Hinge assembly and cooking appliance having the same

Abstract

The present invention discloses a hinge assembly and a cooking appliance having the same. The hinge assembly includes: a first hinge seat having a first hollow shaft; a second hinge seat pivotally connected to the first hinge seat and having a second hollow shaft coaxial with the first hollow shaft, the hinge assembly being configured to be locked when the second hinge seat and the first hinge seat are at a predetermined angle; a hollow pivot shaft passing through the first hollow shaft and the second hollow shaft, the hollow pivot shaft being adapted for a wire harness to pass through and formed with a first limiting portion; a limiting member connected to the hollow pivot shaft by a fastening member, and the limiting member being formed with a second limiting portion matching the first limiting portion; and a reset member sleeved outside the fastening member and connected to the limiting member. According to the hinge assembly of the present invention, it has a wire passing function and also enables the hinge assembly to adapt to multi-mode scenario operation. In addition, the hinge assembly can be integrated into a modular structure and can be easily extended to various devices requiring similar functions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of kitchen appliances, and in particular to a hinge assembly and a cooking appliance having the same. Background Art

[0002] In the related art, with the progress of society and the development of technology, cooking tools have become more and more diverse and modern. The traditional open fire and iron pot are no longer the only ones in the kitchen. We have more choices, such as new types of cooking pots and ovens, which are the new favorites in modern living rooms.

[0003] The multifunctional cooking pot has only one cavity and a single-sided heat source, and does not have the form and function of an oven. For better performance and experience, products such as hinge-equipped openable and closable grilling devices, such as electric griddles and fish grills, have also become popular; however, the hinge solutions in the related art have relatively rough structures and bulky appearances. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, an object of the present invention is to provide a hinge assembly with a thin and light appearance and a simple structure.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cooking appliance including the above-mentioned hinge assembly.

[0006] The hinge assembly according to the first aspect embodiment of the present invention includes: a first hinge seat having a first hollow shaft; a second hinge seat pivotally connected to the first hinge seat, the second hinge seat having a second hollow shaft coaxial with the first hollow shaft, the hinge assembly being configured to be locked when the second hinge seat and the first hinge seat are at a predetermined angle; a hollow pivot shaft passing through the first hollow shaft and the second hollow shaft, the hollow pivot shaft being adapted for a wire harness to pass through, and a first limiting portion being formed on the hollow pivot shaft; a limiting member connected to the hollow pivot shaft by a fastener, and a second limiting portion matching the first limiting portion being formed on the limiting member; and a reset member sleeved outside the fastener and connected to the limiting member.

[0007] According to the hinge assembly of the embodiments of the present invention, the inside of the hollow pivot shaft can pass the power cord, control line, etc. of a high-power source, and is convenient for installation and disassembly; through the cooperation of the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion, the hinge assembly can be locked after the second hinge seat rotates the predetermined angle relative to the first hinge seat. Thus, the hinge assembly can not only have a wire-passing function, but also enable the hinge assembly to adapt to multi-mode scenario operations, better meeting the diverse needs of users. In addition, the hinge assembly can be easily integrated into a modular structure and can be easily extended to various devices that require similar functions.

[0008] In addition, the hinge assembly according to the above embodiments of the present invention further has the following additional technical features:

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first limiting portion is formed at one end face of the hollow pivot shaft adjacent to the limiting member; the second limiting portion is formed at one side of the limiting member adjacent to the hollow pivot shaft.

[0010] Further, the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are configured as sector blocks.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a first convex block is formed on the limiting member, a first mating groove matching the first convex block is formed inside the first hollow shaft, and the first convex block is slidably fitted in the first mating groove; a second convex block extending along the axial direction of the second hollow shaft is provided inside the second hollow shaft, and a second mating groove matching the second convex block is provided on the hollow pivot shaft.

[0012] Further, the second limiting portion includes an arc surface, and the first convex block is formed on the outer surface of the arc surface.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a first mounting hole is formed on the limiting member, a second mounting hole coaxial with the first mounting hole is formed on the hollow pivot shaft, and the fastener is adapted to sequentially pass through the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole to connect the limiting member and the hollow pivot shaft.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the fastener is a half-thread screw, a fixing ring is formed on the limiting member, and one end of the reset member is connected to the head of the half-thread screw and the other end is connected to the fixing ring.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the hinge assembly further includes: a sensing device, and the sensing device is provided on one of the first hinge seat and the second hinge seat.

[0016] Furthermore, the first hinge seat includes a first hinge body, the second hinge seat includes a second hinge body, and a fixing structure suitable for installing the sensing device is formed on one of the first hinge body and the second hinge body.

