Hinge mechanism and refrigerator

Abstract

The application provides a hinge mechanism and a refrigerator. The hinge mechanism is used for the refrigerator and comprises a hinge body, a mounting seat, and an adjusting assembly. The hinge body is used for being connected between a door body assembly and a cabinet of the refrigerator. The mounting seat is used for mounting the hinge body to the door body assembly. The adjusting assembly comprises a connecting piece and an adjusting shaft. The connecting piece is connected between the hinge body and the mounting seat. One end of the adjusting shaft is clamped to the connecting piece. The other end of the adjusting shaft is adjustably screwed to the mounting seat. The adjusting shaft is used for cooperating with the connecting piece to adjust the position of the door body assembly. After the hinge body is fixed to the door body assembly, the adjusting shaft is screwed, the adjusting shaft drives the connecting piece to move the hinge body, and thus the position of the door body assembly is adjusted. The structure is simple, the operation is convenient, and the assembly efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of refrigerators, and in particular to a hinge mechanism and a refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, due to the heavy weight of the door assembly or the errors in the size of the components of the hinge mechanism, it is often difficult to align the door assemblies or the door assembly with the cabinet during the assembly of the refrigerator, resulting in low assembly efficiency. Therefore, how to provide a hinge mechanism and a refrigerator to improve the assembly efficiency is a technical problem that needs to be urgently solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, the present application provides a hinge mechanism and a refrigerator to solve the technical problem of low assembly efficiency of refrigerators in the prior art.

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical solution adopted in this application is conceived as follows: a hinge mechanism, which is used for a refrigerator, and the hinge mechanism includes: a hinge body, which is used to connect between the door body assembly and the box body of the refrigerator; a mounting seat, which is used to install the hinge body on the door body assembly; an adjustment assembly, including a connecting piece and an adjusting shaft, the connecting piece is connected between the hinge body and the mounting seat, one end of the adjusting shaft is clamped to the connecting piece, and the other end of the adjusting shaft is adjustably threaded to the mounting seat, and the adjusting shaft is used to cooperate with the connecting piece to adjust the position of the door body assembly.

[0005] Wherein, the hinge body includes a first base, a second base and a linkage assembly, the first base is used to be fixed to the door body assembly and is arranged along the first direction, the second base is used to be fixed to the box body, and the linkage assembly is connected between the first base and the second base.

[0006] Among them, the first base includes a first bottom plate and a second bottom plate, the first bottom plate is arranged on the mounting seat, the second bottom plate is arranged on one side of the first bottom plate, and extends from the first bottom plate in a direction away from the mounting seat, and the second bottom plate has a plurality of sliding grooves, and the extension direction of the sliding grooves is inclined relative to the first direction.

[0007] In which, the connecting member includes a main body and a limiting part, the limiting part is arranged on the side of the first base away from the linkage assembly, the main body extends from the limiting part toward the first base, and the side of the main body facing the second bottom plate has several fixing columns adapted to the slide groove, and the fixing columns are inserted into the slide groove.

[0008] Wherein, the limiting part includes a first limiting plate, a second limiting plate and a receiving plate, the receiving plate is arranged at one end of the first limiting plate and the second limiting plate away from the mounting seat, and is bridged between the first limiting plate and the second limiting plate, and the receiving plate has a groove on the side facing the hinge body.

[0009] In which, the adjustment shaft is arranged along a second direction, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, the adjustment shaft includes a first shaft segment and a second shaft segment, the second shaft segment includes an adjustment part, a clamping part and a supporting part connected in sequence, the supporting part is connected to the first shaft segment, the outer diameter of the adjustment part and the outer diameter of the support part are both larger than the outer diameter of the clamping part, and the clamping part is clamped in the groove.

[0010] Wherein, the adjusting portion is located on a side of the receiving plate facing away from the mounting seat, and the supporting portion is located on a side of the receiving plate facing the mounting seat.

[0011] Wherein, the mounting seat is provided with a sleeve adapted to the first shaft segment, and the first shaft segment is adjustably threadedly connected to the sleeve.

[0012] In which, the hinge mechanism also includes a fixing component, which is arranged on the side of the mounting seat facing away from the hinge body, the mounting seat has a first limiting groove and a second limiting groove, and the fixing component has a third limiting groove and a fourth limiting groove, wherein the first limiting plate is inserted into the first limiting groove and the third limiting groove, and the second limiting plate is inserted into the second limiting groove and the fourth limiting groove.

[0013] Among them, the first base plate, the mounting seat and the fixing assembly have a plurality of matching fixing holes, and the first fixing member is inserted into the fixing holes on the first base plate, the mounting seat and the fixing assembly to fix the hinge body to the door body assembly.

[0014] Wherein, the hinge mechanism further includes a cover body, which is disposed on the mounting seat and at least partially covers the hinge body.

[0015] The present application also provides a refrigerator, which includes the hinge mechanism as described above.

