Refrigerator

Abstract

The invention provides a refrigerator. The refrigerator comprises a refrigerator body; the door body is connected to the box body in a sliding manner; an automatic switching unit includes: a driving mechanism configured to provide a driving force; the executing mechanism comprises a first transmission rack, the first transmission rack is configured to move close to the box body or move away from the box body under the action of driving force, the first transmission rack is provided with a plurality of third transmission teeth, and an included angle is formed between the connecting direction of the third transmission teeth and the moving direction of the first transmission rack; the transmission gear train comprises a second transmission gear, the executing mechanism and the driving mechanism are in transmission connection through the second transmission gear, the second transmission gear is a non-circular gear, and the second transmission gear and the first transmission rack can be arranged in a meshed mode. According to the application, greater thrust can be provided at the moment of starting the door body, so that the resistance at the initial stage of opening the door body is overcome, the convenience of opening the door body is improved, and the user experience is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular to a refrigerator. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the improvement of living standards, people have higher demand for the automation of refrigerator doors. Refrigerators are provided with automatic door opening and closing devices to improve the intelligence of the refrigerator and improve the user experience.

[0003] In the process of conceiving and implementing the present application, the applicant found that at least the following problems exist: In general, the last gear of the push rod and the transmission mechanism usually adopts the cooperation of a standard circular gear and a rack, and the thrust provided by the push rod is theoretically constant throughout the movement of the push rod; however, due to negative pressure and door body sealing suction force, the door body needs more opening force at the moment of opening the door.

[0004] The foregoing narrative is intended to provide general background information and does not necessarily constitute the prior art.

[0005] SUMMARY

[0006] The main purpose of the present application is to provide a refrigerator that can provide greater thrust at the moment of door body activation to overcome the resistance in the initial stage of opening the door body, improve the convenience of opening the door body, and improve the user experience.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, in a first aspect, the present application provides a refrigerator, comprising:

[0008] a cabinet;

[0009] a door body slidingly connected to the cabinet;

[0010] an automatic opening and closing unit, comprising:

[0011] a driving mechanism configured to provide a driving force;

[0012] an execution mechanism, the execution mechanism comprising a first transmission rack, the first transmission rack being configured to move close to the cabinet or move away from the cabinet under the action of the driving force, the first transmission rack having a plurality of third transmission teeth, the connection direction between the plurality of third transmission teeth having an included angle with the movement direction of the first transmission rack;

[0013] a transmission gear train, the transmission gear train comprising a second transmission gear, the execution mechanism and the driving mechanism being drivingly connected through the second transmission gear, the second transmission gear being a non-circular gear, and the second transmission gear and the first transmission rack being meshingly arranged.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the present application are: by setting the first transmission rack in the actuating mechanism and the second transmission gear in the transmission gear system, due to the structural cooperation between the first transmission rack and the second transmission gear, the actuating mechanism can slide towards the door body under the driving of the driving mechanism, thereby applying a pushing force to the door body, the actuating mechanism can provide a greater pushing force at the starting moment to overcome the resistance in the initial stage of opening the door body, and then linearly decreases and the speed linearly increases, improving the convenience when opening the door body and improving the user experience.

[0015] On the basis of the above technical solutions, the present application can also be improved as follows.

[0016] In some optional embodiments, the first transmission rack has a transmission surface, and the transmission surface is located on the side of the first transmission rack facing the second transmission gear;

[0017] A plurality of third transmission teeth are arranged at intervals in the extension direction of the transmission surface, wherein the connection direction of the plurality of third transmission teeth is consistent with the extension direction of the transmission surface.

[0018] In some optional embodiments, the plurality of third transmission teeth include a third transmission initial tooth and a third transmission final tooth, and the third transmission initial tooth and the third transmission final tooth are respectively located at opposite ends of the movement direction of the first transmission rack, wherein the third transmission final tooth is located at the end of the first transmission rack away from the second transmission gear when the first transmission rack is in the first state;

[0019] The third transmission initial tooth and the third transmission final tooth have an offset in the width direction of the first transmission rack, wherein the width direction of the first transmission rack is perpendicular to the movement direction of the first transmission rack.

[0020] In some optional embodiments, the offset is between 5mm and 15mm.

[0021] In some optional embodiments, the second transmission gear has a plurality of fourth transmission teeth, and the plurality of fourth transmission teeth are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of part of the second transmission gear.

[0022] In some optional embodiments, the plurality of fourth transmission teeth include a fourth transmission initial tooth and a fourth transmission final tooth, and the fourth transmission final tooth is away from the first transmission rack when the first transmission rack is in the first state.

[0023] The pitch radius of the fourth transmission final tooth is greater than the pitch radius of the fourth transmission initial tooth.

[0024] In some optional embodiments, the ratio between the pitch radius of the fourth transmission final tooth and the pitch radius of the fourth transmission initial tooth is between 2 and 3.

[0025] In some alternative embodiments, the included angle between the fourth transmission final tooth and the fourth transmission initial tooth is between 250° and 280°.

[0026] In some alternative embodiments, the transmission gear train further comprises at least one first transmission gear coaxially arranged with the second transmission gear, the first transmission gear being in transmission connection with the driving mechanism, and the second transmission gear being in transmission connection with the executing mechanism.

