Refrigerator automatic switching system, automatic door opening method, and automatic door closing method

Abstract

The application relates to a refrigerator automatic opening and closing system, which comprises a box body, a door body and an automatic opening and closing module. The automatic opening and closing module comprises a base, an ejection mechanism, a linkage mechanism, an intermittent gear mechanism, a clutch gear mechanism, a driving mechanism and a control mechanism. The ejection mechanism comprises an ejection rod and a first elastic component, the ejection rod is used for abutting against a position of the door body far away from a door shaft, the linkage mechanism is used for being connected with a position of the door body close to the door shaft, the intermittent gear mechanism comprises an intermittent gear, and the intermittent gear is processed with gear teeth in a circumferential direction, the intermittent gear is used for being driven with the ejection rod, and the clutch gear mechanism is used for being driven with the linkage mechanism. The power part of the application only needs one driving component and one clutch, and can complete the ejection of the refrigerator door body and the automatic opening and closing of the door, so that the structure is simple and the cost is low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and in particular to an automatic refrigerator opening and closing system, an automatic door opening method, and an automatic door closing method. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of smart homes, the "smart" transformation of home appliances has become a trend. Refrigerator products are also an important part of smart homes. Currently, refrigerator doors are still mainly opened and closed manually, which is very inconvenient when users are holding items in both hands.

[0003] To achieve automatic opening and closing of refrigerators, Chinese invention patent CN112943029B discloses a door rotation mechanism. The ejection mechanism and door rotation mechanism are two independent drive components, each using one drive component and one clutch, totaling two drive components and two clutches. This results in a complex structure with numerous parts and high cost. Chinese invention patent CN215951917U discloses a refrigerator that only involves the door rotation module, requiring a separate ejection mechanism. Chinese invention patent CN117870261A discloses a refrigerator where the terminal gear of the gear system is fully engaged with the rack of the ejector rod. Energizing the clutch engages the gears, causing the drive component to move the ejector rod outward. Only when the clutch retracts and the gears disengage can the ejector rod retract. Frequent disengagement and engagement of the gear components lead to problems such as gear wear, inability to engage properly, and difficulty in ensuring the lifespan of the system. How to provide a refrigerator automatic opening and closing system with a simpler structure, lower cost, and longer lifespan is a pressing technical problem to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the present invention provides an automatic switching system and method for a refrigerator, which has a simpler structure, lower cost and longer life.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides an automatic refrigerator opening and closing system, including a cabinet, a door, and an automatic opening and closing module. The door is connected to the cabinet via a door hinge and can open and close the cabinet opening. The automatic opening and closing module includes: The base is used to connect and fix it to the housing; An ejection mechanism, connected to the base, includes an ejector rod and a first elastic component. The ejector rod can reciprocate between a first ejector rod position and a second ejector rod position. When the ejector rod is in the first ejector rod position, it approaches the door body away from the door hinge and retracts into the housing. When the ejector rod is in the second ejector rod position, it abuts against the door body away from the door hinge and extends out of the housing. The first elastic component applies an elastic restoring force to the ejector rod to drive it back to the first ejector rod position. A linkage mechanism is connected to the base and is maintained in connection with the door body near the door hinge. The linkage mechanism can reciprocate between a first linkage position and a second linkage position. When the linkage mechanism is in the first linkage position, the door body is open, and when the linkage mechanism is in the second linkage position, the door body is closed. An intermittent gear mechanism, comprising an intermittent gear, wherein the intermittent gear has teeth machined on a portion in the circumferential direction; The clutch gear mechanism includes an input gear, an output gear, and a clutch. The output gear maintains transmission with the linkage mechanism. When the clutch is energized, the input gear maintains transmission with the output gear. When the clutch is de-energized, the input gear disengages from the output gear. A drive mechanism includes a drive component that maintains transmission with the intermittent gear and the input gear. When the drive component starts, it drives the intermittent gear and the input gear to rotate through a transition gear. When the drive component stops, the intermittent gear and the input gear stop rotating. A control mechanism that controls the start and stop of the drive component and the energization and de-energization of the clutch.

