Shelf assembly and refrigerator

Abstract

The application discloses a shelf assembly and a refrigerator with the shelf assembly. The shelf assembly is arranged in a cabinet of the refrigerator. The shelf assembly comprises a supporting mechanism, a shelf mechanism and a driving mechanism. The supporting mechanism is provided with a first slide rail and a second slide rail. One of the first slide rail and the second slide rail comprises a first section and a second section. The second section is vertically moved downwards relative to the first section. The shelf mechanism comprises a first shelf and a second shelf. The driving mechanism is in transmission connection with the second shelf to drive the second shelf to move along the second slide rail, so as to drive the first shelf to move along the first slide rail. The shelf mechanism has an unfolded position and a folded position. In the unfolded position, the first shelf or the second shelf is located in the first section, and the second shelf is close to an opening of the cabinet. In the folded position, the first shelf or the second shelf is moved to the second section, so that the second shelf is close to a bottom wall of the cabinet. The shelf assembly can automatically control the unfolding or folding of the shelf mechanism, and the convenience of the user when using the refrigerator is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and in particular to a shelf assembly and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, refrigerators are usually equipped with foldable shelves to facilitate the placement of larger items. Foldable shelves include two shelves arranged one in front of the other. The shelf closest to the refrigerator opening can be flipped and folded over to the other shelf as needed, so that larger items can be placed in the refrigerator. However, traditional foldable shelves generally require the user to manually push the shelf closest to the refrigerator opening to flip and fold over to the other shelf. If the user is holding items and cannot free their hands, they need to put down the items first and then push the shelf to fold. The operation is inconvenient, and the space required for flipping and folding the shelf is relatively large. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a shelf assembly that can automatically control the unfolding or folding of the shelf assembly, which is simple to operate, improves the convenience of users when using the refrigerator, and has a simple installation structure with less space required when folded.

[0004] The present invention also proposes a refrigerator having the above-described shelf assembly.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a shelf assembly includes: a support mechanism, a shelf mechanism, and a drive mechanism. The support mechanism is provided with a first slide rail and a second slide rail. One of the first slide rail and the second slide rail includes a first segment and a second segment. The second segment moves vertically downward relative to the first segment. The first segment is close to the opening of the housing, and the second segment is close to the bottom wall of the housing. The shelf mechanism includes a first shelf and a second shelf. The first shelf is slidably mounted on the first slide rail, and the second shelf is slidably mounted on the second slide rail and movably connected to the first shelf. The drive mechanism is drively connected to the second shelf to drive the second shelf. The shelf moves along the second slide rail, and the second shelf drives the first shelf to move along the first slide rail; wherein, the shelf mechanism has an unfolded position and a folded position. In the unfolded position, one of the first shelf and the second shelf is located in the first section, and the first shelf and the second shelf are arranged side by side in a direction away from the bottom wall, with the second shelf close to the opening of the box; in the folded position, one of the first shelf and the second shelf moves from the first section to the second section, so that the first shelf and the second shelf are stacked vertically, and the second shelf is close to the bottom wall of the box.