[0027] In a second aspect, the present application further provides a refrigerator, comprising:

[0028] a cabinet;

[0029] a door body slidingly connected to the cabinet;

[0030] an automatic opening and closing unit, comprising:

[0031] a driving mechanism configured to provide a driving force;

[0032] an executing mechanism, the executing mechanism comprising a first transmission rack, the first transmission rack being configured to move towards the cabinet or move away from the cabinet under the action of the driving force;

[0033] a transmission gear train, the transmission gear train comprising a second transmission gear, the executing mechanism and the driving mechanism being in transmission connection through the second transmission gear, the second transmission gear being a non-circular gear, and the structure of the second transmission gear being adapted to the structure of the first transmission rack so that the second transmission gear and the first transmission rack can be meshingly arranged.

[0034] The refrigerator provided by the present application comprises: a cabinet; a door body slidingly connected to the cabinet; an automatic opening and closing unit, comprising: a driving mechanism configured to provide a driving force; an executing mechanism, the executing mechanism comprising a first transmission rack, the first transmission rack being configured to move towards the cabinet or move away from the cabinet under the action of the driving force, the first transmission rack having a plurality of third transmission teeth, the connection direction between the plurality of third transmission teeth having an included angle with the moving direction of the first transmission rack; and a transmission gear train, the transmission gear train comprising a second transmission gear, the executing mechanism and the driving mechanism being in transmission connection through the second transmission gear, the second transmission gear being a non-circular gear, and the second transmission gear and the first transmission rack being meshingly arranged.

[0035] By arranging the first transmission rack in the executing mechanism and the second transmission gear in the transmission gear train, the executing mechanism can slide towards the door body under the driving of the driving mechanism due to the structural cooperation between the first transmission rack and the second transmission gear, so as to apply a pushing force to the door body. The executing mechanism can provide a greater pushing force at the starting moment to overcome the resistance in the initial stage of opening the door body, and then linearly decreases and linearly accelerates in speed, thereby improving the convenience of opening the door body and enhancing the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or prior art description will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor.

[0037] Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 2 Another structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 3 A structural schematic diagram of an automatic switch unit in a first state in a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 4 A structural schematic diagram of an automatic switch unit in a third state in a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 5 A structural schematic diagram of an execution mechanism in a third state in a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 6 A structural schematic diagram of a transmission gear train in a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0043] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0044] 100 - refrigerator;

[0045] 110 - cabinet;

[0046] 120 - door body; 121 - first door body; 1211 - hinge; 122 - second door body;

[0047] 140 - driving mechanism; 141 - driving motor; 142 - first worm; 143 - first worm wheel;

[0048] 150 - execution mechanism; 152 - push rod; 153 - first transmission rack; 1531 - transmission surface; 1532 - moving surface; 1533 - third transmission tooth; 15331 - third transmission initial tooth; 15332 - third transmission final tooth; 154 - third elastic member;

[0049] 160 - transmission gear train; 161 - first transmission gear; 162 - second transmission gear; 1621 - fourth transmission tooth; 16211 - fourth transmission initial tooth; 16212 - fourth transmission final tooth;

[0050] 180 - housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some but not all of the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of the present application. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of the present application. The embodiments described below and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict under the condition that they are not mutually exclusive.

[0052] In the present application, unless specifically defined and limited otherwise, the terms "mount", "connect", "connection", "fixed", and the like should be understood broadly, for example, can be fixed connection, can also be detachable connection, or integrated; can be mechanical connection, can also be electrical connection; can be directly connected, can also be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, can be the internal communication of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless specifically defined otherwise. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0053] In the present application, unless specifically defined and limited otherwise, the first feature is "on" or "under" the second feature can be that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature "above", "over" and "on" the second feature can be that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or only indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature "below", "under" and "under" the second feature can be that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or only indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is less than that of the second feature.

[0054] In the description of the specification, the description of the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" and the like means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In the present specification, the illustrative description of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in the specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0055] At present, in the process of conceiving and implementing the present application, the applicant has found that at least the following problems exist: generally, the last stage gear of the push rod and the transmission mechanism usually adopts the cooperation of a standard circular gear and a rack, the entire process of the movement of the push rod, the push force provided by the push rod is theoretically constant; and due to the negative pressure and the sealing force of the door body, the door body needs greater opening force at the moment of opening the door.

[0056] In order to overcome the defects in the prior art, the refrigerator provided by the present application is provided with a first transmission rack in the actuating mechanism and a second transmission gear in the transmission gear train, due to the structural cooperation between the first transmission rack and the second transmission gear, the actuating mechanism can slide towards the door body under the driving of the driving mechanism, thereby applying a push force to the door body, the actuating mechanism can provide greater push force at the starting moment to overcome the resistance in the initial stage of opening the door body, and then linearly decreases and linearly accelerates in speed, thereby improving the convenience of opening the door body and improving the user experience.

[0057] The content of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can more clearly and specifically understand the content of the present application.

[0058] Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present application is provided; Figure 2 Another structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present application is provided; Figure 3 A structural schematic diagram of an automatic opening and closing unit in a first state in a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present application is provided; Figure 4 A structural schematic diagram of an automatic opening and closing unit in a third state in a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present application is provided; Figure 5 A structural schematic diagram of an actuating mechanism in a third state in a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present application is provided; Figure 6 A structural schematic diagram of a transmission gear train in a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present application is provided.