[0006] Furthermore, the intermittent gear can rotate counterclockwise and clockwise. When the intermittent gear rotates counterclockwise, it passes through the first gear position, the second gear position, and the third gear position in sequence. When the intermittent gear rotates counterclockwise from the first gear position to the second gear position, it drives the push rod to reach the second push rod position. The push rod applies a pushing force to the door to release the attraction force between the box and the door. When the intermittent gear rotates between the second gear position and the third gear position, it disengages from the push rod, and the push rod resets under the tensile force of the first elastic component. The ejection mechanism further includes a rack, which is fixed relative to the ejector rod, and the rack meshes with the intermittent gear that rotates counterclockwise from the first gear position to the second gear position.

[0007] Furthermore, the ejector mechanism also includes a position sensor, which is used to detect whether the ejector rod has been reset to the first ejector rod position, and the control mechanism controls the clutch based on the detection information from the position sensor.

[0008] Furthermore, the drive mechanism also includes a drive gear, through which the drive component outputs power; The intermittent gear mechanism also includes a top-opening gear. The intermittent gear mechanism receives power through the top-opening gear. The gear shaft of the top-opening gear is connected to the base. When the door is opened, the top-opening gear drives the intermittent gear to rotate. When the door is closed, the top-opening gear and the intermittent gear can rotate relative to each other.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes a transition gear mechanism, which includes a first transition gear and a second transition gear. The gear shaft of the second transition gear is connected to the base. The second transition gear is fixed relative to the first transition gear. The second transition gear is engaged with the drive gear, and the first transition gear is engaged with the jacking gear.

[0010] Furthermore, The output gear is provided with a locking groove; The clutch gear mechanism further includes a locking assembly, which comprises a locking component, a first inclined surface engagement component, a second inclined surface engagement component, and a second elastic component. The locking component is connected to the input gear and can reciprocate between an unlocked position and a locked position. When the locking component is in the unlocked position, it disengages from the locking groove. When the locking component is in the locked position, it extends into the locking groove and locks itself in place. The first inclined surface engagement component supports the locking component, and the two components can rotate relative to each other. The second inclined surface engagement component engages with the first inclined surface engagement component. The clutch remains connected to the second inclined surface engagement component. When the clutch is energized, the locking component is pushed to the locked position by the first and second inclined surface engagement components. When the clutch is de-energized, the second elastic component applies an elastic restoring force to the locking component to return it to the unlocked position. The output gear is connected to the input gear through the locking assembly.

[0011] Furthermore, the gear shaft of the input gear is connected to the base, and the input gear is engaged with the drive gear of the refrigerator automatic switch system.

[0012] Furthermore, the linkage mechanism includes a switching gear and a connecting rod. The gear shaft of the switching gear is connected to the base, and the switching gear meshes with the output gear. One end of the connecting rod is connected to the switching gear via a hinge shaft, and the other end of the connecting rod is connected to the door body near the door hinge via a hinge shaft.

[0013] The present invention also provides an automatic door opening method for the refrigerator automatic opening and closing system, comprising the following steps: S1.1 The control mechanism receives the door opening command; S1.2 The control mechanism controls the start of the drive component. The drive component drives the push rod from the first push rod position to the second push rod position through the intermittent gear. The push rod applies a pushing force to the door to release the engagement between the box and the door. During this process, the intermittent gear rotates counterclockwise from the first gear position to the second gear position, and the clutch is de-energized. S1.3, the first elastic component drives the push rod back to the first push rod position. During this process, the intermittent gear rotates counterclockwise from the second gear position to the third gear position, and the clutch is de-energized. S1.4 After the push rod returns to the first push rod position, the control mechanism controls the clutch to be energized, and the drive component drives the linkage mechanism to move from the second linkage position to the first linkage position through the input gear and the output gear. The linkage mechanism drives the door to open. During this process, the intermittent gear rotates counterclockwise from the third gear position to the fourth gear position. S1.5 The control mechanism stops the drive components and de-energizes the clutch.