[0017] Optionally, a matching hole corresponding to the trigger point of the sensing device is formed on one of the first hinge seat and the second hinge seat, and a trigger portion for triggering the trigger point is formed on the other one.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the hinge assembly further comprises: a damping member, at least the damping member being provided between the hollow pivot shaft and the limiting member.

[0019] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the cooking utensil includes: a hinge assembly, which is the hinge assembly described above; a first cooking cavity, to which the first hinge seat is connected; and a second cooking cavity, to which the second hinge seat is connected.

[0020] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description which follows, or may be learned by practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a hinge assembly in a first position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 is another schematic diagram of a hinge assembly in a first position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in a first position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 is another cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention when it is in a first position;

[0026] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a hinge assembly in a second position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 is another schematic diagram of a hinge assembly in a second position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7is a sectional view of the hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention when in the second position;

[0029] Figure 8 is another sectional view of the hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention when in the second position;

[0030] Figure 9 is a schematic view of the hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention when in the third position;

[0031] Figure 10 is another schematic view of the hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention when in the third position;

[0032] Figure 11 is a sectional view of the hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention when in the third position;

[0033] Figure 12 is another sectional view of the hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention when in the third position;

[0034] Figure 13 is Figure 1 an exploded view of the hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 14 is Figure 13 a perspective view of the first hinge seat in the hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 15 is Figure 13 a perspective view of the second hinge seat in the hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 16 [[ID=Q42]]is Figure 13 a perspective view of the central rotating shaft in the hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 17 is Figure 13 a perspective view of the limiting member in the hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 18 is Figure 1 a perspective view of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the hinge assembly is in the first position;

[0040] Figure 19 is Figure 1 another perspective view of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the hinge assembly is in the second position;

[0041] Figure 20 is Figure 1Another perspective view of the cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the hinge assembly is in the third position.

[0042] Reference numerals:

[0043] Hinge assembly 100,

[0044] First hinge seat 1, first hollow shaft 11, first mating groove 111, first hinge seat body 12, fixing structure 121, mating hole 13,

[0045] Second hinge seat 2, second hollow shaft 21, second convex block 211, second hinge seat body 22, trigger portion 23,

[0046] Hollow pivot shaft 3, first limiting portion 31, second mating groove 32, second mounting hole 33,

[0047] Limiting member 4, second limiting portion 41, arc surface 411, first convex block 42, first mounting hole 43, fixing ring 44,

[0048] Fastener 5, half-threaded screw 51, head 511,

[0049] Reset member 6,

[0050] Inductive device 7, trigger point 71,

[0051] Cooking appliance 200,

[0052] First cooking cavity 210, second cooking cavity 220. Detailed implementation manners

[0053] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0054] In the related art, traditional metal hinges are widely used in various fields, including two types: non-damping hinges and damping hinges; however, traditional metal hinges have the disadvantages that wires cannot pass through inside, the volume is too small, and specific functions cannot be implanted. The electric griddle hinge is a unique hinge for electric griddle products. The electric griddle hinge is entirely made of bakelite and has a relatively large longitudinal dimension. On the one hand, it affects the overall appearance of the product; in addition, due to the relatively hard and brittle bakelite, the force is relatively limited. The fish roaster hinge is composed of a composite structure of bakelite and sheet metal; the wire passing through the fish roaster hinge is not beautiful, the longitudinal dimension is relatively thick, which affects the overall appearance of the product; and it is not firmly fixed and shakes severely. Moreover, the semi-open structure of the fish roaster hinge not only affects the wire passing effect and the product appearance but also cannot be fully opened at 180 degrees.

[0055] To this end, the present application provides a hinge assembly 100, which can be used in cooking appliances such as ovens, multifunctional cooking stoves, etc.

[0056] The following describes the hinge assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Referring to Figure 13 , Figure 13 is an exploded view of the hinge assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hinge assembly 100 according to the first aspect embodiment of the present invention includes: a first hinge seat 1, a second hinge seat 2, a hollow pivot shaft 3, a limiting member 4, and a reset member 5.

[0058] Specifically, the first hinge seat has a first hollow shaft 11; the second hinge seat 2 is pivotally connected to the first hinge seat 1, and the second hinge seat 2 has a second hollow shaft 21, and the second hollow shaft 21 is coaxially arranged with the first hollow shaft 11, and the inner diameter and outer diameter of the second hollow shaft 21 are equal to those of the first hollow shaft 11. The hinge assembly 100 is configured to be locked when the second hinge seat 2 and the first hinge seat 1 form a predetermined angle. Thus, the hinge assembly 100 can be locked and hovered at a predetermined angle, which is beneficial to meeting the diverse needs of users. In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the predetermined angle may be in the range of 95 degrees to 135 degrees. For example, the predetermined angle may be 95 degrees, 100 degrees, 115 degrees, 120 degrees, 125 degrees, 135 degrees, etc. When the hinge assembly 100 is applied to the cooking appliance 200, if the predetermined angle is less than 95 degrees, it is not convenient for users to operate. If the predetermined angle is greater than 135 degrees, the center of gravity of the cooking appliance 200 moves backward, which is likely to cause tipping and the occupied space increases.