[0059] As shown in Figures 1 to 6 An embodiment of the present application provides a refrigerator 100, which comprises:

[0060] a cabinet 110;

[0061] a door body 120 slidably connected to the cabinet 110;

[0062] an automatic opening and closing unit, which comprises:

[0063] a driving mechanism 140 configured to provide a driving force;

[0064] The actuator 150 includes a first transmission rack 153 configured to move close to the cabinet 110 or move away from the cabinet 110 under the action of a driving force, the first transmission rack 153 having a plurality of third transmission teeth 1533, the connection direction between the plurality of third transmission teeth 1533 and the moving direction of the first transmission rack 153 having an included angle therebetween;

[0065] The transmission gear train 160 includes a second transmission gear 162, the actuator 150 and the driving mechanism 140 being drivingly connected through the second transmission gear 162, the second transmission gear 162 being a non-circular gear, the second transmission gear 162 being meshably disposed with the first transmission rack 153.

[0066] Through the above arrangement, that is, the refrigerator 100 of the embodiment of the present application, by virtue of the first transmission rack 153 in the actuator 150 and the second transmission gear 162 in the transmission gear train 160, due to the structural cooperation between the first transmission rack 153 and the second transmission gear 162, the actuator 150 can slide toward the door body 120 under the driving of the driving mechanism 140, thereby applying a pushing force to the door body 120, the actuator 150 being able to provide a greater pushing force at the start-up moment to overcome the resistance in the initial stage of opening the door body 120, and then linearly decreasing, and the speed also linearly increasing, thereby improving the convenience in opening the door body 120 and enhancing the user experience.

[0067] It should be noted that the following will specifically describe each structure.

[0068] [Cabinet 110]

[0069] Reference Figure 1 The refrigerator 100 of the embodiment of the present application can include a cabinet 110 and a door body 120. The cabinet 110 can be configured with a refrigeration compartment. The refrigeration compartment has an opening for storing food and other items. The number of refrigeration compartments can be one or more. When the number of refrigeration compartments is more than one, the plurality of refrigeration compartments can be divided into a refrigeration room, a freezing room or a variable temperature room, etc.

[0070] Exemplarily, the cabinet 110 can include a cabinet shell and a cabinet liner. The cabinet shell is used to define the outer boundary of the refrigerator 100. The cabinet liner can be arranged in the cabinet shell and connected with the cabinet shell. The cabinet liner can be recessed inward to form a refrigeration compartment. The cabinet shell and the cabinet liner can be filled with a thermal insulation layer, which can thermally insulate the refrigeration compartment, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the refrigerator 100.

[0071] [Door body 120]

[0072] It should be noted that the door 120 can be connected to the cabinet 110 and is used to open or close the refrigeration compartment. One door 120 can be installed for each refrigeration compartment. Alternatively, two doors 120 can be installed for the same refrigeration compartment.

[0073] In some possible implementations of this application, the door 120 can be a first door 121, which can be rotatably connected to the housing 110 about the height of the housing 110. The first door 121 can be pulled or pushed to rotate relative to the housing 110, thereby opening or closing the refrigeration compartment.

[0074] It should be noted that the height direction of the cabinet 110 refers to the height direction of the cabinet 110 when the refrigerator 100 is in normal use, for example... Figure 1 The vertical direction Z is shown in the diagram. Exemplarily, the first door 121 can be rotatably connected to the housing 110 via a hinge 1211.

[0075] In other possible implementations of the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the door 120 can be a second door 122, and the second door 122 can be slidably connected to the box 110 along the depth direction of the box 110.

[0076] This application uses the first gate 121 as an example for illustration.

[0077] [Automatic Switching Unit]

[0078] The refrigerator 100 of this application embodiment may also include an automatic opening and closing unit, which can be used to automatically open or close the door 120, thereby improving the convenience of opening and closing the door 120 and enhancing the user experience.

[0079] In some possible implementations of this application, the number of automatic switching units can be the same as the number of door bodies 120. That is, each door body 120 can be equipped with one automatic switching unit. Each automatic switching unit can automatically open or close its corresponding door body 120.

[0080] Continue to refer to Figures 2 to 5 The automatic switching unit may include a drive mechanism 140 and an actuator 150. The drive mechanism 140 is used to provide driving force. The actuator 150 may be connected to the drive mechanism 140 and the door 120, and is configured to open or close the door 120 under the action of the driving force.

[0081] [Drive mechanism 140]

[0082] The drive mechanism 140 is used to provide the automatic switch unit with the driving force to open or close the door 120.

[0083] Exemplarily, referring to Figures 1 to 4 The driving mechanism 140 can include a driving motor 141 having a rotatable output shaft, which can be connected with the executing mechanism 150 to provide driving force to the executing mechanism 150. It can be understood that the driving motor 141 can be replaced by other components capable of providing driving force, such as a pneumatic motor or a hydraulic motor, etc., and the embodiments of the present application will not be described hereinafter.

[0084] The driving mechanism 140 can further include a first worm 142 and a first worm wheel 143. The first end of the first worm 142 can be connected with the first output shaft of the driving motor 141. The first worm wheel 143 can be engaged with the first worm 142 and drivingly connected with the executing mechanism 150. When the driving mechanism 140 is in action, the output shaft of the driving motor 141 rotates, driving the first worm 142 to rotate, which in turn drives the first worm wheel 143 engaged therewith to rotate, and the first worm wheel 143 drives the executing mechanism 150 to act, so as to open or close the door body 120. By providing the first worm 142 and the first worm wheel 143, the rotational speed of the driving force provided by the driving motor 141 can be reduced, the torque of the driving force can be increased, and the direction of the driving force can be changed, so as to meet the requirements of the executing mechanism 150 on the driving force.

[0085] [Executing mechanism 150]

[0086] The executing mechanism 150 is configured to open the door body 120 under the action of the driving force provided by the driving mechanism 140. In some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present application, the executing mechanism 150 can include a push rod 152, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 The push rod 152 can be slidable relative to the cabinet 110 along the depth direction X and connected with the driving mechanism 140. The driving mechanism 140 can drive the push rod 152 to slide along the depth direction X to apply a pushing force to the door body 120, so as to open the door body 120 and realize the function of automatically opening the door body 120.