[0014] The present invention also provides an automatic door closing method for the refrigerator automatic opening and closing system, comprising the following steps: S2.1 The control mechanism receives the door closing command; S2.2 The control mechanism controls the start of the drive component and controls the clutch to be energized. The drive component drives the linkage mechanism to move from the first linkage position to the second linkage position through the input gear and the output gear. The linkage mechanism drives the door to close. During this process, the intermittent gear remains stationary in the fourth gear position, and the push-open gear rotates clockwise. S2.3 The control mechanism controls the clutch to de-energize, the input gear and output gear disengage, and the drive component rotates forward to drive the intermittent gear to return from the fourth gear position to the first gear position counterclockwise. S2.4 The control mechanism stops the drive components.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the above-mentioned technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages: the automatic refrigerator opening and closing system, automatic door opening method and automatic door closing method of the present invention only require one drive component and one clutch in the power part, which can complete the top opening of the refrigerator door and the automatic opening and closing of the door. The structure is simple and the cost is low. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To make the content of this invention easier to understand, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator automatic switching system in this invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic switching module in this invention; Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the ejection mechanism in this invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ejection mechanism in this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the driving mechanism in this invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the intermittent gear mechanism in this invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the clutch gear mechanism in this invention; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the connection between the clutch and the first inclined surface mating component in this invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the retraction of the locking component in this invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the clutch engaging with the first inclined surface when the locking component retracts in this invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the extension of the locking component in this invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the clutch engaging with the first inclined surface when the locking component extends in this invention. Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the linkage mechanism in this invention; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the linkage mechanism in this invention; Figure 15 This is a flowchart of the automatic door opening method of the refrigerator automatic switch system in this invention; Figure 16 This is a flowchart of the automatic door closing method of the refrigerator automatic opening and closing system of the present invention; Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator automatic switching system in the present invention during the waiting action. Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the push rod being pushed out in the automatic refrigerator switching system of the present invention; Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the push rod resetting in the refrigerator automatic switching system of the present invention; Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the door opening process in the automatic refrigerator opening and closing system of the present invention; Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerator door closing process in the automatic opening and closing system of the present invention; Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the intermittent gear resetting to the position of the first gear in this invention.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the accompanying drawings: 1. Housing; 2. Door; 3. Automatic switch module; 31. Base; 32. Ejection mechanism; 321. Ejector rod; 322. First elastic component; 323. Rack; 324. Position sensor; 325. Slide groove; 326. Ejector rod cover plate; 33. Linkage mechanism; 331. Switch gear; 332. Connecting rod; 34. Intermittent gear mechanism; 341. Intermittent gear; 342. Ejection gear; 35. Clutch gear mechanism; 51. Input gear; 352. Output gear; 3521. Locking groove; 353. Clutch; 354. Locking component; 355. First inclined surface mating component; 3551. First inclined surface; 356. Second inclined surface mating component; 3561. Second inclined surface; 357. Second elastic component; 36. Drive mechanism; 361. Drive component; 362. Drive gear; 37. Transition gear mechanism; 371. First transition gear; 372. Second transition gear. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments described are not intended to limit the present invention. Example 1

[0020] See Figures 1 to 14 As shown, this is an embodiment of the automatic refrigerator switching system provided by the present invention.