[0016] Different from the prior art, the beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present application are as follows: the present application provides a hinge mechanism and a refrigerator, the hinge mechanism is used for the refrigerator, the hinge mechanism includes a hinge body, a mounting seat and an adjustment assembly, the hinge body is used to connect between the door body assembly and the box body of the refrigerator, the mounting seat is used to install the hinge body on the door body assembly; the adjustment assembly includes a connecting piece and an adjustment shaft, the connecting piece is connected between the hinge body and the mounting seat, one end of the adjustment shaft is clamped to the connecting piece, and the other end of the adjustment shaft is adjustably threaded to the mounting seat, and the adjustment shaft is used to cooperate with the connecting piece to adjust the position of the door body assembly. This solution can adjust the position of the door body assembly by cooperating with the adjustment assembly and the hinge body to prevent the door body assembly from sinking or tilting relative to the box body. The structure is simple and the adjustment is convenient, which improves the assembly efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for describing the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art can also derive other drawings based on these drawings without inventive work, among which:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of an embodiment of the hinge mechanism provided in this application;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an embodiment of the refrigerator provided by the present application;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation and matching structure of the hinge body, mounting seat and adjustment assembly of the hinge mechanism provided in this application;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the hinge body of the hinge mechanism provided in this application;

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of part A;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the hinge mechanism provided in this application, omitting the hinge body;

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of part B;

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Magnified view of part C;

[0026] Figure 9 yes Figure 1An enlarged view of the D portion;

[0027] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of another embodiment of the refrigerator provided in this application;

[0028] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Enlarged view of part E. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. It will be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application, rather than to limit the present application. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, only some, rather than all, structures related to the present application are shown in the drawings. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the said features. In the description of the present application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0031] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections, electrical connections, or mutual communication; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; they can refer to internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0032] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0033] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0034] See also Figure 1 , Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the decomposed structure of an embodiment of the hinge mechanism provided by the present application. The embodiment of the present application provides a hinge mechanism 100. The hinge mechanism 100 can be applied to a refrigerator 1000. In terms of installation method, the refrigerator 1000 can be a built-in refrigerator or a non-built-in ordinary refrigerator; in terms of refrigeration method, the refrigerator 1000 can be an air-cooled refrigerator, a direct-cooled refrigerator or an air-direct-cooled refrigerator. It should be noted that the hinge mechanism 100 in this embodiment is not only applicable to the refrigerator 1000, but also to other application scenarios, such as microwave ovens, electric ovens, disinfection cabinets, cabinets, wardrobes, wine cabinets, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0035] The refrigerator 1000 includes several door assemblies 110 and a cabinet 120. The hinge mechanism 100 is used to connect the door assemblies 110 to the cabinet 120. The cabinet 120 forms a storage chamber 120a, which can be a refrigerator, a freezer, or a temperature-changing chamber, but is not limited thereto.

[0036] A door seal 1103 is provided on the side of the door assembly 110 facing the storage chamber 120a. The door seal 1103 is used to seal the gap between the door assembly 110 and the storage chamber 120a when the door assembly 110 is closed relative to the refrigerator body 120, preventing cold air from being lost, improving the heat preservation performance of the refrigerator 1000, and reducing energy consumption.

[0037] The box body 120 includes two side walls 1201 and two end walls 1202. The two side walls 1201 are disposed oppositely on either side of the storage chamber 120a, and the two end walls 1202 are disposed oppositely at the ends of the side walls 1201 and connected between the two side walls 1201. The door assembly 110 includes two side covers 1101 and two end covers 1102. The two side covers 1101 are disposed oppositely on either side of the door assembly 110, and the two end covers 1102 are disposed oppositely at the ends of the side covers 1101 and connected between the two side covers 1101. The hinge mechanism 100 is disposed between one side of the two end covers 1102 and the box body 120.

[0038] In order to ensure the aesthetic appearance and sealing performance of the refrigerator 1000, in the later stage of assembling the hinge mechanism 100, that is, after the hinge mechanism 100 is fixed to the door assembly 110, if the door assembly 110 is in a sunken or tilted state relative to the cabinet 120, the hinge mechanism 100 can be adjusted so that when the door assembly 110 is in a closed state relative to the cabinet 120, the side wall 1201 on either side of the refrigerator 1000 and the side cover 1101 on the same side are in the same plane, and the end wall 1201 on either end of the refrigerator 1000 and the end cover 1102 on the same end are in the same plane, and the plane where the end cover 1102 is located is perpendicular to the plane where the side wall 1201 is located, that is, the door assembly 110 is flush with the cabinet 120. Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 The figure is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an embodiment of the refrigerator provided in the present application. During use of the refrigerator 1000, when the door assembly 110 is in a sunken or tilted state relative to the cabinet 120, the door assembly 110 can be adjusted to be flush with the cabinet 120 by adjusting the hinge mechanism 100, which is easy to operate and has high adjustment efficiency.

[0039] A recess 1102a is formed on one side of the end cover 1102 where the hinge mechanism 100 is arranged. The hinge mechanism 100 is arranged in the recess 1102a so that the hinge mechanism 100 does not protrude from the end cover 1102, thereby ensuring the aesthetic appearance of the refrigerator 1000 and facilitating the refrigerator 1000 to be embedded in a cabinet.