[0059] In the present application, by setting the predetermined angle in the range of 95 degrees to 135 degrees, when the hinge assembly 100 is used on the cooking appliance 200, by rotating the second hinge seat 2 relative to the first hinge seat 1 and then locking it, it is not only convenient for users to operate, but also has good stability and saves occupied space.

[0060] The hollow pivot shaft 3 is disposed through the first hollow shaft 11 and the second hollow shaft 21. The hollow pivot shaft 3 is suitable for a wire harness to pass through. The wire harness may include a power cord, a control line, etc. of a high-power source. By passing the wire harness through the hollow pivot shaft 3, it is not only convenient for wiring, but also can effectively avoid the exposure of the wire harness, thereby improving the use safety and appearance neatness of the hinge assembly 100.

[0061] In addition, when the hollow pivot shaft 3 is removed, the wire harness can be removed, which is convenient for the disassembly of the wire harness. In some embodiments of the present invention, the wire harness may be a flexible wire body, which is convenient for assembling the wire harness into the hollow pivot shaft 3.

[0062] Here, the hollow pivot shaft 3 means that a part of the pivot shaft is hollow, which facilitates threading wires through the hollow part of the pivot shaft and connecting other components at the non-hollow positions of the pivot shaft. This is beneficial to improving the structural strength of the hollow pivot shaft 3 and thus beneficial to improving the use reliability of the hinge assembly 100.

[0063] A first limiting portion 31 is formed on the hollow pivot shaft 3. The limiting member 4 is connected to the hollow pivot shaft 3 through a fastening member 5, and a second limiting portion 41 matching the first limiting portion 31 is formed on the limiting member 4. For example, a first limiting portion 31 can be formed on the hollow pivot shaft 3, the limiting member 4 can be connected to the hollow pivot shaft 3 through a fastening member 5, and a second limiting portion 41 can be formed on the limiting member 4. The second limiting portion 41 matches the first limiting portion 31. Thus, through the cooperation of the first limiting portion 31 and the second limiting portion 41, the hinge assembly 100 can be locked after the second hinge seat 2 rotates relative to the first hinge seat 1 by a predetermined angle, and the hinge assembly 100 can also withstand the torque generated by the suspension of a large-mass connecting member.

[0064] When the hinge assembly 100 is applied to the cooking appliance 200, the cooking appliance 200 can have multiple working modes. For example, it can be opened and closed locally as needed, suspended in a limited position, or fully unfolded at 180 degrees, etc.

[0065] The limiting member 4 is configured to be convertible between a locked position and a released position. In the locked position, the limiting member 4 is connected to the hollow pivot shaft 3 through the fastening member 5, and the second hinge seat 2 and the first hinge seat 1 of the hinge assembly 100 are in a suspended and locked state at a predetermined angle. In the released position, the second hinge seat 2 can rotate freely relative to the first hinge seat 1.

[0066] The reset member 6 is sleeved outside the fastening member 5 and connected to the limiting member 4. For example, the reset member 6 can be an elastic member such as a spring, etc. The reset member 6 can be sleeved outside the fastening member 5, and the reset member 6 can be connected to the limiting member 4. Thus, the reset member 6 can provide the force required for the reset of the limiting member 4.

[0067] For example, for the hinge assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the second hinge seat 2 and the first hinge seat 1 are pivotally connected, and the hinge assembly 100 is convertible between a first position (refer to Figures 1 to 4 ) and a second position (refer to Figures 5 to 8 ). In the first position, the second hinge seat 2 and the first hinge seat 1 are coplanar; in the second position, the second hinge seat 2 and the first hinge seat 1 are approximately at an angle of 180 degrees; the hinge assembly 100 also has a third position (refer to Figures 9 to 12), in the third position, the first hinge seat 1 and the second hinge seat 2 form an included angle of a predetermined angle, and the hinge assembly 100 is configured to be lockable in the third position.

[0068] When the hinge assembly 100 needs to be transferred from the first position to the second position, the hinge assembly 100 passes through the third position. At the third position, the second limiting portion 41 matches the first limiting portion 31 to lock the hinge assembly 100.