[0021] The refrigerator's automatic opening and closing system includes a cabinet 1, a door 2, and an automatic opening and closing module 3. The door 2 is connected to the cabinet 1 via a door hinge and can open and close the cabinet 1. The automatic opening and closing module 3 includes: The base 31 is used to connect and fix it to the aforementioned housing 1; The ejection mechanism 32 is connected to the base 31 and includes an ejector rod 321 and a first elastic member 322. The ejector rod 321 can reciprocate between a first ejector rod position and a second ejector rod position. When the ejector rod 321 is in the first ejector rod position, the ejector rod 321 is close to the position of the door body 2 away from the door hinge and retracts into the housing 1. When the ejector rod 321 is in the second ejector rod position, the ejector rod 321 abuts against the position of the door body 2 away from the door hinge and extends out of the housing 1. The first elastic member 322 applies an elastic restoring force to the ejector rod 321 to drive the ejector rod 321 back to the first ejector rod position. Linkage mechanism 33 is connected to the base 31. Linkage mechanism 33 is connected to the door body 2 near the door hinge. Linkage mechanism 33 can reciprocate between the first linkage position and the second linkage position. When linkage mechanism 33 is in the first linkage position, the door body 2 is open. When linkage mechanism 33 is in the second linkage position, the door body 2 is closed. Figure 17 The intermittent gear 341 shown is the position of the first gear. Figure 18 The intermittent gear 341 shown is the position of the second gear. Figure 19 The intermittent gear 341 shown is the position of the third gear. Figure 20 Intermittent gear 341 is the fourth gear position; The intermittent gear mechanism 34 includes an intermittent gear 341, which has teeth machined on a portion in the circumferential direction. The intermittent gear 341 can rotate counterclockwise and clockwise. When the intermittent gear 341 rotates counterclockwise, it passes through the first gear position, the second gear position, and the third gear position in sequence. When the intermittent gear 341 rotates counterclockwise from the first gear position to the second gear position, it drives the push rod 321 to reach the second push rod position. The push rod 321 applies a pushing force to the door body to release the attraction force between the box 1 and the door body 2. When the intermittent gear 341 rotates between the second gear position and the third gear position, it is disengaged from the push rod 321. The push rod 321 is reset under the tension force of the first elastic member 322. The clutch gear mechanism 35 includes an input gear 351, an output gear 352, and a clutch 353. The output gear 352 maintains transmission with the linkage mechanism 33. When the clutch 353 is energized, the input gear 351 and the output gear 352 maintain transmission. When the clutch 353 is de-energized, the input gear 351 and the output gear 352 disengage. The drive mechanism 36 includes a drive component 361, which maintains transmission with the intermittent gear 341 and the input gear 351. When the drive component 361 is started, it drives the intermittent gear 341 and the input gear 351 to rotate through the transition gear. When the drive component 361 is stopped, the intermittent gear 341 and the input gear 351 stop rotating. A control mechanism (not shown in the figure) controls the start and stop of the drive component 361 and the energization and de-energization of the clutch 353.

[0022] The ejector mechanism 32 abuts against the door 2 at a position away from the door hinge. Therefore, when the ejector mechanism 32 applies a pushing force to the door 2, the lever arm of the pushing force is relatively large, which saves effort and does not require excessive pushing force to overcome the attraction between the refrigerator body 1 and the door 2, thus pushing the door 2 open. After the ejector mechanism 32 pushes the door 2 open, the two separate, preventing the connection between them from interfering with people putting or taking items into or out of the refrigerator. When the push rod 321 extends, the first elastic member 322 is stretched. When the push rod 321 disengages from the intermittent gear 341, the first elastic member 322 shortens and drives the push rod 321 to return to its original position.

[0023] The linkage mechanism 33 is connected to the door body 2 near the door hinge and drives the door body 2 to open and close further. The linkage mechanism will not affect people putting or taking items into the refrigerator. Since the attraction between the cabinet 1 and the door body 2 has been released, the linkage mechanism does not need much force to drive the door body 2 to rotate relative to the cabinet 1, thereby opening and closing the door body 2.

[0024] Since the door 2 needs to be pushed open by the ejector mechanism 32 before the linkage mechanism 33 can rotate, the linkage mechanism 33 cannot operate when the ejector mechanism 32 is in motion. The ejector mechanism 32 is driven by the intermittent gear mechanism 34, and the linkage mechanism 33 is driven by the clutch gear mechanism 35, thus allowing the ejector mechanism 32 and the linkage mechanism 33 to operate at different times. The intermittent gear 341 can also be called a half gear; it is actually an incomplete gear. It is obtained by removing some teeth from a complete circular gear along its circumference, or by machining teeth on a portion of its circumference.

[0025] Specifically, assuming the aforementioned door hinge rotates around the X-axis, and the door 2 is closed and perpendicular to the Y-axis, the top rod 321 moves along the Y-axis.

[0026] The electrical signals of the aforementioned control mechanism are position sensor signals or acoustic signals.

[0027] The power unit of this invention only requires one drive component 361 and one clutch 353 to complete the opening of the refrigerator door and the automatic opening and closing of the door. It has a simple structure and low cost.

[0028] In this embodiment, the ejection mechanism 32 further includes a rack 323, which is fixed relative to the ejector rod 321. The rack 323 meshes with the intermittent gear 341, which rotates counterclockwise from the first gear position to the second gear position. The ejection mechanism is covered by an ejector rod cover plate 326, so the ejector rod is not exposed.

[0029] The aforementioned ejector mechanism 32 needs to drive with the intermittent gear mechanism 34, and it needs to convert the circular motion of the intermittent gear 341 into linear motion. Therefore, the rack 323 can both mesh with the intermittent gear 341 to achieve transmission and convert the rotational motion of the intermittent gear 341 into the linear motion of the ejector rod. The rack 323 and the ejector rod 321 can be an integral structure or separate structures. The base 31 is provided with a sliding groove 325, and the ejector rod 321 is slidably connected to the sliding groove 325.

