refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator (10) comprises: a box body (12), wherein the box body (12) is provided with a storage chamber (14); a door (16), wherein the door (16) can open and close the storage chamber (14), wherein the door (16) comprises an inner liner (18), a front plate (20), and a heat-insulating material (24) and a reinforcement (26) at least partially located in a heat-insulating space (22) between the front plate (20) and the inner liner (18), wherein the reinforcement (26) extends along an inner side (28) of the inner liner (18) facing the heat-insulating space (22) and comprises a first connecting portion (30) extending out of the inner liner (18); a flap (32); and a connecting assembly (34), wherein the connecting assembly (34) connects the flap (32) and the door (16), and wherein the connecting assembly (34) is connected to the first connecting portion (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to household appliances, in particular to a refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] Some refrigerators use flaps to improve the sealing of the door when it is closed. However, some existing flaps have low assembly precision and are difficult to assemble, while others require a large turning space, resulting in less usable space in the refrigerator. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved refrigerator.

[0004] In view of the above purposes, one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention relates to a refrigerator, comprising: a body, wherein a storage chamber is arranged inside the body; a door, which can open and close the storage chamber, the door comprising an inner liner, a front panel, and an insulating material and a reinforcement at least partially located in an insulating space between the front panel and the inner liner, the reinforcement extending along the inner side of the inner liner facing the insulating space and comprising a first connecting portion extending outside the inner liner; a flap; and a connecting assembly, wherein the connecting assembly connects the flap and the door, and the connecting assembly is connected to the first connecting portion.

[0005] In some embodiments, the inner container includes a protrusion protruding toward the storage chamber when the door is closed, the protrusion includes a recessed portion facing the storage chamber and recessed in a direction away from the storage chamber, and the first connecting portion extends into the recessed portion.

[0006] In some embodiments, at least in one cross section, the reinforcement has a shape adapted to the recessed portion.

[0007] In some embodiments, the inner container includes a first window exposing the first connecting portion, and the connecting assembly includes a hinge fixing member fixed to the first connecting portion.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first window opens in a front-to-rear direction.

[0009] In some embodiments, the hinge fixing member includes a second connecting portion and a third connecting portion, the second connecting portion is combined with the first connecting portion, and the third connecting portion is connected to the flap.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second connecting portion and the third connecting portion extend in parallel.

[0011] In some embodiments, the hinge fixing member includes a middle portion connecting the second connection portion and the third connection portion, and the middle portion extends in a direction different from the second connection portion and the third connection portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the extending direction of the middle portion is different from the length direction of the inner container.

[0013] In some embodiments, the reinforcement includes a fourth connection portion extending out of the inner liner, and the connection assembly includes a cover body connected to the fourth connection portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cover covers the first connecting portion and the fourth connecting portion.

[0015] In some embodiments, the fourth connecting portion is distributed on both sides of the first connecting portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the distance between the first connection portion and the fourth connection portion on one side thereof is greater than or equal to the width of the second connection portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, the reinforcement member includes a base located in the thermal insulation space, and the first connecting portion extends from the base.

[0018] In some embodiments, the reinforcement includes a first positioning portion extending from both ends of the base, and the liner includes a second positioning portion combined with the first positioning portion.

[0019] In some embodiments, the reinforcement is made of plastic.

[0020] Where technical conditions permit, the subject matter protected by any independent claim in this application may be combined with the single subject matter or multiple subjects protected by any dependent claims to form a new protected subject matter.

[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings may use the same or similar reference numerals to refer to the same or similar elements, shapes, and structures in different embodiments. The descriptions of the same or similar elements, shapes, and structures in different embodiments, as well as the descriptions of the elements, shapes, structures, features, and effects of the prior art, may be omitted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a partial perspective schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the right door is omitted;

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a refrigerator door;

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of partial assembly of door and flap of refrigerator;

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 1Schematic diagram of the partial explosion of the refrigerator door;

[0026] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of partial assembly of refrigerator door;

[0027] Figure 6 and Figure 3 Similar, but with an additional cover;

[0028] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the partial assembly of the flip cover of the refrigerator;

[0029] Figure 8 for Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly of a refrigerator;

[0030] Figure 9 for Figure 8 a perspective view of the hinge fixing member of the middle hinge assembly; and

[0031] Figure 10 for Figure 8 A perspective diagram of the hinge moving parts of the middle hinge assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] like Figure 1 、 2 As shown in FIG. 3 , one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention relates to a refrigerator 10 . The refrigerator 10 includes a body 12 , and a storage chamber 14 is provided in the body 12 .