[0069] When the locked state needs to be released, for example, when the hinge assembly 100 is converted from the third position to the second position, the limit member 4 can be controlled (for example, moved) to the release position to release the locked state between the first hinge seat 1 and the second hinge seat 2, and the angle between the first hinge seat 1 and the second hinge seat 2 is adjusted so that the hinge assembly 100 is in the second position. During this process, the limit member 4 can be reset under the action of the reset member 6.

[0070] When the hinge assembly 100 needs to be transferred from the second position to the first position, it will pass through the third position. At the third position, the second limiting portion 41 matches the first limiting portion 31 to lock the hinge assembly 100.

[0071] When the locked state needs to be released, for example, when the hinge assembly 100 is converted from the third position to the first position, the limit member 4 can be controlled (for example, moved) to the release position to release the locked state between the first hinge seat 1 and the second hinge seat 2, and the angle between the first hinge seat 1 and the second hinge seat 2 is adjusted so that the hinge assembly 100 is in the first position. During this process, the limit member 4 can be reset under the action of the reset member 6.

[0072] According to the hinge assembly 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, the angular relationship between the first hinge base 1 and the second hinge base 2 can be adjusted according to actual needs, and the limiter 4 can maintain the first hinge base 1 and the second hinge base 2 at a specific opening and closing angle. As a result, the hinge assembly 100 can adapt to multi-mode operation and better meet the diverse needs of users.

[0073] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, the hollow pivot shaft 3, the limit member 4, the fastener 5 and the reset member 6 can be assembled into a shaft assembly. During the assembly of the hinge assembly 100, after the second hinge seat 2 is assembled to the first hinge seat 1, the shaft assembly is assembled with the second hinge 2 and the first hinge seat 1 respectively. In this way, the hinge assembly 100 can be easily integrated into a modular structure and can be easily expanded to various devices requiring similar functions.

[0074] According to the hinge assembly 100 of the embodiments of the present invention, the inside of the hollow pivot shaft 3 can pass the power cord, control line, etc. of a high-power source, and is convenient for installation and disassembly; through the cooperation of the first limiting portion 31 and the second limiting portion 41, the hinge assembly 100 can be locked after the second hinge seat 2 rotates the predetermined angle relative to the first hinge seat 1. Thus, the hinge assembly 100 not only can have a wire-passing function, but also enables the hinge assembly 100 to adapt to multi-mode scenario operation and better meet the diverse needs of users. In addition, the hinge assembly 100 can be easily integrated into a modular structure and can be easily extended to various devices that require similar functions.

[0075] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first hinge seat 1 and the second hinge seat 2 adopt an ultra-thin design, with a neat appearance and a small structure. When the hinge assembly 100 is applied to the cooking appliance 200, the occupied space is less.

[0076] Optionally, when the hinge assembly 100 is applied to the cooking appliance 200, the first hinge seat 1 and the second hinge seat 2 can be connected to the cooking appliance 200 by means of screw connection, which is convenient for installation and disassembly.

[0077] Combined Figure 13 , according to some embodiments of the present invention, the first limiting portion 31 is formed at one end face of the hollow pivot shaft 3 adjacent to the limiting member 4; for example, the first limiting portion 31 can be formed at Figure 13 the right end face of the hollow pivot shaft 3 shown in, and the first limiting portion 31 can protrude from the right end face of the hollow pivot shaft 3 along the axial direction of the hollow pivot shaft 3. The second limiting portion 41 is formed at one side of the limiting member 4 adjacent to the hollow pivot shaft 3. For example, the second limiting portion 41 can be formed at Figure 13 the left side of the limiting member 4 shown in. Thus, through the cooperation of the first limiting portion 31 and the second limiting portion 41, the second hinge seat 2 can be locked after rotating the predetermined angle relative to the first hinge seat 1.

[0078] Here, the limiting member 4 and the hollow pivot shaft 3 can be arranged along the axial direction, which is beneficial to reducing the overall thickness of the hinge assembly 100, facilitating the realization of an ultra-thin design, and also making the appearance of the hinge assembly 100 simple, the structure small, and the occupied space small.

[0079] According to the hinge assembly 100 of the embodiments of the present invention, adopting a modular design concept and an ultra-thin structural design scheme, it has the advantages of thin thickness, small occupied space, high integration, etc.; in addition, the hollow pivot shaft 3 is convenient for wire passing and installation and disassembly.

[0080] Furthermore, the first limiting portion 31 and the second limiting portion 41 are configured as sector blocks. For example, the first limiting portion 31 can be configured as a sector block, and the second limiting portion 41 can be configured as a sector block. The sector block has two sides arranged along the axis of the hollow pivot shaft 3. Through the corresponding cooperation of the two sides on the first limiting portion 31 and the two sides on the second limiting portion 41, the hinge assembly 100 can be locked at a predetermined angular position.