[0030] In this embodiment, the ejector mechanism 32 further includes a position sensor 324, which is used to detect whether the ejector rod 321 has been reset to the first ejector rod position. The control mechanism controls the clutch 353 based on the detection information of the position sensor 324.

[0031] After the push rod 321 pushes open the door body 2, in order to prevent the push rod 321 from starting the further door rotation action before it has been reset, it is necessary to determine whether the push rod 321 has been reset. Therefore, the position sensor 324 is set to detect whether the push rod 321 has been reset. If the push rod 321 has been reset, the clutch 353 can be energized to start the door rotation action.

[0032] In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 36 further includes a drive gear 362, and the drive component 361 outputs power through the drive gear 362. The intermittent gear mechanism 34 also includes a top-opening gear 342. The intermittent gear mechanism 34 inputs power through the top-opening gear 342. The gear shaft of the top-opening gear 342 is connected to the base 31. When the door is opened, the top-opening gear 342 drives the intermittent gear 341 to rotate. When the door is closed, the top-opening gear 342 and the intermittent gear 341 can rotate relative to each other.

[0033] The intermittent gear mechanism 34 and the drive mechanism 36 need to drive each other, and this mutual transmission must be ensured. This is achieved through the drive gear 362 and the jacking gear 342. The intermittent gear 341 has a boss on its side. After the intermittent gear 341 and the jacking gear 342 are coaxially assembled, the boss of the intermittent gear 341 and the jacking gear 342 overlap in height. The jacking gear 342 has a groove, one end of which is the aforementioned boss. The intermittent gear 341 is connected to the groove via a slider. When the door is opened, the boss rotates towards the slider, and the two abut against each other. The boss pushes the slider to rotate together, thus the jacking gear 342 drives the intermittent gear 341 to rotate. When the door is closed, the boss rotates away from the slider, and the slider slides in the groove. The jacking gear 342 and the intermittent gear 341 can rotate relative to each other. The rotation of the jacking gear 342 does not drive the rotation of the intermittent gear 341.

[0034] Both the drive gear 362 and the top gear 342 mentioned above are circular gears, and both rotate about their own gear axis.

[0035] In this embodiment, a transition gear mechanism 37 is also included. The transition gear mechanism 37 includes a first transition gear 371 and a second transition gear 372. The gear shaft of the second transition gear 372 is connected to the base 31. The second transition gear 372 is fixed relative to the first transition gear 371. The second transition gear 372 is engaged with the drive gear 362. The first transition gear 371 is engaged with the opening gear 342.

[0036] By setting the aforementioned transition gear mechanism 37, the transmission ratio and transmission direction can be guaranteed. The first transition gear 371 and the second transition gear 372 are both circular gears and both rotate about their own gear axis.

[0037] In this embodiment, the input gear 351 can be connected to the output gear 352 through the movable engagement relationship between the clutch 353, the second inclined surface engagement component 356, the first inclined surface engagement component 355, and the locking component 354, thereby driving the rotation of the output gear 352; The aforementioned output gear 352 is provided with a locking groove 3521; The aforementioned clutch gear mechanism 35 further includes a locking assembly, which includes a locking component 354, a first inclined surface engaging component 355, a second inclined surface engaging component 356, and a second elastic component 357. The locking component 354 is connected to the input gear 351 and can reciprocate between an unlocked position and a locked position. When the locking component 354 is in the unlocked position, it disengages from the locking groove 3521. When the locking component 354 is in the locked position, it extends into the locking groove 3521 and locks itself in place. The first inclined surface engaging component... The locking component 354 is supported by component 355 and the two can rotate relative to each other. The second inclined surface engaging component 356 engages with the first inclined surface engaging component 355. The clutch 353 is connected to the second inclined surface engaging component 356. When the clutch 353 is energized, it pushes the locking component 354 to the locked position through the first inclined surface engaging component 355 and the second inclined surface engaging component 356. After the clutch 353 is de-energized, the second elastic component 357 applies an elastic restoring force to the locking component 354 to drive the locking component 354 back to the unlocked position.