[0033] The refrigerator 10 includes a door 16 that can open and close the storage chamber 14. The door 16 includes an inner container 18, a front panel 20, and an insulating material 24 at least partially located in an insulating space 22 between the front panel 20 and the inner container 18.

[0034] The door 16 may include a reinforcement member 26. The reinforcement member 26 extends along an inner side 28 of the inner container 18 facing the insulating space 22. The reinforcement member 26 may include a first connecting portion 30 extending out of the inner container 18.

[0035] The refrigerator 10 includes a flap 32 connected to the door 16. The flap 32 is rotatably connected to the door 16 to close a gap between the door 16 and another door (not shown) adjacent to the door 16.

[0036] The refrigerator 10 includes a connecting assembly 34 that connects the flap 32 and the door 16. The connecting assembly 34 is connected to the first connecting portion 30.

[0037] The refrigerator 10 can be of any suitable type. The cabinet 12, the storage compartment 14, and the door 16 can include any suitable shape and structure. The door 16 can include more than two doors, which can be arranged side by side. Figure 1The door on the right side is omitted (not shown) to more clearly illustrate the positional relationship between the door 16 and the flap 32. The refrigerator 10 can enhance the sealing between the door 16 and the adjacent door 16 when the flap 32 is closed.

[0038] The connecting assembly 34 connects the flap 32 and the first connecting portion 30 of the reinforcement 26 of the door 16 , which can help improve the assembly accuracy between the flap 32 and the door 16 and also help reduce assembly complexity.

[0039] The inner container 18 and the first connecting portion 30 can be arranged relative to each other in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the inner container 18 includes a protrusion 36 that protrudes toward the storage chamber 14 when the door 16 is closed. When the door 16 is closed, the protrusion 36 extends into the storage chamber 14. The protrusion 36 can be provided with a fixing structure 37 for fixing to a door shelf (not shown).

[0040] The protrusion 36 includes a recessed portion 38 facing the storage chamber 14 and recessed in a direction away from the storage chamber 14 , and the first connecting portion 30 extends into the recessed portion 38 .

[0041] The first connecting portion 30 extends into the recessed portion 38 and connects to the flap 32, so that the flap 32 requires less space for turning. When the required turning space for the flap 32 is reduced, the available space of the refrigerator 10 is increased.

[0042] The reinforcement member 26 and the recessed portion 38 may be positioned relative to each other in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the reinforcement member 26 has a shape that conforms to the recessed portion 38 in at least one cross-section 40. This facilitates positioning of the reinforcement member 26 relative to the recessed portion 38, thereby facilitating positioning of the flap 32 relative to the door 16. Furthermore, during installation, the flap 32 and the door 16 can be assembled with greater precision and with less difficulty.

[0043] The first connecting portion 30 may extend out of the inner container 18 in any suitable shape or structure. The connecting component 34 may include any suitable shape or structure connected to the first connecting portion 30. Figure 4 In some embodiments, the inner container 18 includes a first window 42 exposing the first connecting portion 30, and the connecting assembly 34 includes a hinge fixing member 44 fixed to the first connecting portion 30. The first connecting portion 30 can extend outside the inner container 18 through the first window 42 to be fixed to the hinge fixing member 44 of the connecting assembly 34. This can facilitate relative positioning of the flap 32 and the door 16, and during installation, the flap 32 and the door 16 are assembled with higher precision and less difficulty.

[0044] The first window 42 may include any suitable shape and structure, etc., and may be adapted to the shape and structure of the first connecting portion 30. The opening direction of the first window 42 may help determine the direction in which the first connecting portion 30 and the connecting assembly 34 are coupled, and thus the installation direction of the flap 32 relative to the door 16. In some embodiments, the first window 42 is open in the front-to-back direction. Unless otherwise specified, the front-to-back direction herein may be relative to the user of the refrigerator 10, that is, the one that is closer when facing the user is the front, and vice versa. The opening of the first window 42 in the front-to-back direction may help reduce the space required for the flap 32 to flip, thereby increasing the available space in the refrigerator 10.

[0045] The hinge fastener 44 can include any suitable shape or configuration. In some embodiments, the hinge fastener 44 includes a second connecting portion 46 and a third connecting portion 48, wherein the second connecting portion 46 is coupled to the first connecting portion 30 and the third connecting portion 48 is coupled to the flap 32. The hinge fastener 44 can facilitate the connection between the door 16 and the flap 32.

[0046] The extension direction of the second connecting portion 46 and the third connecting portion 48 can help determine the relative assembly orientation of the flap 32 and the door 16. In some embodiments, the second connecting portion 46 and the third connecting portion 48 extend in parallel. This can facilitate the flap 32 and the door 16 to extend relatively parallel to each other after assembly.