[0006] The shelf assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: the shelf mechanism has an unfolded position and a folded position, the drive mechanism is tractively connected to the second shelf, the drive mechanism can drive the second shelf to move along the second slide rail, and at the same time drive the first shelf to move along the first slide rail. When the shelf mechanism is in the folded position, one of the first shelf and the second shelf moves from the first section to the second section, so that the first shelf and the second shelf are stacked vertically and the second shelf is close to the bottom wall of the refrigerator, thereby making it easier for users to put larger items into the refrigerator. When the shelf mechanism is in the unfolded position, one of the first shelf and the second shelf is located in the first section, the first shelf and the second shelf are arranged side by side in a direction away from the bottom wall, and the second shelf is close to the opening of the refrigerator. At this time, smaller items can be placed on both the first shelf and the second shelf to improve the space utilization of the refrigerator. The shelf assembly proposed in this application has a first shelf and a second shelf that can be moved by a drive mechanism, thereby improving the automation level of the shelf assembly and thus improving the convenience of user operation. In addition, the installation structure of the first shelf and the second shelf is simple and requires less space when folded or unfolded.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second slide rail includes a first section, a transition section and a second section, wherein one end of the transition section is connected to the first section and the other end is inclined downward and connected to the second section.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the shelf assembly further includes a linkage member, which is fixedly connected to the second shelf and has a slot. The slot has an upward-facing opening, and a sliding wall extending upward is provided on the side of the slot away from the opening of the box. The first shelf has an abutment member that cooperates with the slot, and the abutment member can slide along the sliding wall.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the driving mechanism includes a motor and an annular transmission member, the second shelf is provided with a connecting member, the connecting member being tractively connected to the transmission member, and the motor driving the transmission member to rotate to move the second shelf.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the transmission component is a transmission rope, and the driving mechanism further includes a plurality of tension pulleys, wherein the transmission rope is sequentially wound around the plurality of pulleys to form a closed loop.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the drive mechanism further includes a drive shaft, an end of which is fitted with a transmission wheel, and the transmission rope is wound around the transmission wheel.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a drive gear is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the drive shaft, and the output end of the motor is meshed with the drive gear.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the shelf assembly further includes a tensioning mechanism, the tensioning mechanism including a tensioning wheel that can abut against the transmission member to adjust the tension of the transmission member.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the tensioning mechanism further includes an elastic element, the movable end of which abuts against the tensioning wheel to push the tensioning wheel against the transmission member.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the support mechanism is further equipped with a first detection element, and the transmission element is connected to a first detection head. When the second shelf moves to the folded position, the first detection head triggers the first detection element to send a stop signal to the motor.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the drive mechanism further includes a voice control module connected to the motor.

[0017] A refrigerator according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a cabinet and a shelf assembly as described in the first aspect of the present invention, the shelf assembly being installed in the cabinet.

[0018] The refrigerator according to the embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: the refrigerator body is provided with the shelf assembly of the first aspect embodiment described above, which can improve the electrification and intelligence of the refrigerator, thereby improving the convenience of users when using the refrigerator, and reducing the space occupied by the shelf assembly.

[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a shelf assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a shelf assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The enlarged view at point A is shown;

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 2 The enlarged view at point B is shown;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the support mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the support mechanism and the shelf mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a partial schematic diagram of the connection structure between the first shelf and the second shelf according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a partial schematic diagram of the connection structure between the connector and the transmission component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a transmission component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the tensioning mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a shelf assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the support mechanism and the shelf mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 13 for Figure 11 Enlarged view of point C;

[0034] Figure 14 for Figure 12 Enlarged view of point D.

[0035] Figure label:

[0036] Support mechanism 100; First slide rail 110; Second slide rail 120; Transition section 121; Second section 122; First section 123; Protective component 130;

[0037] Shelf mechanism 200; First shelf 210; Linkage component 211; Slot 2111; Sliding wall 2112; Abutting component 212; Second slider 213; Second shelf 220; First slider 221; Connector 222;

[0038] Drive mechanism 300; transmission component 310; fixing component 311; sleeve 312; tension pulley 320; drive shaft 330; transmission wheel 331; drive gear 332; motor 340;

[0039] First inspection piece 400; First inspection head 410;

[0040] Second inspection piece 500; Second inspection head 510;

[0041] Tensioning mechanism 600; tensioning wheel 610; mounting base 620; tensioning shaft 630; elastic element 640;