[0038] The first inclined surface mating component 355 has a first inclined surface 3551, and the second inclined surface mating component 356 has a second inclined surface 3561. Both the first inclined surface 3551 and the second inclined surface 3561 are 20° inclined surfaces. When the electromagnetic clutch 353 is energized, one end of it pushes outward, causing the second inclined surface mating component 356 to slide forward in the groove of the base 31. The inclined surface of the first inclined surface mating component 355 rises along the inclined surface of the second inclined surface mating component 356, causing the locking component 354 to rise. At this time, the second elastic component 357 is compressed. The protruding part of the locking component 354 can be inserted into the locking groove 3521. After the clutch 353 is de-energized, the second elastic component 357 extends, thereby causing the locking component 354 to reset. The locking component 354 moves along the X-axis direction, and the input gear 351 and the output gear 352 engage and disengage in the vertical direction, eliminating the problems of tooth breakage or failure to mesh.

[0039] In this embodiment, the gear shaft of the input gear 351 is connected to the base 31, and the input gear 351 is engaged with the drive gear 362.

[0040] The input gear 351 is engaged with the drive gear 362, thereby enabling the clutch gear mechanism 35 and the drive mechanism 36 to maintain transmission.

[0041] In this embodiment, the linkage mechanism 33 includes a switching gear 331 and a connecting rod 332. The gear shaft of the switching gear 331 is connected to the base 31. The switching gear 331 is engaged with the output gear 352. One end of the connecting rod 332 is connected to the switching gear 331 through a hinge shaft, and the other end of the connecting rod 332 is connected to the position of the door body 2 near the door hinge through a hinge shaft.

[0042] The drive mechanism 36 ultimately drives the connecting rod 332 to move, thereby pulling the door 2 open and close. The connecting rod 332 is not fixed to the door 2 at a hinge position, so the required torque is much smaller. The aforementioned switch gear 331 is a circular gear that rotates about its own gear axis, and the aforementioned hinge shaft rotates about the X-axis parallel to it.

[0043] See Figures 15 to 22 The present invention also provides an automatic door opening method and an automatic door closing method for the above-mentioned refrigerator automatic switch system.

[0044] The automatic door opening method of a refrigerator includes the following steps: S1.1 The control mechanism receives the door opening command; S1.2 The control mechanism controls the start of the drive component 361. The drive component 361 drives the push rod 321 from the first push rod position to the second push rod position through the intermittent gear 341. The push rod 321 applies a pushing force to the door body 2 to release the engagement between the box body 1 and the door body 2. During this process, the intermittent gear 341 rotates counterclockwise from the first gear position to the second gear position, and the clutch 353 is de-energized. S1.3, the first elastic component 322 drives the push rod 321 back to the first push rod position. During this process, the intermittent gear 341 rotates counterclockwise from the second gear position to the third gear position, and the clutch 353 is de-energized. S1.4 After the push rod 321 returns to the first push rod position, the control mechanism controls the clutch 353 to be energized. The drive component 361 drives the linkage mechanism 33 to move from the second linkage position to the first linkage position through the input gear 351 and the output gear 352. The linkage mechanism 33 drives the door 2 to open. During this process, the intermittent gear 341 rotates counterclockwise from the third gear position to the fourth gear position. S1.5 The control mechanism stops the drive component 361 and de-energizes the clutch 353.

[0045] The aforementioned drive component 361 is a motor. When the motor runs, it drives the drive gear 362, the second transition gear 372, the first transition gear 371, the top gear 342, the intermittent gear 341, and the input gear 351 to rotate.

[0046] The specific process of opening the door is as follows: The motor rotates forward, driving the opening gear 342 to rotate counterclockwise, which in turn drives the intermittent gear 341 to rotate counterclockwise simultaneously. When a partial tooth of the intermittent gear 341 meshes with the rack 323 of the push rod 321, the push rod 321 moves and opens the door 2, stretching the first elastic component 322. The partial tooth of the intermittent gear 341 disengages from the rack 323 of the push rod 321, and the push rod 321 retracts under the action of the first elastic component 322. During the opening process, the input gear 351 rotates under the drive of the drive gear 362. The electromagnetic clutch 353 does not activate, so the output gear 352 and the switching gear 331 do not activate.