[0047] The second connecting portion 46 and the third connecting portion 48 can be disposed relative to each other in any suitable shape or configuration. In some embodiments, the hinge fixture 44 includes an intermediate portion 50 connecting the second connecting portion 46 and the third connecting portion 48. The intermediate portion 50 extends in a different direction than the second connecting portion 46 and the third connecting portion 48. This facilitates the spacing of the second connecting portion 46 and the third connecting portion 48, respectively connecting the door 16 and the flap 32.

[0048] The middle portion 50 may extend in any suitable direction. In some embodiments, the middle portion 50 extends in a direction different from the length direction of the inner container 18. This facilitates the hinge fixing member 44 to connect the door 16 and the flap 32, which are parallel in length.

[0049] The reinforcement 26 and the connecting assembly 34 may include any suitable shape and structure to cooperate with each other. Figure 5 、 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the reinforcement member 26 includes a fourth connecting portion 52 extending outside the inner liner 18, and the connecting assembly 34 includes a cover 54 connected to the fourth connecting portion 52. The cover 54 can be adapted to the shape and structure of other portions of the protrusion 36. After the cover 54 is connected to the fourth connecting portion 52, the outer contour of the cover 54 is similar to the outer contour of other portions of the protrusion 36, which can facilitate the shape continuity of the inner liner 18.

[0050] The cover 54 can have any suitable shape or configuration to cooperate with the fourth connection portion 52. In some embodiments, the cover 54 covers the first connection portion 30 and the fourth connection portion 52. The cover 54 can help prevent the first connection portion 30 and the fourth connection portion 52 from interfering with other parts of the refrigerator 10 and / or prevent debris from falling into the recessed portion 38.

[0051] The number of the fourth connection portion 52 can be more than one. When there are more than one fourth connection portion 52, in some embodiments, the fourth connection portions 52 are distributed on both sides of the first connection portion 30. This can facilitate the stability of the connection between the fourth connection portion 52 and the cover 54.

[0052] The second connecting portion 46 can be coupled to the first connecting portion 30 at any suitable angle and orientation. In some embodiments, the distance between the first connecting portion 30 and the fourth connecting portion 52 on one side thereof is greater than or equal to the width of the second connecting portion 46. This facilitates the second connecting portion 46 to move from the gap between the first connecting portion 30 and the fourth connecting portion 52, where the distance is greater than or equal to the width of the first connecting portion 30, toward the first connecting portion 30, thereby mating with the first connecting portion 30.

[0053] The reinforcement 26 may include any suitable shape and structure other than those described above. Figure 2 In some embodiments, the reinforcement member 26 includes a base 56 located within the insulating space 22, and the first connecting portion 30 extends from the base 56. The base 56 can be coupled to the inner side 28 of the inner liner 18, which can facilitate the fit of the reinforcement member 26 and the inner liner 18 and prevent the reinforcement member 26 from falling off the inner liner 18.

[0054] In some embodiments, the reinforcement 26 includes first positioning portions 58 extending from both ends of the base 56, and the liner 18 includes second positioning portions 60 coupled to the first positioning portions 58. The coupling of the first positioning portions 58 and the second positioning portions 60 can facilitate positioning of the reinforcement 26 relative to the liner 18.

[0055] The reinforcement 26 can be made of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the reinforcement 26 is made of plastic. Like this, can be conducive to the combination of the reinforcement 26 and the inner liner 18.

[0056] like Figure 1 、 7 As shown in FIG. 8 , another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention relates to a refrigerator 10 . The refrigerator 10 includes a housing 12 , and a storage chamber 14 is provided in the housing 12 .

[0057] The refrigerator 10 includes a door 16 that can open and close the storage chamber 14 .

[0058] The refrigerator 10 includes a flap 32. The flap 32 is connected to the door 16. The flap 32 is rotatably connected to the door 16 to close a gap between the door 16 and another door (not shown) adjacent to the door 16.

[0059] The refrigerator 10 includes a hinge assembly 62, which includes a hinge moving member 64 and a hinge fixing member 44 connecting the door 16 and the flap 32. One of the hinge moving member 64 and the hinge fixing member 44 defines a track 70 including a first end 66 and a second end 68, and the other of the hinge moving member 64 and the hinge fixing member 44 has a stop 72 adapted to rotate along the track 70 between the first end 66 and the second end 68.

