Connection device and refrigeration appliance assembly

Abstract

The application discloses a connecting device and a refrigeration equipment assembly, the connecting device comprising a connecting body, a connecting piece, a driving piece and a releasing part, the connecting piece comprising a rotating shaft and an abutting end, the connecting piece being rotatably connected to the connecting body through the rotating shaft, when the connecting device is assembled into the refrigeration equipment assembly, the abutting end of the connecting piece is always connected to two refrigeration equipments through the driving piece, and the connecting device is controlled to be separated from the two refrigeration equipments through the releasing part, so that the quick installation and quick separation of the two refrigeration equipments are conveniently realized, and through the setting of the connecting device, there is no requirement for the outer shape size of the two refrigeration equipments, and various equipments such as refrigerators, refrigerated cabinets, freezing cabinets and wine cabinets can be fixed to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliances, to a connection device, and more particularly to a refrigeration equipment assembly having the connection device. Background Technology

[0002] To meet users' cooling needs for more storage space and storage types, current solutions sell two refrigerators as a combination unit, that is, two regular refrigerators assembled together, opening like a side-by-side refrigerator. This presents some problems:

[0003] (1) It is not possible to easily assemble and disassemble the two refrigerators; assembly is inconvenient, and disassembly and maintenance are equally inconvenient.

[0004] (2) It can only assemble two refrigerators of the same size and shape, and cannot meet the combination of different specifications, or even one refrigerator plus one vertical freezer or refrigerator, and cannot meet more cooling needs of users. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To solve at least one of the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention aims to provide a connection device and a refrigeration equipment component that facilitates the fixed connection of multiple refrigeration devices.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, one embodiment of the present invention provides a connecting device, comprising:

[0007] Connect the main body;

[0008] A connector, comprising a pivot and a supporting end, wherein the connector is rotatably connected to the connecting body via the pivot, and the supporting end rotates about the pivot as a fulcrum;

[0009] A driving member that abuts against the connector and has a tendency to drive the abutting end away from the connector body;

[0010] A release part is used to drive the supporting end to move toward the connecting body;

[0011] The connecting device has a connected state and a released state;

[0012] In the connected state, the abutting end is away from the connecting body;

[0013] When the connection state is switched to the release state, the abutting end moves toward the connection body.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the connector includes a plurality of connecting units arranged in a circumferential array around the connecting body, and the driving member includes a spring piece corresponding to the number of connecting units. Each spring piece abuts against its corresponding connecting unit, and each spring piece extends along the axis of rotation to the abutting end and has a tendency to drive the abutting end away from the connecting body.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, two sets of connectors are provided, with the two sets of connectors arranged on the left and right sides of the connecting body. When the connecting state is switched to the releasing state, the abutting ends of the two sets of connectors move towards the connecting body.

[0016] As a further improvement of the present invention, the release part includes a release member and a pusher member. The release member includes a push block, a push rod and a connecting block connected in sequence. The connecting member also includes a release end. The release end is disposed at the other end of the rotating shaft away from the abutting end. When the connection state is switched to the release state, the pusher abuts against the connecting block and drives the push block to abut against the release end in a direction away from the connecting body.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present invention, both the release member and the connecting member are provided in two sets, with each set of the release member corresponding to each set of the connecting member. The end of the pusher facing the connecting block is provided with a wedge-shaped surface facing the left and right sides, and the end of the pusher away from the connecting block is provided with an adjustment surface for adjusting the movement of the pusher. The end of the connecting block facing the pusher is also provided with a wedge-shaped surface. The pusher simultaneously pushes the release member on the left side to move to the left and pushes the release member on the right side to move to the right.

[0018] As a further improvement of the present invention, the connecting body includes a chamber extending along one of the connecting members to the other connecting member, and an opening communicating with the chamber, wherein the releasing member is disposed within the opening, and a pushing member is respectively disposed in the chambers on the left and right sides of the releasing member.

[0019] As a further improvement of the present invention, the release part further includes a reset member, which, in the connected state, has a tendency to drive the push block away from the release end.

[0020] As a further improvement of the present invention, the surface of the push block is provided with a conical surface, the radius of the conical surface gradually increases from the release end to the rotation axis, and in the connected state, the connecting member abuts against the conical surface.

[0021] To achieve one of the above-mentioned objectives, one embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigeration equipment assembly, including the aforementioned connecting device.