[0042] Mounting plate 700; baffle 710. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying 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 accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0044] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0045] In the description of this invention, "several" means one or more, "more than" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0046] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0047] Reference Figures 1 to 5The shelf assembly proposed in the first aspect of the present invention is disposed in a box. The shelf assembly includes a support mechanism 100, a shelf mechanism 200, and a drive mechanism 300. The support mechanism 100 is provided with a first slide rail 110 and a second slide rail 120. One of the first slide rail 110 and the second slide rail 120 includes a first segment 123 and a second segment 122. The second segment 122 is vertically downward relative to the first segment 123, and the first segment 123 is close to the opening of the box, while the second segment 122 is close to the bottom wall of the box. The shelf mechanism 200 includes a first shelf 210 and a second shelf 220. The first shelf 210 is slidably mounted on the first slide rail 110, and the second shelf 220 is movably connected to the first shelf 210 and slidably mounted on the second slide rail 120. The drive mechanism 300 is connected to the second shelf 220 to drive the second shelf 220 to move along the second slide rail 120, thereby driving the first shelf 210 to slide along the first slide rail 110. The shelf mechanism 200 has an unfolded position and a folded position. In the unfolded position, one of the first shelf 210 and the second shelf 220 is located in the first section 123. The first shelf 210 and the second shelf 220 are arranged side by side in a direction away from the bottom wall. The second shelf 220 is close to the opening of the box. Small items can be placed on both the first shelf 210 and the second shelf 220. In the folded position, one of the first shelf 210 and the second shelf 220 is moved from the first section 123 to the second section 122, so that the first shelf 210 and the second shelf 220 are stacked vertically and the second shelf 220 is close to the bottom wall of the box. Larger items can be placed on the shelf located below the first shelf 210 and the second shelf 220. The second shelf 220 can play a role in avoiding obstacles. The shelf assembly proposed in this application has a first shelf 210 and a second shelf 220 that can be moved by a drive mechanism 300, thereby improving the automation level of the shelf assembly, which can improve the convenience of user use and the intelligence of the refrigerator. Furthermore, the installation structure of the first shelf 210 and the second shelf 220 is simple and requires less space when folded or unfolded.

[0048] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6In some embodiments of the present invention, the second slide rail 120 includes a first section 123 and a second section 122. The second slide rail 120 also includes a transition section 121, one end of which is connected to the first section 123, and the other end is inclined downwards and connected to the second section 122. The second shelf 220 can slide from the first section 123 through the transition section 121 to the second section 122, or from the second section 122 through the transition section 121 to the first section 123. When the shelf mechanism 200 is in the folded position, the second shelf 220 is located below the first shelf 210. It should be noted that from the first section 123 to the second section 122, the transition section 121 is gradually inclined downwards so that the second shelf 220 can slide smoothly from the first section 123 to the second section 122, or from the second section 122 to the first section 123. Furthermore, the drive mechanism 300 drives the second shelf 220 to slide from the second section 122 to the first section 123. It only needs to overcome the gravity of the second shelf 220 to do work. The first shelf 210 slides horizontally with less friction. Therefore, the drive mechanism 300 requires less power, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0049] It should be noted that the second slide rail 120 has two slide rail sections arranged side by side along the direction away from the bottom wall, and each slide rail section is provided with a first section 123, a transition section 121, and a second section 122. Two first sliders 221 are correspondingly provided on one side of the second shelf 220. The two first sliders 221 are slidably mounted on the two slide rail sections respectively, and can slide from the first section 123 through the transition section 121 to the second section 122, or from the second section 122 through the transition section 121 to the first section 123. By providing two first sliders 221, each corresponding to one of the two slide rail sections, the movement of the second shelf 220 can be made more stable and smooth.