[0087] Hereinafter, the executing mechanism 150 will be described in detail by taking the door body 120 as the first door body 121 as an example. The technical solutions when the door body 120 is the second door body 122 can refer to the following description, and the embodiments of the present application will not be described hereinafter.

[0088] As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 The shell 180 can be provided with a first sliding through hole facing the first door body 121, and the push rod 152 can be arranged in the first sliding through hole and slidingly connected with the shell 180 along the depth direction X.

[0089] When the driving mechanism 140 applies a driving force to the push rod 152, the push rod 152 can slide relative to the shell 180 and extend out through the first sliding through hole to apply a pushing force to the first door body 121, thereby realizing the function of automatically opening the first door body 121.

[0090] Exemplarily, the actuating mechanism 150 can further include a first transmission rack 153, which can be arranged along the depth direction x and connected with the push rod 152. The first transmission rack 153 can be engaged with the transmission gear train 160. The driving mechanism 140 can drive the first transmission rack 153 to move through the transmission gear train 160, thereby driving the push rod 152 to extend out of the shell 180. The transmission gear train 160 and the first transmission rack 153 have high transmission efficiency and transmission accuracy, which can reduce the requirement for the driving power of the driving mechanism 140, thereby reducing the component cost of the automatic opening and closing unit; and can enhance the stability during transmission, thereby improving the smoothness of the push rod 152 sliding relative to the shell 180.

[0091] The actuating mechanism 150 can further include a third elastic member 154 connected with the push rod 152 and the shell 180 to apply a first action force opposite to the depth direction x to the push rod 152. The first action force can make the first transmission rack 153 and the transmission gear train 160 always contact on one side, so as to reduce or prevent the backlash error of the transmission gear train 160 from affecting the transmission between the first transmission rack 153 and the transmission gear train 160, thereby improving the transmission accuracy between the transmission rack and the transmission gear train 160, and improving the position accuracy of the push rod 152.

[0092] It should be noted that the actuating mechanism 150 has three position states, which are respectively: a retracted state, a half-deployed state, and a fully deployed state, and the position of the push rod 152 is different in the three different states.

[0093] The first state of the actuating mechanism 150 is the retracted state of the actuating mechanism 150, the second state of the actuating mechanism 150 is the fully deployed state of the actuating mechanism 150, and the third state of the actuating mechanism 150 is the half-deployed state of the actuating mechanism 150.

[0094] Specifically, the push rod 152 is retracted in the shell 180 in the retracted state, and the actuator 150 or the push rod 152 does not start to work at this time, and the door body 120 is in the closed state. Then, the actuator 150 or the push rod 152 starts to work, and the push rod 152 moves away from the box body 110 under the action of the driving force provided by the driving motor 141, and the door body 120 is gradually opened. At this time, the push rod 152 is in a half-expanded state. Until the push rod 152 is in a fully expanded state, the push rod 152 has moved away from the box body 110 to the farthest distance under the action of the driving force. At this time, the push rod 152 is retracted into the shell 180 again under the action of the third elastic member 154. Without the need for the driving motor 141 to work to drive the push rod 152 to reset, the control is more flexible, intelligent and humanized, and the noise generated by the device during work is greatly reduced. Then, the user can continue to manually open the first door body 121 to open the first door body 121 to a larger angle. In some related technologies, the door body 120 in the closed state is affected by the magnetic attraction force of the magnetic door seal, the elastic force of the door closer, the clamping force of the turnover beam, and the negative pressure in the box body 110 due to low temperature. Various closing forces make it necessary to resist a large resistance in the initial stage of opening the door body 120, increasing the difficulty of opening the door body 120.

[0095] Therefore, the actuator 150 provided by the present application can provide greater thrust at the moment of starting under the action of the driving force through the structural design of the first transmission rack 153, so as to overcome the resistance in the initial stage of opening the door body 120.

[0096] Specifically, the first transmission rack 153 is inclined, and the connection between the plurality of third transmission teeth 1533 is on the inclined surface, specifically inclined relative to the moving direction of the first transmission rack 153, to match the structure of the second transmission gear 162.

[0097] In some optional embodiments, the first transmission rack 153 has a transmission surface 1531 located on the side of the first transmission rack 153 facing the second transmission gear 162.

[0098] The plurality of third transmission teeth 1533 are arranged at intervals in the extension direction of the transmission surface 1531, and the connection direction of the plurality of third transmission teeth 1533 is consistent with the extension direction of the transmission surface 1531.

[0099] Exemplarily, the first transmission rack 153 also has a moving surface 1532, wherein along the width direction of the first transmission rack 153, the moving surface 1532 and the transmission surface 1531 are respectively located on opposite sides of the first transmission rack 153, the moving surface 1532 is located on the side away from the second transmission gear 162, and the transmission surface 1531 is located on the side facing the second transmission gear 162.

[0100] It should be noted that the extension direction of the moving surface 1532 is consistent with the moving direction of the first transmission rack 153, and the extension direction of the transmission surface 1531 has an included angle with the moving direction of the first transmission rack 153, so that the plurality of third transmission teeth 1533 arranged on the transmission surface 1531 can provide greater thrust to the push rod 152 at the starting moment when meshing with the second transmission gear 162, so as to overcome the resistance in the initial stage of opening the door body 120.