[0081] Here, the predetermined angle at which the second hinge seat 2 rotates relative to the first hinge seat 1 is adapted to the central angle of the sector block.

[0082] Furthermore, the first limiting portion 31 and the second limiting portion 41 are respectively one or more sector blocks.

[0083] Taking Figure 13 the first limiting portion 31 shown as one sector block and the second limiting portion 41 shown as one sector block as an example, when the limiting member 4 is in the locked position, referring to Figure 11 , the sector block of the first limiting portion 31 fits and cooperates with the sector block of the second limiting portion 41, and the two limit each other. After being limited, the hollow pivot shaft 3 will not rotate around the axis direction, thereby maintaining the relative angle between the first hinge seat 1 and the second hinge seat 2 connected to the hollow pivot shaft 3. Using the sector block as the limiting portion not only has a simple structure and occupies a small space, but also the block is not easy to break and has a large structural strength.

[0084] When the number of sector blocks included in each limiting portion increases, the angular positions at which the first limiting portion 31 and the second limiting portion 41 can hover increase, thereby increasing the selection space of the hovering angle.

[0085] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first limiting portion 31 and the second limiting portion 41 can also adopt other structures. For example, a jack is provided on the side of one of them, and a plug post is formed on the side of the other.

[0086] Referring to Figure 13 , according to some embodiments of the present invention, a first convex block 42 is formed on the limiting member 4, a first mating groove 111 matching the first convex block 42 is formed inside the first hollow shaft 11, and the first convex block 42 is slidably fitted in the first mating groove 111.

[0087] For example, in combination with Figure 14 , a first convex block 42 can be formed on the limiting member 4, a first mating groove 111 can be formed inside the first hollow shaft 11, the first mating groove 111 matches the first convex block 42, and the first convex block 42 is slidably fitted in the first mating groove 111.

[0088] Furthermore, in the axial direction, the length of the first mating groove 111 is not less than the length of the first protrusion 42. Thus, when the limiting member 4 is released from the locked state, the limiting member 4 can be prevented from disengaging from the first mating groove 111, which is beneficial to improving the reliability of use of the hinge assembly 100.

[0089] Combined with Figure 15 , a second protrusion 211 extending in the axial direction of the second hollow shaft 21 is provided on the inner side of the second hollow shaft 21, and a second mating groove 32 matching the second protrusion 211 is provided on the hollow pivot shaft 3. For example, a second protrusion 211 may be provided on the inner side of the second hollow shaft 21, the second protrusion 211 may extend in the axial direction of the second hollow shaft 21, a second mating groove 32 may be provided on the hollow pivot shaft 3, the second mating groove 32 matches the second protrusion 211, and the second protrusion 211 is fitted in the second mating groove 32.

[0090] Furthermore, combined with Figure 17 , the second limiting portion 41 may include an arc surface 411, and the first protrusion 42 may be formed on the outer surface of the arc surface 411.

[0091] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, the first protrusion 42 and the second protrusion 211 may be flat keys, and the first mating groove 111 and the second mating groove 32 may be flat key grooves. Thus, torque can be transmitted through the cooperation of the flat key and the flat key groove, enabling the hinge assembly 100 to withstand the torque generated by the suspension of a large-mass connecting member and improving the reliability of use of the hinge assembly 100.

[0092] As Figure 13 shown, according to some embodiments of the present invention, a first mounting hole 43 is formed on the limiting member 4. The first mounting hole 43 may be formed on the inner side of the limiting member 4. A second mounting hole 33 may be formed on the hollow pivot shaft 3. The second mounting hole 33 may be formed on the inner side of the hollow pivot shaft 3. The second mounting hole 33 and the first mounting hole 43 are coaxial. The fastener 5 is adapted to sequentially pass through the first mounting hole 43 and the second mounting hole 33 to connect the limiting member 4 and the hollow pivot shaft 3. Thus, a reliable connection between the limiting member 4 and the hollow pivot shaft 3 can be achieved by making the fastener 5 sequentially pass through the first mounting hole 43 and the second mounting hole 33.

[0093] Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 13 , according to some embodiments of the present invention, the fastener 5 may be a half-thread screw 51. The half-thread screw 51 has a head 511 (refer to Figure 4 ), a fixing ring 44 may be formed on the limiting member 4, one end of the reset member 6 is connected to the head 511 of the half-thread screw 51 and the other end is connected to the fixing ring 44. For example, in Figure 4The left end of the reset member 6 can abut against the head 511 of the half-thread screw 51, and the right end of the reset member 6 can abut against the left side of the fixing ring 44. In this way, when the limiting member 4 is moved outwards, the hinge assembly 100 can be unlocked, and under the action of the reset member 6, the limiting member 4 can be reset.