[0022] As a further improvement of the present invention, the refrigeration equipment assembly further includes a first refrigeration device and a second refrigeration device arranged in parallel, and the connecting device is connected between the first refrigeration device and the second refrigeration device.

[0023] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first refrigeration device is provided with a first connecting groove having a first opening on the side facing the second refrigeration device, and the second refrigeration device is provided with a second connecting groove having a second opening on the side facing the first refrigeration device. The first opening and the second opening are arranged opposite to each other, and a set of the connecting members are provided on each side of the connecting body.

[0024] In the connected state, one of the connectors is disposed in the first connecting groove and the abutting end of the connector is restricted in the first connecting groove, and the other connector is disposed in the second connecting groove and the abutting end of the connector is restricted in the second connecting groove;

[0025] In the released state, the area of ​​the first opening covers the area where the abutment end is open in the first connecting groove, and the area of ​​the second opening covers the area where the abutment end is open in the second connecting groove.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: When the connecting device is assembled into the refrigeration equipment assembly, the driving component controls the holding end of the connecting component to always connect the two refrigeration equipment. By adjusting the release part, the connecting device can be controlled to disengage from the two refrigeration equipment, thereby conveniently realizing the quick installation and quick separation of the two refrigeration equipment. Moreover, by setting the connecting device, there are no requirements on the external dimensions of the two refrigeration equipment, and various equipment such as refrigerators, freezers, freezers, and wine cabinets can be fixed together. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a refrigeration equipment component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a connecting device in a released state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a connecting device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigeration equipment component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigeration equipment component according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Among them, 10 is a connecting device; 11 is a connecting body; 111 is a support base; 112 is a limiting ring; 113 is a chamber; 114 is an opening; 12 is a connecting piece; 121 is a holding end; 122 is a rotating shaft; 123 is a release end; 124 is a connecting unit; 13 is a driving component; 131 is a spring; 14 is a release component; 141 is a push block; 1411 is a second wedge-shaped surface; 142 is a push rod; 143 is a connecting block; 1431 is a conical surface; 15 is a pushing component; 151 is a first wedge-shaped surface; 152 is an adjusting surface; 16 is a resetting component; 20 is a first refrigeration device; 21 is a first connecting groove; 22 is a first opening; 23 is a step; 30 is a second refrigeration device; 31 is a second connecting groove; 32 is a second opening. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] It should be understood that terms such as “above,” “over,” “below,” and “under” used herein to indicate spatial relative position are for illustrative purposes to describe the relationship of one unit or feature relative to another unit or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings. The terms “spatial relative position” may be intended to include different orientations of the equipment in use or operation other than those shown in the figures.

[0036] One embodiment of the present invention provides a connecting device and a refrigeration equipment assembly that facilitates the fixed connection of multiple refrigeration devices. The application of this connecting device enables the convenient installation and disassembly of multiple refrigeration devices, and also has the effect of meeting various door opening requirements and the needs of splicing various different types of equipment.

[0037] One type of refrigeration equipment assembly includes multiple refrigeration devices and a connecting device 10, wherein each refrigeration device is connected to other refrigeration devices via the connecting device 10, such as... Figure 1 , 5 As shown in Figure 6, the refrigeration equipment can be a refrigerator, a vertical freezer, a horizontal freezer, a wine cabinet, etc., and the connecting device 10 is connected between two adjacent refrigeration equipment.

[0038] To clearly express the position and direction described in this embodiment, in this embodiment, the opposite direction is defined as up under the definition of gravity direction, the refrigeration equipment is placed on a horizontal plane, the user stands in front of the refrigeration equipment to operate the refrigeration equipment, the opposite direction is defined as the rear, the two sides of the user facing the refrigeration equipment are left and right respectively, that is, adjacent refrigeration equipment is placed in a left-right side by side.

[0039] The connecting device 10 includes a connecting body 11, a connecting member 12, a driving member 13, and a release part. The connecting member 12 includes a rotating shaft 122 and a holding end 121. The connecting member 12 is rotatably connected to the connecting body 11 via the rotating shaft 122. The holding end 121 rotates around the rotating shaft 122 as a fulcrum. The driving member 13 holds against the connecting member 12 and has a tendency to drive the holding end 121 away from the connecting body 11. The release part is used to drive the holding end 121 to move towards the connecting body 11.