[0047] Door rotation opening: After the push rod 321 retracts under the action of the first elastic component 322, the electromagnetic clutch 353 starts to operate, the second inclined surface engagement component 356 moves, the first inclined surface engagement component 355 slides along the inclined surface of the second inclined surface engagement component 356 and rises, the locking component 354 rises at the same time, and the extended part of the locking component 354 is inserted into the locking groove 3521 of the output gear 352. At this time, the input gear 351 drives the output gear 352 to rotate, which in turn drives the switch gear 331 to rotate counterclockwise → the connecting rod 332 moves to push the door body 2 to rotate and open.

[0048] The automatic door closing method for a refrigerator includes the following steps: S2.1 The control mechanism receives the door closing command; S2.2 The control mechanism controls the drive component 361 to start and controls the clutch 353 to be energized. The drive component 361 drives the linkage mechanism 33 from the first linkage position to the second linkage position through the input gear 351 and the output gear 352. The linkage mechanism 33 drives the door to close. During this process, the intermittent gear 341 remains stationary in the fourth position, and the push-open gear 342 rotates clockwise. S2.3, The control mechanism controls the clutch 353 to be de-energized, the input gear 351 and the output gear 352 disengage, and the drive component 361 rotates forward to drive the intermittent gear 341 to return from the fourth gear position to the first gear position counterclockwise. S2.4, The control mechanism stops the drive component 361.

[0049] Closing the door: The motor reverses direction, and the drive gear 362 drives the switch gear 331 to rotate clockwise through the input gear 351 and the output gear 352. The switch gear 331 drives the connecting rod 332, which in turn drives the door 2 to close. After the door is closed, the clutch 353 retracts, the second inclined surface engagement component 356 moves, and the first inclined surface engagement component 355 and the locking component 354 descend under the action of the second elastic component 357 and gravity. The input gear 351 and the output gear 352 disengage vertically.

[0050] When the motor rotates forward, the drive gear 362 drives the top opening gear to rotate through the second transition gear 372 and the first transition gear 371, which in turn drives the top opening gear 342, causing the intermittent gear 341 to rotate to the first gear position in preparation for the next door opening action.

[0051] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. An automatic opening and closing system for a refrigerator, comprising a cabinet, a door, and an automatic opening and closing module, wherein the door is connected to the cabinet via a door hinge and can open and close the cabinet opening, characterized in that... The automatic switching module includes: The base is used to connect and fix it to the housing; An ejection mechanism, connected to the base, includes an ejector rod and a first elastic component. The ejector rod can reciprocate between a first ejector rod position and a second ejector rod position. When the ejector rod is in the first ejector rod position, it approaches the door body away from the door hinge and retracts into the housing. When the ejector rod is in the second ejector rod position, it abuts against the door body away from the door hinge and extends out of the housing. The first elastic component applies an elastic restoring force to the ejector rod to drive it back to the first ejector rod position. A linkage mechanism is connected to the base and is maintained in connection with the door body near the door hinge. The linkage mechanism can reciprocate between a first linkage position and a second linkage position. When the linkage mechanism is in the first linkage position, the door body is open, and when the linkage mechanism is in the second linkage position, the door body is closed. An intermittent gear mechanism, comprising an intermittent gear, wherein the intermittent gear has teeth machined on a portion in the circumferential direction; The clutch gear mechanism includes an input gear, an output gear, and a clutch. The output gear maintains transmission with the linkage mechanism. When the clutch is energized, the input gear maintains transmission with the output gear. When the clutch is de-energized, the input gear disengages from the output gear. A drive mechanism includes a drive component that maintains transmission with the intermittent gear and the input gear. When the drive component starts, it drives the intermittent gear and the input gear to rotate through a transition gear. When the drive component stops, the intermittent gear and the input gear stop rotating. A control mechanism that controls the start and stop of the drive component and the energization and de-energization of the clutch.

2. The refrigerator automatic switching system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intermittent gear can rotate counterclockwise and clockwise. When the intermittent gear rotates counterclockwise, it passes through the first gear position, the second gear position, and the third gear position in sequence. When the intermittent gear rotates counterclockwise from the first gear position to the second gear position, it drives the push rod to reach the second push rod position. The push rod applies a pushing force to the door to release the attraction force between the box and the door. When the intermittent gear rotates between the second gear position and the third gear position, it disengages from the push rod, and the push rod returns to its original position under the tensile force of the first elastic component. The ejection mechanism further includes a rack, which is fixed relative to the ejector rod, and the rack meshes with the intermittent gear that rotates counterclockwise from the first gear position to the second gear position.