[0050] It should also be noted that both the first segment 123 and the second segment 122 are horizontally arranged so that when the shelf mechanism 200 is in the unfolded or folded position, the second shelf 220 or the first shelf 210 can be stably located in the first segment 123 or the second segment 122, thereby improving the overall stability of the shelf mechanism 200. Furthermore, two support mechanisms 100 are provided. The support mechanisms 100 can be fixedly installed on the side walls of the box by screws or bolts, and are located on the left and right sides of the first shelf 210 and the second shelf 220, respectively. The left and right sides of the first shelf 210 are slidably connected to the two support mechanisms 100, and second sliders 213 are provided on both sides of the first shelf 210. The sliding connection of the second sliders 213 to the two support mechanisms 100 improves the smoothness and stability of the first shelf during sliding. Two first sliders 221 are provided on each of the left and right sides of the second shelf 220, and are slidably connected to the second slide rails 120 of the two support mechanisms 100. Furthermore, by setting two support mechanisms 100, the stability and smoothness of the first shelf 210 and the second shelf 220 during sliding can be improved.

[0051] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some embodiments of the present invention, the shelf assembly further includes a linkage 211, which is fixedly connected to the second shelf 220, and the second shelf 220 is movably connected to the first shelf 210 via the linkage 211. It is understood that the linkage 211 has a slot 2111 with the slot facing upwards. A vertically extending sliding wall 2112 is provided on the side of the slot 2111 away from the box opening. The first shelf 210 has an abutment 212 that cooperates with the slot 2111. The abutment 212 can slide upwards or downwards along the sliding wall 2112. When the second shelf 220 moves, it can drive the first shelf 210 to move via the linkage 211. When the second shelf 220 moves from the first segment 123 to the second segment 122, the slot 2111 relative to the side wall of the sliding wall 2112... The first shelf 210 can abut against the abutment 212 and push it to move along the first slide rail 110 to avoid the second shelf 220. Then the second shelf 220 can slide along the transition section 121 to the second section 122 so that the shelf mechanism 200 is in the folded position. When the second shelf 220 moves from the second section 122 to the first section 123, after the second shelf 220 moves to a certain position, the sliding wall 2112 of the slot 2111 can abut against the abutment 212 and pull the first shelf 210 to move along the first slide rail 110 to the initial position so that the shelf mechanism 200 is in the unfolded position.

[0052] It should be noted that the abutment member 212 can be an abutment rod connected to the first shelf 210. The abutment rod can pass through the slot 2111, and the sliding wall 2112 of the slot 2111 can be set to be relatively long so that after the second shelf 220 moves backward to a certain position, the sliding wall 2112 of the slot 2111 can abut against the abutment rod, thereby driving the first shelf 210 to move. It should also be noted that both the left and right sides of the second shelf 220 are connected to linkage members 211. By setting two linkage members 211, the stability and smoothness of the sliding of the second shelf 220 driving the first shelf 210 can be improved.

[0053] It should also be noted that the abutment member 212 can be an abutment rod or an abutment shaft. One end of the abutment rod can be threaded, and one side of the first shelf 210 has a threaded hole that matches the thread of the abutment rod. The abutment rod can be threaded into the threaded hole of the first shelf 210, thereby fixing it to the first shelf 210. The threaded connection can improve the ease of installation of the abutment member 212; or the abutment rod can be integrally formed with the first shelf 210, thereby simplifying the installation steps of the first shelf 210; of course, the abutment rod can also be connected to the first shelf 210 by fasteners such as screws or bolts, depending on the actual situation, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments of the present invention, the shelf assembly further includes a protective member 130. The protective member 130 is installed on the side wall of the housing by fasteners such as screws or bolts. The protective member 130 covers the support mechanism 100, that is, it covers the first slide rail 110 and the second slide rail 120, which can prevent foreign objects from entering the first slide rail 110 or the second slide rail 120, and can also cover the support mechanism 100 to improve the overall aesthetics of the shelf assembly. The protective member 130 is also provided with clearance holes corresponding to the first slide rail 110 and the second slide rail 120, so that the second slider 213 on the side of the first shelf 210 and the first slider 221 on the side of the second shelf 220 can be slidably connected to the support mechanism 100. For example, the two sliders on the side of the second shelf 220 can pass through the clearance holes and be slidably connected to the second slide rail 120. It should be noted that the protective component 130 can be a protective cover plate. The protective cover plate has a protective groove at one end facing the support mechanism 100, so that it can cover the support mechanism 100 and protect the first slide rail 110 and the second slide rail 120.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6In some embodiments of the present invention, the drive mechanism 300 includes a motor 340 and an annular transmission member 310. The second shelf 220 is provided with a connector 222, which is tractively connected to the transmission member 310. The transmission member 310 is connected to the second shelf 220 through the connector 222. The motor 340 drives the transmission member 310 to rotate, thereby moving the second shelf 220 to move the first shelf 210. By setting the drive mechanism 300, the first shelf 210 can be moved automatically, improving the automation level of the shelf assembly and thus improving the user experience.