[0094] Here, a fully threaded screw means that the entire screw rod has threads, and a half-thread screw means that half of the screw rod has threads and the other half is a smooth rod.

[0095] Referring to Figure 2 , according to some embodiments of the present invention, the hinge assembly 100 may further include: a sensing device 7, and the sensing device 7 is provided on one of the first hinge seat 1 and the second hinge seat 2. For example, in some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the sensing device 7 may be provided on the first hinge seat 1; in some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the sensing device 7 may also be provided on the second hinge seat 2. Thus, the relative angular relationship between the first hinge seat 1 and the second hinge seat 2 can be obtained more sensitively through the sensing device 7, increasing the accuracy of the device to perform corresponding working instructions according to the angle information.

[0096] For the hinge assembly 100 according to the embodiments of the present invention, by integrating the sensing device 7 inside the first hinge seat 1 or the second hinge seat 2, different positions of the hinge can be recognized, so as to match different control logics to control the device and obtain a better experience.

[0097] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the sensing device 7 may be a micro switch or a ball switch. Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto. In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the sensing device 7 may also be, for example, a non-contact sensor, etc. Thus, by making the sensing device 7 a non-contact sensor, less materials are required, and there is no damage or influence on the appearance. The specific form of the sensing device 7 can be adaptively selected according to actual needs.

[0098] Further, the first hinge seat 1 further includes a first hinge seat body 12 (refer to Figure 14 ), the second hinge seat 2 further includes a second hinge seat body 22 (refer to Figure 15 ). In some specific embodiments of the present invention, the first hollow shaft 11 may be provided on one side of the first hinge body 12; the second hollow shaft 21 is provided on one side of the second hinge body 22; through holes adapted for wire harnesses to pass through are formed on the first hinge body 12 and the second hinge body 22.

[0099] Further, referring to Figure 13, in some specific embodiments of the present invention, the first hinge seat body 12 and the second hinge seat body 22 are both configured as rectangles. There are two first hollow shafts 11, and the two first hollow shafts 11 are respectively located at both ends of the first hinge seat body 12 along the length direction. The second hollow shaft 21 is provided at the middle position of the second hinge seat body 22 along the length direction.

[0100] A fixing structure 121 is formed on one of the first hinge seat body 12 and the second hinge seat body 22. The fixing structure 121 is adapted to mount the sensing device 7. For example, it may be that the fixing structure 121 adapted to mount the sensing device 7 is formed on the first hinge seat body 12, or the fixing structure 121 adapted to mount the sensing device 7 is formed on the second hinge seat body 22. Thus, it is convenient to mount the sensing device 7 on the first hinge seat body 12 or the second hinge seat body 22 through the fixing structure 121.

[0101] Optionally, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a mating hole 13 corresponding to the trigger point 71 of the sensing device 7 is formed on one of the first hinge seat 1 and the second hinge seat 2, and a trigger portion 23 for triggering the trigger point 71 is formed on the other of the first hinge seat 1 and the second hinge seat 2. Thus, when the hinge assembly 100 is applied to the cooking appliance 200, triggering the trigger point 71 by the trigger portion 23 can make the cooking appliance 200 be in a cooking mode, and when the trigger portion 23 releases the trigger point 71, the cooking appliance 200 can be in another cooking mode, which is beneficial to meeting the diverse cooking needs of users.

[0102] For example, it may be that the mating hole 13 corresponding to the trigger point 71 is formed on the first hinge seat 1, and the trigger portion 23 for triggering the trigger point 71 is formed on the second hinge seat 2. It may also be that the mating hole 13 corresponding to the trigger point 71 is formed on the second hinge seat 2, and the trigger portion 23 for triggering the trigger point 71 is formed on the first hinge seat 1.

[0103] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the hinge assembly 100 may further include: a damping member (not shown in the figure). The damping member is provided between at least the hollow pivot shaft 3 and the limiting member 4. For example, the damping member may be provided between the hollow pivot shaft 3 and the limiting member 4. Thus, it can effectively prevent the structure at the second hinge seat 2 from quickly falling and closing, avoiding injuring the user or causing damage to the hinge assembly 100, which is beneficial to improving the use reliability and safety of the hinge assembly 100.

[0104] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the damping member may also be disposed between the first hinge seat 1 and the second hinge seat 2; or there may be damping members both between the hollow pivot shaft 3 and the limiting member 4 and between the first hinge seat 1 and the second hinge seat 2. The damping member can be any one of a friction type, a torsion spring type, an elastic pin type, etc., and there is no limitation here.