[0060] The refrigerator 10 can be of any suitable type. The cabinet 12, the storage compartment 14, and the door 16 can include any suitable shape and structure. The door 16 can include more than two doors, which can be arranged side by side. Figure 1 The door on the right side is omitted (not shown) to more clearly illustrate the positional relationship between the door 16 and the flap 32. The refrigerator 10 can improve the sealing between adjacent doors 16 when the door 16 is closed by the flap 32.

[0061] During the process of opening or closing the door 16, the guide portion 33 at the end of the flap 32 cooperates with the guide structure 35 on the box body 12 to drive the flap 32 to rotate. When the flap 32 rotates, the hinge moving part 64 rotates simultaneously with the flap 32. When it rotates to the designed maximum position, the limit portion 72 supports one of the first end 66 and the second end 68, and the flap 32 can no longer rotate, thereby significantly reducing the possibility of the flap 32 hitting other parts on the door 16 (such as the door shelf, not shown). When the flap 32 hitting other parts of the door 16 is avoided or the frequency is reduced, the possibility of generating noise is significantly reduced, and it is also beneficial to extend the service life of the refrigerator 10. In addition, controlling the flip angle of the flap 32 by the hinge assembly 62 can help to neither affect the aesthetics nor significantly increase the cost of parts.

[0062] In some embodiments, one of the hinge moving member 64 and the hinge fixing member 44 includes a receiving slot 74 that communicates with the track 70, and the other includes a main body 76 that is received in the receiving slot 74, with the stopper 72 protruding from the main body 76 into the track 70. The main body 76 can rotate within the receiving slot 74, driving the stopper 72 to rotate along the track 70, which can be advantageous in that it does not affect the aesthetics and does not increase the cost of parts.

[0063] The receiving groove 74 and the track 70 may include any suitable shape and structure. Figure 9In some embodiments, the receiving groove 74 includes a receiving space 78 with a sector-shaped cross-section. The track 70 includes a limiting space 80 with an annular cross-section. This facilitates the main body 76 to be received in the receiving space 78, while the limiting portion 72 protrudes from the main body 76 into the limiting space 80. In some embodiments, the first end 66 and the second end 68 are respectively connected to the receiving space 78. This facilitates controlling the movement of the limiting portion 72 along the track 70, thereby limiting the tilting range of the flap 32.

[0064] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the annular cross-section of the limiting space 80 is larger than the diameter of the sector-shaped cross-section of the receiving space 78. This facilitates the accommodation of the main body 76 within the receiving space 78, while the limiting portion 72 protrudes from the main body 76 into the limiting space 80. The main body 76 can be smaller than or equal to the diameter of the sector-shaped cross-section of the receiving space 78, and the limiting portion 72 can be smaller than or equal to the difference between the outer and inner diameters of the limiting space 80.

[0065] The main body 76 and the limiting portion 72 may include any suitable shape and structure. Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the main body 76 is cylindrical, and the limiting portion 72 is a rib on the main body 76. In this way, the main body 76 can facilitate the rotation of the limiting portion 72.

[0066] In some embodiments, the main body 76 is hollow. The hollow main body 76 can help reduce the weight of the hinge assembly 62 and allow the main body 76 to have a certain degree of elasticity, thereby having a certain margin when assembled with the receiving space 78.

[0067] In some embodiments, one of the hinge moving member 64 and the hinge fixing member 44 includes a first docking portion 82 having a track 70 and a receiving groove 74 therein, and the other of the hinge moving member 64 and the hinge fixing member 44 includes a second docking portion 84 that abuts the first docking portion 82. The abutment between the first docking portion 82 and the second docking portion 84 facilitates the mating of the track 70 and the receiving groove 74 with the stopper 72 and the main body 76, respectively.

[0068] In some embodiments, the main body 76 and the limiting portion 72 extend from the second docking portion 84 to the first docking portion 82. This helps the track 70 and the receiving groove 74 cooperate with the limiting portion 72 and the main body 76 respectively when the second docking portion 84 abuts the first docking portion 82.

[0069] In some embodiments, the first docking portion 82 includes a first docking surface 86, and the second docking portion 84 includes a second docking surface 88 that abuts the first docking surface 86. The abutment between the first docking surface 86 and the second docking surface 88 can facilitate surface-to-surface fit between the hinge moving member 64 and the hinge fixing member 44.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first mating surface 86 and the second mating surface 88 are curved surfaces that fit together, which can help ensure the reliability of the connection between the first mating surface 86 and the second mating surface 88.

[0071] In some embodiments, the main body 76 and the stopper 72 are smaller than the second docking portion 84. This allows the main body 76 and the stopper 72 to be accommodated in the receiving groove 74 and the track 70, preventing interference during movement, without affecting the appearance, and without increasing component costs.