[0056] It should be noted that the transmission component 310 can be a transmission rope, and the drive mechanism 300 includes multiple tension pulleys 320. The transmission rope is sequentially wound around the multiple tension pulleys 320 to form a closed loop and maintain tension. The connecting member 222 of the second shelf 220 is fixedly connected to the transmission rope. The transmission component 310 can also be a synchronous belt or a transmission chain structure, depending on the actual situation, and is not specifically limited here. The drive mechanism 300 proposed in this application has a simple principle and low cost and failure rate. It should also be noted that there are two transmission ropes, respectively connected to the left and right ends of the second shelf 220. The two transmission ropes rotate synchronously to drive the second shelf 220 to move. There are also two sets of tension pulleys 320, with each transmission rope corresponding to one of the two sets of tension pulleys 320.

[0057] It should be noted that the drive mechanism 300 also includes a drive shaft 330, with transmission wheels 331 at both ends. Two transmission ropes are respectively wound around the two transmission wheels 331. The drive shaft 330 can rotate, simultaneously driving the two transmission wheels 331 to rotate, thereby driving the two transmission ropes to rotate synchronously. It should also be noted that a drive gear 332 is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the drive shaft 330. The output end of the motor 340 is meshed with the drive gear 332. For example, the output shaft of the motor 340 is equipped with a gear, which meshes with the drive gear 332 on the drive shaft 330, enabling the motor 340 to drive the drive shaft 330 to rotate. The drive gear 332 can be sleeved in the middle of the drive shaft 330 to ensure that the drive component can stably drive the drive shaft 330 to rotate.

[0058] Reference Figures 7 to 9It should be noted that the connector 222 on the second shelf 220 has a connecting groove, through which the conveying component passes. Two fixing members 311 are fixedly mounted on the transmission component 310. These two fixing members 311 are located on opposite sides of the connecting groove and abut against the connector 222, allowing the transmission component 310 to rotate and move the connector 222. Furthermore, a sleeve 312 is fitted onto the transmission component 310 between the two fixing members 311. The sleeve 312 contacts the side wall of the connecting groove, thus preventing friction between the transmission component 310 and the side wall of the connecting groove and protecting the transmission component 310. The sleeve 312 can be made of metal, such as steel pipe, or other wear-resistant materials.

[0059] Reference Figure 2 It should be noted that the shelf assembly also includes a mounting plate 700 and a baffle 710. The mounting plate 700 can be fixed to the bottom wall of the box by fasteners such as screws or bolts. The motor 340 and the drive shaft 330 are mounted on the mounting plate 700. The baffle 710 is connected to the mounting plate 700, and the drive shaft 330, motor 340 and other components can be located between the baffle 710 and the mounting plate 700. That is, the baffle 710 can block the drive shaft 330, motor 340 and other components to protect them, and at the same time improve the overall aesthetics of the shelf assembly. It is understood that a connecting post is provided between the mounting plate 700 and the baffle 710. One end of the connecting post is connected to the baffle 710 by fasteners such as screws or bolts, and the other end is connected to the baffle 710 by fasteners such as screws or bolts, so that there is a gap between the baffle 710 and the mounting plate 700, so that components such as the drive shaft 330 and the motor 340 can be installed between the baffle 710 and the mounting plate 700.