[0040] The connecting device 10 has a connected state and a released state. In the connected state, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the supporting end 121 is away from the connecting body 11. The supporting end 121 is away from the connecting body 11, that is, the entire connecting part 12 from the rotating shaft 122 to the supporting end 121 is flipped outward, and the flipped supporting end 121 abuts against the refrigeration equipment, so it cannot be separated from the refrigeration equipment. At this time, the connecting part 12 is fixed to the refrigeration equipment. In addition, after the connecting device 10 is fixed to other refrigeration equipment, the two refrigeration equipment can be put together.

[0041] When switching from the connected state to the released state, such as Figure 3 As shown, the supporting end 121 moves toward the connecting body 11. That is, the releasing part drives the supporting end 121 to retract. After retraction, the supporting end 121 is insufficient to support the refrigeration device, thereby separating the refrigeration device from the connecting device 10.

[0042] Furthermore, the refrigeration equipment assembly also includes a first refrigeration device 20 and a second refrigeration device 30 arranged in parallel, with a connecting device 10 connected between the first refrigeration device 20 and the second refrigeration device 30.

[0043] Conventional modular refrigerators are typically fixed at the top and back between two refrigerators, which presents several problems. Firstly, assembly is difficult, requiring multiple screws from top to back, making installation time-consuming. Secondly, the hinges at the top restrict the doors to opening to either side, limiting opening to other directions and failing to meet diverse user needs. Furthermore, the two refrigerators must be identical in size for proper top and back mounting. In contrast, the connecting body 11 of this application is installed between the two refrigerators without occupying space in other structures, thus not affecting the hinge installation at the top. This allows for hinge installation in any position and doors to open in any direction. Moreover, since it connects between two refrigeration units, identical dimensions are not required; it can be positioned in the middle, enabling the connection and installation of various sizes and types of refrigeration units, with convenient installation and disassembly.

[0044] The first refrigeration device 20 has a first connecting groove 21 with a first opening 22 on the side facing the second refrigeration device 30, and the second refrigeration device 30 has a second connecting groove 31 with a second opening 32 on the side facing the first refrigeration device 20. The first opening 22 and the second opening 32 are arranged opposite to each other. A set of connectors 12 is provided on each side of the connecting body 11. Both the first connecting groove 21 and the second connecting groove 31 may be provided with a structure to prevent detachment. The first connecting groove 21 and the second connecting groove 31 may be exactly the same size or different. The first opening 22 and the second opening 32 are arranged opposite to each other. The opening 32 can also be the same or different in shape. Taking all of them as the same as an example, the first connecting groove 21 and the first opening 22 are used as an example: the cross-sectional area of ​​the first connecting groove 21 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first opening 22. A step 23 is set at the first opening 22 so that after the connector 12 opens, that is, after the abutting end 121 moves away from the connecting body 11, it is stuck at the position of the step 23. The connector 12 cannot be separated from the first opening 22. Only when the abutting end 121 moves towards the connecting body 11 to a certain position and meets the requirement that the overall size is smaller than the first opening 22 can it be separated.

[0045] In the connected state, such as Figure 2 As shown, one connector 12 is disposed in the first connecting groove 21 and the abutting end 121 of the connector 12 is restricted in the first connecting groove 21. The other connector 12 is disposed in the second connecting groove 31 and the abutting end 121 of the connector 12 is restricted in the second connecting groove 31. Since the abutting end 121 abuts against the first connecting groove 21 and the second connecting groove 31, the connector 12 cannot be disengaged from either connecting groove, thereby fixing the two refrigeration devices.

[0046] In the released state, such as Figure 3 As shown, the area of ​​the first opening 22 covers the area where the abutment end 121 in the first connecting groove 21 is open, and the area of ​​the second opening 32 covers the area where the abutment end 121 in the second connecting groove 31 is open. When the connector 12 is parallel to the connecting body 11, the overall size is minimized, and it is sufficient to ensure that the minimum size is less than the area of ​​the opening.

[0047] Using the connecting device 10 of this embodiment, only a first connecting groove 21 and a second connecting groove 31 need to be provided between two adjacent refrigeration devices, regardless of the height and size of the two refrigeration devices, thereby forming a... Figure 5 , Figure 6 The technical effect of interconnecting multiple refrigeration devices is shown.

[0048] In this embodiment, two sets of connectors 12 are provided, with the two sets of connectors 12 arranged on the left and right sides of the connecting body 11. When the connection state is switched to the release state, the abutting ends 121 of the two sets of connectors 12 move toward the connecting body 11, so that the connecting device 10 can be connected or separated from the refrigeration equipment on the left and right sides.