[0105] The hinge assembly 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention has the following advantages: First, it has an ultra-thin and high-strength structural design, and the outer circles of the first hollow shaft 11 and the second hollow shaft 21 overlap at the outer side of the upper and lower intersection of the central axes; second, it is a semi-open hollow rotating shaft with wire passing in the middle, which is convenient for disassembly and assembly; third, it has a pull-out central shaft limiting structure, which can be fully opened and closed or partially opened and closed at a certain angle; fourth, it has a spring automatic reset limiting member structure, which can make the limiting member 4 automatically restore the limiting function after the hinge rotates past the limiting point; fifth, it has a position sensing integrated structure, and when the hinge is opened and closed to different positions, it automatically works in different modes; sixth, it has a modular design, which is convenient for overall transplantation and has good versatility.

[0106] Referring to Figures 18 to 20 , the cooking appliance 200 according to the second aspect embodiment of the present invention includes: a hinge assembly, a first cooking cavity 210, and a second cooking cavity 220.

[0107] Specifically, the hinge assembly is the hinge assembly 100 in the above first aspect embodiment; the first hinge seat 1 is connected to the first cooking cavity 210; the second hinge seat 2 is connected to the second cooking cavity 220.

[0108] The cooking appliance 200 may further include a controller for controlling the cooking appliance to switch between different cooking modes. The controller can be electrically connected to the sensing device 7 to switch the cooking mode according to the detected angle. The cooking appliance 200 can be a double-sided heating cooking device, such as an electric griddle, a fish roaster, etc.

[0109] In some embodiments of the present invention, the controller can automatically match the corresponding working procedures and control modes according to the angle relationship between the first hinge seat 1 and the second hinge seat 12 detected by the sensing device 7, eliminating the process of manually operating the cooking appliance 200 and improving the user experience.

[0110] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the hinge assembly 100 is closed, the outer surfaces of the first hinge seat 1 and the second hinge seat 2 are almost in contact. At this time, the triggering portion 23 will trigger the sensing device 7, and the controller receives the signal to control the cooking appliance 200 to operate in the corresponding mode; when the hinge assembly 100 is fully opened or partially opened, the first hinge seat 1 and the second hinge seat 2 are separated from the contact state. At this time, the sensing device 7 returns to its original position, and the controller receives the return signal to control the cooking appliance 200 to operate in the corresponding mode.

[0111] It should be noted that the controller can select from a variety of cooking modes according to the use of the cooking appliance 200. The above is only an example and does not limit the types of cooking modes.

[0112] According to the cooking appliance 200 of the embodiment of the present invention, the hinge assembly 100 enables the first cooking cavity 210 and the second cooking cavity 220 of the cooking appliance 200 to have a variety of opening and closing angles, which can meet a variety of working modes, and is convenient to disassemble. The controller can automatically match the corresponding working program and control mode according to the opening and closing angle information, improving the user experience.

[0113] The following describes the working process of the hinge assembly 100 and the cooking appliance 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Here, it is mainly described by taking the predetermined angle of rotation of the second hinge seat 1 relative to the first hinge seat 2 as 100 degrees and the cooking appliance 200 as an oven as an example.

[0114] Specifically, referring to Figure 13 , during operation, the hinge assembly 100 needs to be pre-assembled and the corresponding wiring harnesses are assembled; first, the wiring harnesses are respectively passed through the corresponding wire passing holes of the first hinge seat 1 and the second hinge seat 2, and the first hollow shaft 11 and the second hollow shaft 21 are installed coaxially to splice the first hinge seat 1 and the second hinge seat 2 together; at the same time, the rotating shaft assembly (including the hollow rotating shaft 3, the limiting member 4, the reset member 6, and the half-threaded screw 51) is assembled; then the rotating shaft assembly is inserted from the right to the left between the first hollow shaft 11 and the second hollow shaft 21. Note that the second fitting groove 32 on the hollow pivot shaft 3 needs to be closely fitted with the second protrusion 32 on the second hinge seat 2, and ensure that the wiring harness is not clamped. The first protrusion 42 structure on the limiting member 4 is smoothly installed in the first fitting groove 111 on the first hinge seat 1; after assembly, the rotating shaft assembly 3 and the second hinge seat 2 are tightly fitted to form a whole; then the sensing device 7 (such as a micro switch, etc.) is installed; the hinge assembly 100 is assembled.