[0101] In some optional embodiments, the plurality of third transmission teeth 1533 includes a third transmission initial tooth 15331 and a third transmission final tooth 15332, which are respectively located at opposite ends of the moving direction of the first transmission rack 153, wherein the third transmission final tooth 15332 is located at one end of the first transmission rack 153 away from the second transmission gear 162 when the first transmission rack 153 is in the first state.

[0102] It should be noted that the first state of the first transmission rack 153 is the retracted state of the first transmission rack 153, that is, the first transmission rack 153 and the push rod 152 are retracted in the shell 180, at this time, the first transmission rack 153 and the push rod 152 have not started to work, and thus the door body 120 is in the closed state.

[0103] When the first transmission rack 153 is in the first state, that is, the first transmission rack 153 is in the retracted state. At this time, the first transmission rack 153 has not yet meshed with the second transmission gear 162, and the third transmission final tooth 15332 is away from the second transmission gear 162, and correspondingly, the third transmission initial tooth 15331 faces the second transmission gear 162.

[0104] When the first transmission rack 153 starts to extend out of the shell 180, at this time, the third transmission initial tooth 15331 first meshes with the second transmission gear 162, and as the length of the push rod 152 increases, the third transmission initial tooth 15331 gradually moves away from the second transmission gear 162, and then the other third transmission teeth 1533 between the third transmission initial tooth 15331 and the third transmission final tooth 15332 mesh with the second transmission gear 162, at this time, the first transmission rack 153 is in the third state, that is, the first transmission rack 153 is in the half-expanded state.

[0105] When the push rod 152 continues to move away from the box body 110 until it moves to a preset position, it means that the third transmission final tooth 15332 meshes with the second transmission gear 162, at this time, the first transmission rack 153 is in the second state, that is, the first transmission rack 153 is in the fully expanded state.

[0106] The third driving initial tooth 15331 and the third driving final tooth 15332 have an offset in the width direction of the first driving rack 153, wherein the width direction of the first driving rack 153 is perpendicular to the moving direction of the first driving rack 153.

[0107] It should be noted that the offset is configured such that the force arm at the initial position is smaller than the force arm at the terminal position, and thus the push rod 152 can provide greater thrust at the starting moment to overcome the resistance in the initial stage of opening the door body 120.

[0108] Correspondingly, the moving direction of the first driving rack 153 is X, and the width direction of the first driving rack 153 is W.

[0109] As shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the third driving initial tooth 15331 and the third driving final tooth 15332 have an offset D in the width direction of the first driving rack 153.

[0110] In some optional embodiments, the offset is between 5mm and 15mm.

[0111] It should be noted that in this way, on the one hand, when meshing with the second driving gear 162, the push rod 152 can provide greater thrust at the starting moment; on the other hand, it can avoid occupying a large space.

[0112] That is, if the offset is less than 5mm, the connection direction of the plurality of third driving teeth 1533 at this time is almost consistent with the moving direction of the first driving rack 153, and thus the second driving gear 162 and the first driving rack 153 cannot provide excessive instantaneous thrust to the push rod 152.

[0113] If the offset is greater than 15mm, the structure of the second driving gear 162 occupies a larger space, that is, the difference between the pitch radius of the fourth driving initial tooth 16211 and the pitch radius of the fourth driving final tooth 16212 is too large, which affects the stability of the entire driving gear train 160.

[0114] In some embodiments, the offset is 10mm, that is, the force arm of the third driving initial tooth 15331 is 10mm smaller than the force arm of the third driving final tooth 15332.

[0115] [driving gear train 160]

[0116] The automatic switch unit can further comprise a transmission gear train 160, which can be mounted on the housing 180, and the transmission gear train 160 can comprise at least one first transmission gear 161, which is connected to the driving mechanism 140 and the actuating mechanism 150. The driving mechanism 140 can drive the driving force to the actuating mechanism 150 through the transmission gear train 160 to actuate the actuating mechanism 150. By arranging the transmission gear train 160, the layout flexibility of the driving mechanism 140 and the actuating mechanism 150 can be improved, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the automatic switch unit. The transmission gear train 160 can also adjust the speed, torque, direction and other parameters of the driving force to meet the requirements of the actuating mechanism 150 on the driving force. In addition, the transmission gear train 160 has high transmission efficiency and transmission accuracy, which can reduce the driving power requirement of the driving mechanism 140, thereby reducing the cost of the driving mechanism 140, further reducing the cost of parts of the automatic switch unit, and enhancing the stability during transmission.

[0117] Exemplarily, the transmission gear train 160 further comprises a second transmission gear 162 engaged with the first transmission rack 153, and the second transmission gear 162 can be engaged with the first transmission rack 153. The first transmission gear 161 and the second transmission gear 162 are coaxially arranged, the first transmission gear 161 is in transmission connection with the driving mechanism 140, and the second transmission gear 162 is in transmission connection with the actuating mechanism 150.

[0118] It should be noted that the second transmission gear 162 is a special-shaped gear, that is, a non-circular gear, which can be understood as the distance between the teeth on the second transmission gear 162 and the center of the second transmission gear 162 is not consistent.

[0119] For example Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the number of the first transmission gears 161 can be two, one of the two first transmission gears 161 can be coaxially arranged with the first worm gear 143. The other first transmission gear 161 can be coaxially arranged with the second transmission gear 162 and engaged with one of the first transmission gears 161.

[0120] Exemplarily, when the first worm gear 143 rotates, it can drive the first transmission gear 161 coaxially arranged therewith to rotate, the first transmission gear 161 drives the other first transmission gear 161 to rotate, and drives the second transmission gear 162 to rotate. It can be understood that in different possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present application, the number of the first transmission gears 161 can be arranged according to specific conditions, which will not be described herein again.