[0060] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 In some embodiments of the present invention, the support mechanism 100 is equipped with a first detection element 400, which may also be mounted on the protective element 130. The first detection element 400 can detect the movement of the second shelf 220 to the folded position. That is, the transmission element 310 is provided with a first detection head 410. When the second shelf 220 moves to the folded position, the first detection head 410 triggers the first detection element 400 to send a stop signal to the motor 340. The motor 340 stops rotating, thereby stopping the drive shaft 330 and stopping the movement of the second shelf 220. By setting the first detection element 400 and the first detection head 410 to cooperate, the movement of the second shelf 220 to the folded position can be automatically controlled, improving the automation level of the shelf assembly and thus improving the convenience for users.

[0061] It should be noted that, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 3In some embodiments of the present invention, the shelf assembly further includes a second detection element 500. The second detection element 500 may also be installed on the support mechanism 100 or the protective element 130. The second detection element 500 can detect that the second shelf 220 has moved to the unfolded position. That is, the second detection element 500 is close to the opening of the box, and the second detection element 500 and the first detection element 400 are arranged side by side along the direction away from the bottom wall of the box. When the second shelf 220 moves to the unfolded position, the first detection head 410 can trigger the second detection element 500 to send a stop signal to the motor 340, the motor 340 stops rotating, so that the drive shaft 330 stops rotating, thereby stopping the first shelf 210 from moving. By setting the second detection element 500, the movement of the second shelf 220 to the unfolded position can be automatically controlled, which can improve the automation level of the shelf assembly and thus improve the convenience for users.

[0062] In some embodiments of the present invention, the drive mechanism 300 further includes a voice control module connected to the motor 340. Users can control the motor 340 via the voice control module, thereby adjusting the second shelf 220 to a folded or unfolded position, improving the automation level of the shelf assembly and enhancing user convenience. The operation of the motor 340 can also be controlled via a mobile phone terminal.

[0063] Refer to Figure 10 In some embodiments of the present invention, the shelf assembly further includes a tensioning mechanism 600, which includes a tensioning wheel 610 that abuts against the drive belt to keep the drive belt taut. The tensioning component also includes a tensioning shaft 630, a mounting base 620, and an elastic element 640. The mounting base 620 is mounted on a mounting plate 700. One end of the tensioning shaft 630 is rotatably mounted on the mounting base 620, and the tensioning wheel 610 is rotatably mounted on the other end of the tensioning shaft 630. The fixed end of the elastic element 640 abuts against the mounting base 620, and the movable end of the elastic element 640 abuts against the tensioning shaft 630, and can push the tensioning shaft 630 to rotate, causing the tensioning wheel 610 to abut against the drive belt, thereby keeping the drive belt taut. By setting the transmission component 310 to push the tensioning wheel 610 against the drive belt, the tension of the drive belt can be adapted in real time. It should also be noted that the elastic element 640 can be a spring, with the fixed end of the spring abutting against the mounting base 620 and the movable end of the spring abutting against the tension shaft 630, and being able to drive the tension shaft 630 to rotate, and enable the tension wheel 610 to abut against the transmission belt.