[0115] When the hinge assembly 100 is in the vertical state and rotates within the range of 100 degrees of hinge rotation, the hinge assembly 100 can rotate freely. However, when it reaches 100 degrees, the end face of the fan-shaped surface of the first limiting portion 31 fits with the end face of the fan-shaped surface of the second limiting portion 41 to play a role in preventing the second hinge seat 2 from rotating backward continuously. When the limiting member 4 is released (for example, pulled out to the right), the limiting structure fails, and the second hinge seat 2 can rotate backward beyond the 100-degree angle point and be fully unfolded and laid flat. In the final state, the second hinge seat 2 and the first hinge seat 1 are completely stacked and fitted together. Under the action of the gravity of the second hinge seat 2, the trigger portion 23 on the second hinge seat 2 triggers (for example, triggers in the horizontal direction) the micro switch installed in the first hinge seat 1 to achieve the switching of the oven state.

[0116] When the oven returns from the fully open state (the second hinge seat 2 and the first hinge seat 1 are completely stacked and fitted together) to the fully closed state (the second hinge seat 2 and the first hinge seat 1 are fully vertically unfolded), when the second cooking cavity 220 drives the second hinge seat 2 to rotate back through the 100-degree limit point, the reset member 6 will play a role, causing the second limiting portion 41 of the limiting member 4 to automatically slide axially and fit with the first limiting portion 31 of the hollow pivot shaft 3, and then return to the limiting position. The limiting member 4 comes into effect again. At this time, the second cooking cavity 220 and the second hinge seat 2 can only rotate backward to the 100-degree position. It is necessary to release (for example, move and pull out to the right) the limiting member 4 again to fully unfold the second cooking cavity 220 and the first cooking cavity 210 to the flat-laying position.

[0117] The other components and operations of the hinge assembly 100 and the cooking appliance having the same according to the embodiments of the present invention are known to those of ordinary skill in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0118] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

[0119] In the description of the present invention, the "first feature" and the "second feature" may include one or more of such features. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more. In the description of the present invention, that the first feature is "above" or "below" the second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or may include that the first and second features are not in direct contact but in contact through additional features therebetween. In the description of the present invention, that the first feature is "above", "over" and "on" the second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or merely means that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature.

[0120] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "schematic embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples", etc. 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 invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0121] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly, characterized in that, Comprising: A first hinge seat having a first hollow shaft; A second hinge seat pivotally connected to the first hinge seat, the second hinge seat having a second hollow shaft coaxial with the first hollow shaft, the hinge assembly being configured to lock when the second hinge seat and the first hinge seat are at a predetermined angle; A hollow pivot shaft passing through the first hollow shaft and the second hollow shaft, the hollow pivot shaft being adapted for a wire harness to pass through, and a first limiting portion being formed on the hollow pivot shaft; A limiting member connected to the hollow pivot shaft by a fastener, and a second limiting portion matching the first limiting portion being formed on the limiting member; A reset member sleeved outside the fastener and connected to the limiting member; The hinge assembly further includes: An induction device provided on one of the first hinge seat and the second hinge seat; A mating hole corresponding to the trigger point of the induction device is formed on one of the first hinge seat and the second hinge seat, and a trigger portion for triggering the trigger point is formed on the other; A first bump is formed on the limiting member, a first mating groove matching the first bump is formed inside the first hollow shaft, and the first bump is slidably fitted in the first mating groove; A second bump extending along the axial direction of the second hollow shaft is provided inside the second hollow shaft, and a second mating groove matching the second bump is provided on the hollow pivot shaft.

2. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein The first limiting portion is formed at an end face of the hollow pivot shaft adjacent to the limiting member; The second limiting portion is formed on a side of the limiting member adjacent to the hollow pivot shaft.

3. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, wherein The first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are configured as sector-shaped blocks.

4. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein The second limiting portion includes an arc surface, and the first bump is formed on the outer surface of the arc surface.

5. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first mounting hole is formed on the limiting member, a second mounting hole coaxial with the first mounting hole is formed on the hollow pivot shaft, and the fastener is adapted to sequentially pass through the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole to connect the limiting member to the hollow pivot shaft.

6. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The fastener is a half-threaded screw, a fixing ring is formed on the limiting member, one end of the reset member is connected to the head of the half-threaded screw and the other end is connected to the fixing ring.

7. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein The first hinge seat includes a first seat hinge body, the second hinge seat includes a second seat hinge body, and a fixing structure adapted to mount the induction device is formed on one of the first seat hinge body and the second seat hinge body.

8. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The hinge assembly further includes: A damping member, and the damping member is provided at least between the hollow pivot shaft and the limiting member.

9. A cooking appliance, characterized in that, Comprising: A hinge assembly, the hinge assembly being the hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1-8; A first cooking cavity, and the first hinge seat is connected to the first cooking cavity; The second cooking cavity, and the second hinge seat is connected to the second cooking cavity.

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