[0121] The second transmission gear 162 can be an incomplete gear. When the second transmission gear 162 is engaged with the first transmission rack 153, the driving mechanism 140 can drive the push rod 152 to extend by the second transmission gear 162, so as to apply a pushing force to the first door body 121, thereby opening the first door body 121. When the push rod 152 extends to a preset length, the second transmission gear 162 is disengaged from the first transmission rack 153, and the push rod 152 can be automatically reset under the action of the third elastic member 154, without the need for a reset operation on the push rod 152, thereby improving the convenience of using the automatic opening and closing unit.

[0122] Exemplarily, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 When the driving motor 141 is in action, the driving motor 141 can drive the first worm 142 to rotate, the first worm 142 can drive the first worm wheel 143 to rotate clockwise, the first worm wheel 143 drives the first transmission gear 161 coaxially arranged therewith to rotate clockwise, the first transmission gear 161 drives another first transmission gear 161 to rotate counterclockwise, the another first transmission gear 161 drives the second transmission gear 162 to rotate counterclockwise, so that the second transmission gear 162 is engaged with the first transmission rack 153. The driving motor 141 continues to act, so that the second transmission gear 162 drives the first transmission rack 153 engaged therewith to move along the depth direction x, thereby driving the push rod 152 to move relative to the box body 110 along the depth direction x, so as to apply a pushing force to the first door body 121, thereby automatically opening the first door body 121.

[0123] When the push rod 152 extends to a preset length, the second transmission gear 162 is disengaged from the first transmission rack 153, so that the push rod 152 is disengaged from the transmission gear system 160. The third elastic member 154 applies a first action force opposite to the depth direction x to the push rod 152, so that the push rod 152 is retracted into the housing 180. Without the need for the driving motor 141 to work to drive the push rod 152 to reset, the control is more flexible, intelligent and humanized, and the noise generated by the device working is greatly reduced. Then, the user can continue to manually open the first door body 121, so as to open the first door body 121 to a larger angle.

[0124] In some optional embodiments, the second transmission gear 162 has a plurality of fourth transmission teeth 1621, and the plurality of fourth transmission teeth 1621 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the second transmission gear 162.

[0125] It should be noted that the second transmission gear 162 can be engaged with the first transmission rack 153, and a part of the circumferential direction of the second transmission gear 162 can be provided with a plurality of fourth transmission teeth 1621 arranged at intervals. That is, the second transmission gear 162 can be an incomplete gear.

[0126] When the plurality of fourth transmission teeth 1621 are engaged with the first transmission rack 153, the driving mechanism 140 can drive the push rod 152 to extend out through the second transmission gear 162 to apply a pushing force to the first door body 121, so as to open the first door body 121. When the push rod 152 extends to a preset length, the plurality of fourth transmission teeth 1621 are disengaged from the first transmission rack 153, and the push rod 152 can be automatically reset under the action of the third elastic member 154, without the need for a reset operation on the push rod 152, thereby improving the convenience of using the automatic opening and closing unit.

[0127] In some optional embodiments, the plurality of fourth transmission teeth 1621 include a fourth transmission initial tooth 16211 and a fourth transmission final tooth 16212, and the fourth transmission final tooth 16212 is away from the first transmission rack 153 when the first transmission rack 153 is in the first state.

[0128] The pitch circle radius of the fourth transmission final tooth 16212 is greater than the pitch circle radius of the fourth transmission initial tooth 16211.

[0129] It should be noted that when the first transmission rack 153 is in the first state, that is, the first transmission rack 153 is in the retracted state. At this time, the first transmission rack 153 has not yet engaged with the second transmission gear 162, the fourth transmission final tooth 16212 is away from the first transmission rack 153, and the fourth transmission initial tooth 16211 faces and is close to the first transmission rack 153.

[0130] Specifically, when the first transmission rack 153 starts to extend out of the shell 180, the third transmission initial tooth 15331 first engages and drives the fourth transmission initial tooth 16211 at this time. With the increase of the length of the extension of the push rod 152, the third transmission initial tooth 15331 moves along the depth direction x of the box body 110, the fourth transmission initial tooth 16211 rotates counterclockwise, the third transmission initial tooth 15331 gradually moves away from the fourth transmission initial tooth 16211, and then the other third transmission teeth 1533 between the third transmission initial tooth 15331 and the third transmission final tooth 15332 engage and drive the other fourth transmission teeth 1621 between the fourth transmission initial tooth 16211 and the fourth transmission final tooth 16212. At this time, the first transmission rack 153 is in the third state, that is, the first transmission rack 153 is in the half-expanded state.

[0131] When the push rod 152 continues to move away from the box body 110 until it moves to a preset position, it means that the third transmission last tooth 15332 is in meshing transmission with the fourth transmission last tooth 16212, and is converted into disengagement of the third transmission last tooth 15332 and the fourth transmission last tooth 16212. At this time, the first transmission rack 153 is in the second state, that is, the first transmission rack 153 is in the fully expanded state, and the push rod 152 can be automatically reset under the action of the third elastic member 154, without the need for reset operation of the push rod 152, thereby improving the convenience of the automatic opening and closing unit in use.