[0064] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12In another embodiment of the present invention, the first segment 123 and the second segment 122 may also be disposed on the first slide rail 110. The first slide rail 110 further includes a transition segment 121, one end of which is connected to the first segment 123, and the other end is inclined downward and connected to the second segment 122. The second shelf 220 slides along the second slide rail 120, which can drive the first shelf 210 to slide from the first segment 123 through the transition segment 121 to the second segment 122, or from the second segment 122 through the transition segment 121 to the first segment 123. When the shelf mechanism 200 is in the folded position, the first shelf 210 is located below the second shelf 220. It should be noted that from the first segment 123 to the second segment 122, the transition segment 121 is gradually inclined downward so that the first shelf 210 can slide smoothly from the first segment 123 to the second segment 122, or from the second segment 122 to the first segment 123. Furthermore, the drive mechanism 300 drives the first shelf 210 to slide from the second section 122 to the first section 123. It only needs to overcome the gravity of the first shelf 210 to do work. The second shelf 220 slides horizontally with less friction. Therefore, the drive mechanism 300 requires less power, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0065] It should also be noted that the first slide rail 110 has two slide rail sections arranged side by side along the direction away from the bottom wall, and each slide rail section is provided with a first section 123, a transition section 121, and a second section 122. Two second sliders 213 are correspondingly provided on one side of the first shelf 210. The two second sliders 213 are slidably mounted on the two slide rail sections respectively, and can slide from the first section 123 through the transition section 121 to the second section 122, or from the second section 122 through the transition section 121 to the first section 123. By providing two second sliders 213, each corresponding to one of the two slide rail sections, the movement of the first shelf 210 can be made more stable and smooth.

[0066] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 14The opening of the slot 2111 of the linkage 211 can also be set downwards. When the second shelf 220 moves forward along the second slide rail 120, the second shelf 220 can be movably connected to the first shelf 210 through the linkage 211. It can be understood that one end of the linkage 211 is fixedly connected to the second shelf 220, and a sliding wall 2112 extending vertically is provided on the side of the slot 2111 away from the opening of the box. The first shelf 210 is provided with an abutment 212 that cooperates with the slot 2111. The abutment 212 can slide up or down along the sliding wall 2112. When the second shelf 220 moves, it can drive the first shelf 210 to move through the linkage 211. When the shelf mechanism 200 is switched from the unfolded position to the folded position, the second shelf 220 drives the first shelf 210 to move from the first section 123 to the second section 122. The slot 2111 can abut against the abutment 212 relative to the side wall of the sliding wall 2112 and push the second shelf 220 to the transition section 121, and then slide along the transition section 121 to the second section 122. When the shelf mechanism 200 is switched from the folded position to the unfolded position, after the second shelf 220 slides backward along the second guide rail to a certain position, the sliding wall 2112 of the slot 2111 can abut against the abutment 212 of the first shelf 210, thereby pushing the first shelf 210 to slide along the transition section 121 to the first section 123.

[0067] Reference Figure 12 A second detection element 500 is installed on the support mechanism 100, and a second detection head 510 is connected to the transmission component 310. A connecting piece 222 of the second shelf 220 is sleeved on the second detection head 510, enabling the transmission component 310 to drive the second shelf 220 to move. When the second shelf 220 moves to the unfolded position, the second detection head 510 triggers the second detection element 500 to send a stop signal to the motor 340, causing the motor 340 to stop rotating, thus stopping the drive shaft 330 and stopping the first shelf 210 from moving. The support mechanism 100 also has a first detection element 400 installed, and a first detection head 410 is connected to the transmission component 310. When the second shelf 220 moves to the folded position, the first detection head 410 triggers the second detection element 500 to send a stop signal to the motor 340, causing the motor 340 to stop rotating, thus stopping the drive shaft 330 and stopping the first shelf 210 from moving.

[0068] Reference Figure 13 The elastic element 640 of the tensioning mechanism 600 can also be a torsion spring. The torsion spring is sleeved on the mounting base 620 through a fixed post, and the fixed end of the torsion spring abuts against the abutment post, while the movable end abuts against the tensioning shaft 630. One end of the tensioning shaft 630 is rotatably connected to the fixed post, and the other end is equipped with a tensioning wheel 610. The torsion spring can drive the tensioning shaft 630 to rotate, so that the tensioning wheel 610 abuts against the transmission member 310, thereby keeping the transmission member 310 in a tensioned state.

