrusion (321) and a second limiting protrusion (331); the limiting fitting part ( 410) includes a limiting groove (420), and the limiting groove (420) includes:

Straight groove segment (421);

The curved groove section (422) is located on one side of the linear groove section (421) and is connected with the linear groove section (421);

In the initial state, the first limiting protrusion (321) and the second limiting protrusion (331) are both located in the linear groove section (421). Driven by external force, the first limiting protrusion The lift (321) slides relative to the linear groove segment (421), so that the hinge assembly (300) performs a translational movement relative to the hinge base (400) in a direction away from the hinge base (400). The second limiting protrusion (331) slides into the curved groove section (422) through the linear groove section (421), so that the hinge assembly (300) rotates relative to the hinge seat (400).
The hinge mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that:

In the initial state, the second limiting protrusion (331) and the first limiting protrusion (321) are in the linear groove. The segments (421) are sequentially arranged along the direction of the translational movement, and the first limiting protrusion (321) is located at the first end (600) of the linear groove segment and is connected to the first end (600) of the linear groove segment. When the groove walls of one end (600) are in contact, the second limiting protrusion (331) slides to the connection point between the linear groove section (421) and the curved groove section (422).
The hinge mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that:

In the initial state, the second limiting protrusion (331) is located at the second end (700) of the linear groove segment and abuts against the groove wall of the second end (700) of the linear groove segment.
The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that:

The rotating member (330) is rotationally connected to the hinge (320), and the hinge mechanism also includes:

The driving assembly (500) is used to provide the external force. The driving assembly (500) includes a rotating assembly (510) and a driving member (520). The rotating assembly (510) is rotationally connected to the rotating member (330). , the driving member (520) is drivingly connected to the rotating component (510), and is used to drive the rotating component (510) to rotate.
The hinge mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that:

The rotating assembly (510) includes:

A first rotating member (511), one end of the first rotating member (511) is rotationally connected to the rotating member (330);

A second rotating member (512). One end of the second rotating member (512) is rotationally connected to the other end of the first rotating member (511). The driving member (520) and the second rotating member (512) ) is driven and connected to the other end for driving the second rotating member (512) to rotate.
A refrigerator is characterized in that it includes:

Portal(100);

box(200);

The hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the hinge assembly (300) is connected to the door body (100), and the hinge base (400) is connected to the box body (200).
The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized in that:

The box (200) defines an accommodation cavity (210), the cavity wall of the accommodation cavity (210) is provided with an installation groove (211), and the hinge seat (400) is located in the installation groove (211).
The refrigerator according to claim 9, characterized in that:

The installation groove (211) is provided on the top cavity wall of the accommodation cavity (210), and the side cavity wall of the accommodation cavity (210) is provided with an escape groove (212) for avoiding the rotating component (330).