[0132] It can be understood that, since the second transmission gear 162 is a non-circular gear, the tooth distance of the initial position is closest to the center, that is, the fourth transmission initial tooth 16211 is closest to the center. Referring to the formula F = T / r, where F is the thrust that can be provided to the push rod 152, T is the torque of the second transmission gear 162, and r is the distance between the fourth transmission tooth 1621 and the center, therefore, the torque of the second transmission gear 162 is constant, the smaller r is, the larger F is, that is, the fourth transmission initial tooth 16211 is closest to the center, and further can provide greater thrust to the push rod 152, so as to realize that the push rod 152 can provide greater thrust under the action of the driving force at the starting moment, so as to overcome the resistance in the initial stage of opening the door body 120.

[0133] In some optional embodiments, the ratio between the pitch circle radius of the fourth transmission last tooth 16212 and the pitch circle radius of the fourth transmission initial tooth 16211 is between 2-3.

[0134] It should be noted that the difference between the pitch circle radius of the fourth transmission last tooth 16212 and the pitch circle radius of the fourth transmission initial tooth 16211 is the offset amount between the third transmission initial tooth 15331 and the third transmission last tooth 15332 in the width direction of the first transmission rack 153.

[0135] In addition, in this way, on the one hand, when meshing with the second transmission gear 162, the push rod 152 can provide greater thrust at the starting moment; on the other hand, it can avoid occupying a large space.

[0136] In some optional embodiments, the included angle between the fourth transmission last tooth 16212 and the fourth transmission initial tooth 16211 is between 250°-280°.

[0137] It should be noted that the pitch circle trajectory of the second transmission gear 162 is as shown in Figure 6 where ρ0 is the pitch circle radius of the fourth transmission initial tooth 16211, ρ is the distance from any point on the pitch circle trajectory to the center, θ is the included angle between the tooth and the fourth transmission initial tooth 16211, and α is the effective rotation angle between the fourth transmission last tooth 16212 and the fourth transmission initial tooth 16211.

[0138] Reference: Polar equation of pitch circle trajectory line is ρ = ρ0 + D * θ / α,

[0139] D = ρmax- ρ0 (i.e. the difference between the pitch circle radius of the fourth transmission last tooth 16212 and the pitch circle radius of the fourth transmission first tooth 16211 is equal to the offset of the beginning and end effective teeth of the third transmission first tooth 15331 and the third transmission last tooth 15332)

[0140] Exemplarily, in one embodiment of the present application, it is assumed that ρ0 = 18 mm, D = 10 mm, the tooth angle between two adjacent fourth transmission teeth 1621 is 20 degrees, the angle between the fourth transmission last tooth 16212 and the fourth transmission first tooth 16211 is 260°, and the second fourth transmission tooth 1621 after the fourth transmission first tooth 16211 is taken as an example, the pitch circle radius ρ = ρ0 + D * θ / α = 18 + 10 * 20 / 260 ≈ 18.77 mm, the force arm change is calculated, the force arm L0 of the fourth transmission first tooth 16211 is 18 mm, the force arm Lmax of the fourth transmission last tooth 16212 is 28 mm, Lmax / L0 ≈ 1.56, that is, the force of the fourth transmission first tooth 16211 is about 1.56 times that of the fourth transmission last tooth 16212.

[0141] Therefore, the same driving motor 141 and the push rod 152 connected with the second transmission gear 162 of the non-circular structure can output greater thrust at the starting moment, that is, under the condition that the output thrust of the two at the starting moment is consistent, the required driving motor 141 power is only equivalent to 64% (1 / 1.56) of the ordinary driving motor 141, which means that the cost of the driving motor 141 is reduced, and the volume is also reduced accordingly, which is more favorable for assembly.

[0142] [Shell 180]

[0143] The shell 180 includes a first shell 181 and a second shell 182, the first shell 181 has a cavity for accommodating the driving mechanism 140, the execution mechanism 150, the transmission gear train 160 and the induction mechanism 190;

[0144] The cavity has an opening, the second shell 182 is covered on the opening, a connecting groove 1821 is opened on the second shell 182, the connecting groove 1821 is communicated with the cavity, and the connecting plate 193 is accommodated in the connecting groove 1821.

[0145] It should be noted that the shell 180 can be connected with the cabinet 110. For example, when the automatic switch unit is used to open or close the first door body 121, the shell 180 can be connected to the top end of the cabinet 110. When the automatic switch unit is used to open or close the second door body 122, the shell 180 can be connected to the end side wall of the refrigeration compartment. It can be understood that the shell 180 can also be installed at other positions of the cabinet 110, and details are not described herein again.

[0146] The shell 180 can be configured with a cavity, and at least part of the driving mechanism 140 and at least part of the execution mechanism 150 can be accommodated and installed in the cavity. By providing the shell 180, at least part of the components of the automatic switch unit can be arranged in the shell 180, so as to modularize the automatic switch unit, and improve the convenience of assembling, installing and maintaining the automatic switch unit.

[0147] Exemplarily, the shell 180 can be a split structure, so as to facilitate installation of at least part of the driving mechanism 140, at least part of the execution mechanism 150 or other components in the shell 180.

[0148] It can be understood that in some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the shell 180 can also be cancelled, and the components of the automatic switch unit can be connected with the cabinet 110, and details are not described herein again. The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application are described below by taking the automatic switch unit provided with the shell 180 as an example.

[0149] The refrigerator provided by the embodiments of the present application comprises: a cabinet; a door body slidingly connected to the cabinet; an automatic switch unit, comprising: a driving mechanism configured to provide a driving force; an execution mechanism, the execution mechanism comprising a first transmission rack, the first transmission rack being configured to move close to the cabinet or move away from the cabinet under the action of the driving force, the first transmission rack having a plurality of third transmission teeth, the connection direction between the plurality of third transmission teeth and the moving direction of the first transmission rack having an included angle; a transmission gear train, the transmission gear train comprising a second transmission gear, the execution mechanism and the driving mechanism being drivingly connected through the second transmission gear, the second transmission gear being a non-circular gear, and the second transmission gear being configured to be meshable with the first transmission rack.