[0069] The refrigerator of the second aspect embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet, and the shelf assembly of the first aspect embodiment described above is installed in the cabinet. By setting the shelf assembly, the shelf mechanism 200 can be adjusted to move to a folded position, so that the second shelf 220 located near the opening of the cabinet moves forward to the inside of the cabinet and folds with the first shelf 210 on the inside. Therefore, the second shelf 220 can play a clearance role, thereby facilitating the user to place larger items on the shelf located below the first shelf 210 and the second shelf 220. The shelf mechanism 200 of the shelf assembly can be automatically controlled by the drive mechanism 300, thereby improving the convenience of the user when using the refrigerator. Furthermore, the installation structure of the first shelf 210 and the second shelf 220 of the shelf mechanism 200 is simple, thereby reducing the overall space occupied by the shelf assembly, and the space required for the shelf mechanism 200 to move is also small, thereby improving the utilization rate of the refrigerator's storage space. It should be noted that the refrigerator proposed in this embodiment also has at least all the beneficial effects of the shelf assembly of the first aspect embodiment described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0070] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A shelf assembly disposed within a box, characterized in that, include: The support mechanism is provided with a first slide rail and a second slide rail. One of the first slide rail and the second slide rail includes a first section and a second section. The second section moves vertically downward relative to the first section. The first section is close to the opening of the box body, and the second section is close to the bottom wall of the box body. The shelf mechanism includes a first shelf and a second shelf, wherein the first shelf is slidably mounted on the first slide rail, and the second shelf is slidably mounted on the second slide rail and movably connected to the first shelf; The drive mechanism is connected to the second shelf to drive the second shelf to move along the second slide rail, and the second shelf drives the first shelf to move along the first slide rail. A linkage component is fixedly connected to the second shelf and has a slot. The slot has an upward-facing opening. A sliding wall extending upward is provided on the side of the slot away from the opening of the box. The first shelf has an abutment component that cooperates with the slot. The abutment component can slide along the sliding wall. The shelf mechanism has an unfolded position and a folded position. In the unfolded position, one of the first shelf and the second shelf is located in the first section, and the first shelf and the second shelf are arranged side by side in a direction away from the bottom wall, with the second shelf close to the opening of the box. In the folded position, one of the first shelf and the second shelf is moved from the first section to the second section, so that the first shelf and the second shelf are stacked vertically, and the second shelf is close to the bottom wall of the box.

2. The shelf assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second slide rail includes the first section, the second section, and a transition section. One end of the transition section is connected to the first section, and the other end is inclined downward and connected to the second section.

3. The shelf assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving mechanism includes a motor and a ring-shaped transmission component. The second shelf is provided with a connecting component, which is tractively connected to the transmission component. The motor drives the transmission component to rotate, thereby moving the second shelf.

4. The shelf assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transmission component is a transmission rope, and the driving mechanism also includes multiple tension pulleys, with the transmission rope sequentially wound around the multiple pulleys to form a closed loop.

5. The shelf assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drive mechanism further includes a drive shaft, an end of which is fitted with a transmission wheel, and the transmission rope is wound around the transmission wheel.

6. The shelf assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, A drive gear is fixed to the outer wall of the drive shaft, and the output end of the motor is meshed with the drive gear.

7. The shelf assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The shelf assembly also includes a tensioning mechanism, which includes a tensioning wheel that can abut against the transmission member to adjust the tension of the transmission member.

8. The shelf assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The tensioning mechanism further includes an elastic element, the movable end of which abuts against the tensioning wheel to push the tensioning wheel against the transmission element.

9. The shelf assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support mechanism is also equipped with a first detection element, and the transmission element is connected to a first detection head. When the second shelf moves to the folded position, the first detection head triggers the first detection element to send a stop signal to the motor.

10. The shelf assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive mechanism also includes a voice control module, which is connected to the motor.

11. A refrigerator comprising a cabinet and a shelf assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, the shelf assembly being mounted within the cabinet.

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