[0049] In other embodiments, only one set of connectors 12 may be provided. For example, the left connecting body 11 may be fixedly connected to one of its refrigeration devices, and the right connecting body 12 may be movably connected to another refrigeration device.

[0050] In addition, the connecting body 11 also includes a limiting ring 112, which limits the maximum displacement of the connector 12 into the first connecting groove 21 and the second connecting groove 31, so that it will not extend too far in.

[0051] Furthermore, the connector 12 includes a plurality of connector units 124 arranged in a circumferential array around the connector body 11, and the drive unit 13 includes spring pieces 131 corresponding to the number of connector units 124, such as... Figure 4 As shown, there are four connecting units 124 and four spring pieces 131, spaced at 90° intervals, so that the force of the abutment in all directions is uniform. A support base 111 is provided on the connecting body 11. Each connecting unit 124 is rotatably connected to the support base 111. Each spring piece 131 abuts against its corresponding connecting unit 124. Each spring piece 131 extends along the rotating shaft 122 toward the abutting end 121 and has a tendency to drive the abutting end 121 away from the connecting body 11. The spring piece 131 is set as an elastic spring and always has an outward opening force to push the abutting end 121 of the connector 12 away from the connecting body 11.

[0052] Furthermore, the release part includes a release member 14 and a pusher 15. The release member 14 includes a push block 141, a push rod 142, and a connecting block 143 connected in sequence. The three move synchronously to the left or right. The connecting member 12 also includes a release end 123, which is located at the other end of the rotating shaft 122 away from the supporting end 121. The release end 123 and the supporting end 121 are located at opposite ends of the rotating shaft 122. When the supporting end 121 is upward, the release end 123 is downward, and vice versa. When switching from the connected state to the released state, the pusher 15 abuts against the connecting block 143 and drives the push block 141 to abut against the release end 123 in a direction away from the connecting body 11.

[0053] by Figures 2 to 3 Taking the leftward movement as an example, as shown, the pusher 141 gradually pushes the release end 123 outward, while the supporting end 121 on the other side moves inward, that is, towards the direction of connecting the body 11, until it becomes... Figure 3In this state, the areas opened by the release end 123 and the abutment end 121 are both smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first opening 22, thereby allowing the connecting device 10 to disengage from the first connecting groove 21.

[0054] Furthermore, two sets of release members 14 and connecting members 12 are provided, with each set of release members 14 corresponding to each set of connecting members 12. The end of the pushing member 15 facing the engaging block 143 has a wedge-shaped surface facing both the left and right sides. The end of the engaging block 143 facing the pushing member 15 also has a wedge-shaped surface. The pushing member 15 simultaneously pushes the left-side release member 14 to the left and the right-side release member 14 to the right. Figure 2 and Figure 3 For example, when the pusher 15 moves upward, it pushes the release member 14 to move laterally. Since both sides of the pusher 15 are provided with wedge-shaped surfaces, which are named the first wedge-shaped surface 151, and the release member 14 is provided with a second wedge-shaped surface 1411 on the side facing it, the release members 14 on both sides are pushed to move to the left and right respectively. The first wedge-shaped surface 151 and the second wedge-shaped surface 1411 can both be set as cones, so that they can be pushed to move at any rotation position.

[0055] Furthermore, the connecting body 11 includes a chamber 113 extending along one of its connecting members 12 to the other, and an opening 114 communicating with the chamber 113. The opening 114 contains a release member 14. The chambers 113 on the left and right sides of the release member 14 are respectively provided with a pusher 15. The opening 114 may be provided with threads, and the surface of the pusher 15 is also provided with threads. The pusher 15 moves spirally within the opening 114. The end of the pusher 15 away from the connecting block 143 is provided with an adjustment surface 152 for adjusting the movement of the pusher 15. The adjustment surface 152 may be provided with a straight groove or an internal hexagonal groove to facilitate the insertion of a tool to drive it to rotate, and move inward or outward while rotating.

[0056] Furthermore, the release unit also includes a reset member 16. In the connected state, the reset member 16 has a tendency to drive the push block 141 away from the release end 123, so that when the push member 15 does not push the release member 14, the release member 14 is always in the position of being released. Figure 2 In the initial state shown, the reset member 16 can be configured as a spring to push the release member 14 on the left to move to the right. One side of the reset member 16 abuts against a relatively fixed device, such as the support base 111, and the other side abuts against the engagement block 143, always having a tendency to push the engagement block 143 toward the pusher 15.