[0072] The track 70 and the stopper 72, as well as other corresponding shapes and structures, can be located on either the hinge fixing member 44 or the hinge moving member 64. In some embodiments, the hinge fixing member 44 includes the track 70, and the hinge moving member 64 includes the stopper 72. Thus, when the hinge moving member 64 moves, it can drive the stopper to rotate within the track 70 of the hinge fixing member 44.

[0073] Please refer to Figure 7 The flap 32 includes a first mounting portion 90 and a second mounting portion 92 disposed opposite the first mounting portion 90. The third connecting portion 48 of the hinge fixing member 44 abuts the first mounting portion 90, and the hinge moving member 64 includes a third mounting portion 94 abutting the second mounting portion 92. The first mounting portion 90 and the second mounting portion 92 can secure the hinge moving member 64 and the hinge fixing member 44, which cooperate with each other, to each other and are mounted on the flap 32.

[0074] The third mounting portion 94 can extend from the second docking portion 84 in a direction opposite to the main body 76 and can be smaller than the second docking portion 84. The hinge assembly 62 includes an elastic member 96 positioned between the second docking portion 84 and the third mounting portion 94. The elastic member 96 can be sleeved onto the third mounting portion 94. The elastic member 96 can be a spring and can help the hinge moving member 64 and the hinge fixing member 44 maintain an engaged state.

[0075] The various specific embodiments described above and shown in the drawings are only for illustrating the present invention and are not exhaustive. Within the scope of the basic technical concept of the present invention, any form of modification made by a person skilled in the relevant art to the present invention is within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator (10), characterized in that ,include: A box body (12), wherein a storage chamber (14) is provided in the box body (12); a door (16) capable of opening and closing the storage chamber (14), the door (16) comprising an inner container (18), a front plate (20), and a heat-insulating material (24) and a reinforcement member (26) at least partially located in a heat-insulating space (22) between the front plate (20) and the inner container (18), the reinforcement member (26) extending along an inner side (28) of the inner container (18) facing the heat-insulating space (22) and comprising a first connecting portion (30) extending out of the inner container (18); flap (32); and A connecting component (34) connects the flap (32) and the door (16), and the connecting component (34) is connected to the first connecting portion (30).

2. The refrigerator (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The inner container (18) includes a protrusion (36) protruding toward the storage chamber (14) when the door (16) is closed, and the protrusion (36) includes a recessed portion (38) facing the storage chamber (14) and recessed in a direction away from the storage chamber (14), and the first connecting portion (30) extends into the recessed portion (38).

3. The refrigerator (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that At least in one cross section (40), the reinforcement (26) has a shape adapted to the recess (38).

4. The refrigerator (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The inner container (18) includes a first window (42) exposing the first connecting portion (30), and the connecting assembly (34) includes a hinge fixing member (44) fixed to the first connecting portion (30).

5. The refrigerator (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that The first window (42) is open in the front-rear direction.

6. The refrigerator (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that The hinge fixing member (44) includes a second connecting portion (46) and a third connecting portion (48), wherein the second connecting portion (46) is combined with the first connecting portion (30), and the third connecting portion (48) is connected to the flap (32).

7. The refrigerator (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The second connecting portion (46) and the third connecting portion (48) extend in parallel.

8. The refrigerator (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The hinge fixing member (44) includes a middle portion (50) connecting the second connecting portion (46) and the third connecting portion (48), and the middle portion (50) extends in a direction different from that of the second connecting portion (46) and the third connecting portion (48).

9. The refrigerator (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that The extending direction of the middle portion (50) is different from the length direction of the inner container (18).

10. The refrigerator (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The reinforcement (26) includes a fourth connection portion (52) extending out of the inner container (18), and the connection assembly (34) includes a cover body (54) connected to the fourth connection portion (52).

11. The refrigerator (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that The cover (54) covers the first connecting portion (30) and the fourth connecting portion (52).

12. The refrigerator (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that The fourth connecting portion (52) is distributed on both sides of the first connecting portion (30).

13. The refrigerator (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that The distance between the first connecting portion (30) and the fourth connecting portion (52) on one side thereof is greater than or equal to the width of the second connecting portion (46).

14. The refrigerator (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The reinforcement member (26) includes a base portion (56) located in the thermal insulation space (22), and the first connecting portion (30) extends from the base portion (56).

15. The refrigerator (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that The reinforcement (26) includes a first positioning portion (58) extending from both ends of the base (56), and the inner container (18) includes a second positioning portion (60) combined with the first positioning portion (58).

16. The refrigerator (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The reinforcement (26) is made of plastic.

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