[0150] By providing the first transmission rack in the execution mechanism and the second transmission gear in the transmission gear train, due to the structural cooperation between the first transmission rack and the second transmission gear, the execution mechanism can slide towards the door body under the driving of the driving mechanism, so as to apply a pushing force to the door body. The execution mechanism can provide a greater pushing force at the starting moment to overcome the resistance in the initial stage of opening the door body, and then linearly decreases and linearly accelerates in speed, thereby improving the convenience of opening the door body and enhancing the user experience.

[0151] In addition, asFigures 1 to 6 As shown, the refrigerator 100 provided by the embodiment of the present application comprises:

[0152] a cabinet 110;

[0153] a door body 120 slidingly connected to the cabinet 110;

[0154] an automatic opening and closing unit, which comprises:

[0155] a driving mechanism 140 configured to provide a driving force;

[0156] an executing mechanism 150, the executing mechanism 150 comprising a first transmission rack 153 configured to move close to the cabinet 110 or move away from the cabinet 110 under the action of the driving force;

[0157] a transmission gear train 160, the transmission gear train 160 comprising a second transmission gear 162, the executing mechanism 150 and the driving mechanism 140 being drivingly connected through the second transmission gear 162, the second transmission gear 162 being a non-circular gear, and the structure of the second transmission gear 162 being adapted to the structure of the first transmission rack 153 so that the structure of the second transmission gear 162 and the first transmission rack 153 can be arranged in meshing engagement.

[0158] The refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present application, by virtue of the first transmission rack in the executing mechanism and the second transmission gear in the transmission gear train, and due to the structural cooperation between the first transmission rack and the second transmission gear, the executing mechanism can slide towards the door body under the driving of the driving mechanism, so as to apply a pushing force to the door body, the executing mechanism can provide a greater pushing force at the starting moment to overcome the resistance in the initial stage of opening the door body, and then the pushing force is linearly reduced and the speed is linearly increased, thereby improving the convenience of opening the door body and enhancing the user experience.

[0159] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by the terms “center”, “longitudinal”, “transverse”, “length”, “width”, “thickness”, “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “inner”, “outer”, “clockwise”, “counterclockwise”, “axial”, “radial”, “circumferential” are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0160] In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used only for the purpose of description, and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implying the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first", "second" can explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "multiple" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically limited.

[0161] Finally, it should be noted that: the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, and not to limit them; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that: it can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent replacement for part or all of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: Box; The door is slidably connected to the housing; Automatic switching unit, comprising: A drive mechanism configured to provide driving force; An actuator, the actuator including a first transmission rack, the first transmission rack being configured to move closer to the housing or move away from the housing under the action of the driving force, the first transmission rack having a plurality of third transmission teeth, the connection direction between the plurality of third transmission teeth having an angle with the moving direction of the first transmission rack; The transmission gear system includes a second transmission gear, and the actuator and the drive mechanism are connected by the second transmission gear. The second transmission gear is a non-circular gear, and the second transmission gear can mesh with the first transmission rack.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first transmission rack has a transmission surface, which is located on the side of the first transmission rack facing the second transmission gear; The plurality of third transmission teeth are spaced apart in the extension direction of the transmission surface, wherein the connection direction of the plurality of third transmission teeth is consistent with the extension direction of the transmission surface.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of third transmission teeth include a third transmission initial tooth and a third transmission final tooth, wherein the third transmission initial tooth and the third transmission final tooth are respectively located at opposite ends of the movement direction of the first transmission rack, wherein the third transmission final tooth is located at the end of the first transmission rack away from the second transmission gear when the first transmission rack is in the first state. The third transmission initial tooth and the third transmission final tooth are offset in the width direction of the first transmission rack, wherein the width direction of the first transmission rack is perpendicular to the movement direction of the first transmission rack.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The offset is between 5mm and 15mm.

5. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The second transmission gear has a plurality of fourth transmission teeth, which are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of a portion of the second transmission gear.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The plurality of fourth transmission teeth include a fourth transmission initial tooth and a fourth transmission final tooth, wherein the fourth transmission final tooth is away from the first transmission rack when the first transmission rack is in the first state; The pitch circle radius of the fourth transmission final tooth is greater than the pitch circle radius of the fourth transmission initial tooth.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ratio between the pitch circle radius of the fourth transmission final tooth and the pitch circle radius of the fourth transmission initial tooth is between 2 and 3.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The included angle between the fourth transmission last tooth and the fourth transmission first tooth is between 250° and 280°.

9. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The transmission gear system further includes at least one first transmission gear, which is coaxially arranged with the second transmission gear. The first transmission gear is connected to the drive mechanism, and the second transmission gear is connected to the actuator.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: Box; The door is slidably connected to the housing; Automatic switching unit, comprising: A drive mechanism configured to provide driving force; An actuator, the actuator including a first transmission rack, the first transmission rack being configured to move closer to the housing or move away from the housing under the action of the driving force; The transmission gear system includes a second transmission gear, and the actuator and the drive mechanism are connected by the second transmission gear. The second transmission gear is a non-circular gear, and the structure of the second transmission gear is adapted to the structure of the first transmission rack so that the structure of the second transmission gear can mesh with the first transmission rack.

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