[0057] Furthermore, the surface of the push block 141 is provided with a conical surface 1431. The radius of the conical surface 1431 gradually increases from the release end 123 to the rotating shaft 122. In the connected state, the connector 12 abuts against the conical surface 1431. That is, in the connected state, the push block 141 also has the function of maintaining the stability of the connector 12. The surface of the connector 12 is also provided with a surface that matches the conical surface 1431. All four connecting units 124 abut against the conical surface 1431 in the connected state.

[0058] Compared with the prior art, this embodiment has the following beneficial effects:

[0059] When the connecting device 10 is assembled into the refrigeration equipment assembly, the driving component 13 controls the holding end 121 of the connecting component 12 to always connect the two refrigeration equipment. By adjusting the release part, the connecting device 10 is controlled to disengage from the two refrigeration equipment, thereby conveniently realizing the quick installation and quick separation of the two refrigeration equipment. Moreover, by setting the connecting device 10, there are no requirements on the external dimensions of the two refrigeration equipment, and various equipment such as refrigerators, freezers, freezers, and wine cabinets can be fixed together.

[0060] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0061] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connecting device, characterized in that, include: Connect the main body; A connector, comprising a pivot and a supporting end, wherein the connector is rotatably connected to the connecting body via the pivot, and the supporting end rotates about the pivot as a fulcrum; A driving member that abuts against the connector and has a tendency to drive the abutting end away from the connector body; A release part is used to drive the supporting end to move toward the connecting body; The connecting device has a connected state and a released state; In the connected state, the abutting end is away from the connecting body; When the connection state is switched to the release state, the abutting end moves toward the connection body.

2. The connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector includes a plurality of connecting units arranged in a circumferential array around the connecting body. The driving member includes spring pieces corresponding to the number of connecting units. Each spring piece abuts against its corresponding connecting unit. Each spring piece extends along the axis of rotation to the abutting end and has a tendency to drive the abutting end away from the connecting body.

3. The connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector is provided in two sets, with the two sets of connectors positioned on the left and right sides of the connecting body. When the connection state is switched to the release state, the abutting ends of the two sets of connectors move towards the connecting body.

4. The connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The release part includes a release member and a pusher member. The release member includes a push block, a push rod, and a connecting block connected in sequence. The connecting member also includes a release end, which is located at the other end of the rotating shaft away from the abutment end. When the connection state is switched to the release state, the pusher abuts the connecting block and drives the push block to abut the release end in a direction away from the connecting body.

5. The connecting device according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both the release member and the connecting member are provided in two sets, with each set of release members corresponding to each set of connecting members. The end of the pusher facing the connecting block is provided with a wedge-shaped surface facing the left and right sides. The end of the pusher away from the connecting block is provided with an adjustment surface for adjusting the movement of the pusher. The end of the connecting block facing the pusher is also provided with a wedge-shaped surface. The pusher simultaneously pushes the release member on the left to move to the left and pushes the release member on the right to move to the right.

6. The connecting device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting body includes a chamber extending along one of the connecting members to the other, and an opening communicating with the chamber, wherein the release member is disposed within the opening, and a pusher member is disposed in the chamber on the left and right sides of the release member.

7. The connecting device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The release part further includes a reset member, which, in the connected state, has a tendency to drive the push block away from the release end.

8. The connecting device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The surface of the push block is provided with a conical surface, and the radius of the conical surface gradually increases from the release end to the rotation axis. In the connected state, the connecting member abuts against the conical surface.

9. A refrigeration equipment component, characterized in that, Includes the connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The refrigeration equipment component according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a first refrigeration device and a second refrigeration device arranged side by side, and the connecting device is connected between the first refrigeration device and the second refrigeration device.

11. The refrigeration equipment component according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first refrigeration device is provided with a first connecting groove having a first opening on the side facing the second refrigeration device, and the second refrigeration device is provided with a second connecting groove having a second opening on the side facing the first refrigeration device. The first opening and the second opening are arranged opposite to each other, and a set of the connecting members are provided on each side of the connecting body. In the connected state, one of the connectors is disposed in the first connecting groove and the abutting end of the connector is restricted in the first connecting groove, and the other connector is disposed in the second connecting groove and the abutting end of the connector is restricted in the second connecting groove; In the released state, the area of ​​the first opening covers the area where the abutment end is open in the first connecting groove, and the area of ​​the second opening covers the area where the abutment end is open in the second connecting groove.

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