3. The refrigerator automatic switching system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ejection mechanism also includes a position sensor, which is used to detect whether the ejector rod has been reset to the first ejector rod position, and the control mechanism controls the clutch based on the detection information of the position sensor.

4. The refrigerator automatic switching system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism further includes a drive gear, and the drive component outputs power through the drive gear; The intermittent gear mechanism also includes a top-opening gear. The intermittent gear mechanism receives power through the top-opening gear. The gear shaft of the top-opening gear is connected to the base. When the door is opened, the top-opening gear drives the intermittent gear to rotate. When the door is closed, the top-opening gear and the intermittent gear can rotate relative to each other.

5. The refrigerator automatic switching system according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a transition gear mechanism, which includes a first transition gear and a second transition gear. The gear shaft of the second transition gear is connected to the base. The second transition gear is fixed relative to the first transition gear. The second transition gear is engaged with the drive gear, and the first transition gear is engaged with the top gear.

6. The refrigerator automatic switching system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output gear is provided with a locking groove; The clutch gear mechanism further includes a locking assembly, which comprises a locking component, a first inclined surface engagement component, a second inclined surface engagement component, and a second elastic component. The locking component is connected to the input gear and can reciprocate between an unlocked position and a locked position. When the locking component is in the unlocked position, it disengages from the locking groove. When the locking component is in the locked position, it extends into the locking groove and locks itself in place. The first inclined surface engagement component supports the locking component, and the two components can rotate relative to each other. The second inclined surface engagement component engages with the first inclined surface engagement component. The clutch remains connected to the second inclined surface engagement component. When the clutch is energized, the locking component is pushed to the locked position by the first and second inclined surface engagement components. When the clutch is de-energized, the second elastic component applies an elastic restoring force to the locking component to return it to the unlocked position. The output gear is connected to the input gear through the locking assembly.

7. The refrigerator automatic switching system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The input gear shaft is connected to the base, and the input gear meshes with the drive gear of the refrigerator automatic switching system according to claim 4.

8. The refrigerator automatic switching system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linkage mechanism includes a switching gear and a connecting rod. The gear shaft of the switching gear is connected to the base. The switching gear meshes with the output gear. One end of the connecting rod is connected to the switching gear via a hinge shaft, and the other end of the connecting rod is connected to the door body near the door hinge via a hinge shaft.

9. The automatic door opening method of the refrigerator automatic switch system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1.1 The control mechanism receives the door opening command; S1.2 The control mechanism controls the start of the drive component. The drive component drives the push rod from the first push rod position to the second push rod position through the intermittent gear. The push rod applies a pushing force to the door to release the engagement between the box and the door. During this process, the intermittent gear rotates counterclockwise from the first gear position to the second gear position, and the clutch is de-energized. S1.3, the first elastic component drives the push rod back to the first push rod position. During this process, the intermittent gear rotates counterclockwise from the second gear position to the third gear position, and the clutch is de-energized. S1.4 After the push rod returns to the first push rod position, the control mechanism controls the clutch to be energized, and the drive component drives the linkage mechanism to move from the second linkage position to the first linkage position through the input gear and the output gear. The linkage mechanism drives the door to open. During this process, the intermittent gear rotates counterclockwise from the third gear position to the fourth gear position. S1.5 The control mechanism stops the drive components and de-energizes the clutch.

10. The automatic door closing method of the refrigerator automatic opening and closing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S2.1 The control mechanism receives the door closing command; S2.2 The control mechanism controls the start of the drive component and controls the clutch to be energized. The drive component drives the linkage mechanism to move from the first linkage position to the second linkage position through the input gear and the output gear. The linkage mechanism drives the door to close. During this process, the intermittent gear remains stationary in the fourth gear position, and the push-open gear rotates clockwise. S2.3 The control mechanism controls the clutch to de-energize, the input gear and output gear disengage, and the drive component rotates forward to drive the intermittent gear to return from the fourth gear position to the first gear position counterclockwise. S2.4 The control mechanism stops the drive components.

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