[0040] The hinge mechanism 100 includes a hinge body 10, a mounting base 20 and an adjustment assembly 30. The hinge body 10 is used to connect between the door assembly 110 and the box body 120 of the refrigerator 1000. The mounting base 20 can be a part of the end cover 1102 of the door assembly 110, that is, the mounting base 20 and the end cover 1102 are different parts of the same component, and the mounting base 20 is formed on the bottom wall of the recess 1102a. Of course, the mounting base 20 and the end cover 1102 can also adopt a split design, that is, the mounting base 20 and the end cover 1102 are non-integrated molded parts, belonging to two different components, the mounting base 20 and the end cover 1102 are two separate components and are processed and molded separately, and assembled together after processing. The mounting base 20 is fixed to the bottom wall of the recess 1102a. The embodiment of the present application takes the mounting base 20 as a part of the end cover 1102 of the door assembly 110 as an example.

[0041] The mounting seat 20 is used to mount the hinge body 10 on the door body assembly 110. The adjustment assembly 30 includes a connector 31 and an adjustment shaft 32. The connector 31 and the adjustment shaft 32 are non-integrated structures. In other words, the connector 31 and the adjustment shaft 32 are two separate components and are processed separately. After processing, they are assembled together to form the adjustment assembly 30. The connector 31 is connected between the hinge body 10 and the mounting seat 20. One end of the adjustment shaft 32 is clamped to the connector 31, and the other end of the adjustment shaft 32 is adjustably threaded to the mounting seat 20. The adjustment shaft 32 is used to cooperate with the connector 31 to adjust the position of the door body assembly 110.

[0042] In the later stage of assembly, the door assembly 110 may be in a sinking or tilted state relative to the box body 120 due to the heavy weight of the door assembly 110 or the error in the size of the components of the hinge mechanism 100. At this time, it is only necessary to adjust the adjustment shaft 32 in the hinge mechanism 100 so that the adjustment shaft 32 can drive the connecting part 31 to move, and further drive the hinge body 10 and the door assembly 110 to move, thereby adjusting the position of the door assembly 110 so that the door assembly 110 is flush with the box body 120, which is easy to operate and improves the assembly efficiency.

[0043] The connecting member 31 is connected between the hinge body 10 and the mounting seat 20, and one end of the adjusting shaft 32 is clamped on the connecting member 31, so that during the adjustment process of the adjusting shaft 32, a flipping torque is provided to the connecting member 31, so that the connecting member 31 can drive the hinge body 10 to move, and then drive the door body assembly 110 to move.

[0044] Please also refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the mounting structure of the hinge body, mounting base, and adjustment assembly of the hinge mechanism provided in this application. For ease of description, the following description defines the extension direction of the first base 11 as the first direction AA; the extension direction and movement direction of the adjustment shaft 32 as the second direction BB, which is perpendicular to the first direction AA; and the third direction CC as perpendicular to the first and second directions AA and BB.

[0045] The hinge body 10 includes a first base 11, a second base 12, and a linkage assembly 13. The first base 11 is used to be fixed to the door assembly 110 and is arranged along the first direction AA. The second base 12 is used to be fixed to the box 120. The linkage assembly 13 is connected between the first base 11 and the second base 12.

[0046] When the door assembly 110 is closed relative to the box body 120, the linkage assembly 13 is in a folded state, and the first base 11 and the second base 12 cooperate with each other to wrap the linkage assembly 13. During the process of opening the door assembly 110 relative to the box body 120, the first base 11 and the second base 12 gradually separate, and the linkage assembly 13 gradually extends from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0047] In the embodiment of the present application, there is no limitation on the connection method between the first base 11 and the linkage assembly 13, and the connection method between the second base 12 and the linkage assembly 13. For example, a rotating shaft structure is provided on the side of the first base 11 facing the linkage assembly 13, and a rotating shaft structure is also provided on the side of the second base 12 facing the linkage assembly 13. The linkage assembly 13 is rotatably mounted on the first base 11 via the rotating shaft structure of the first base 11, and is simultaneously rotatably mounted on the second base 12 via the rotating shaft structure on the second base 12, thereby achieving the connection between the linkage assembly 13 and the second base 12. This simplifies the structure of the hinge body 10, saves the types and quantities of parts, simplifies the assembly process, and improves assembly efficiency.

[0048] Please also refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4It is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the hinge body of the hinge mechanism provided in the present application. The first base 11 includes a first bottom plate 111 and a second bottom plate 112. In some embodiments, the first base 11 may further include a third bottom plate 113. The first bottom plate 111 is arranged on the mounting base 20. The first bottom plate 111 and the third bottom plate 113 are spaced apart in the second direction BB, and the second bottom plate 112 is arranged along the second direction and connected between the first bottom plate 111 and the third bottom plate 113. The rotating shaft structure on the first base 11 can be supported between the first bottom plate 111 and the third bottom plate 113, and the rotating shaft structure is arranged along the second direction, so that one end of the linkage assembly 13 is rotatably arranged between the first bottom plate 111 and the third bottom plate 113 through the rotating shaft structure.

[0049] The connection method between the second base 12 and the linkage component 13 can be the same as the connection method between the first base 11 and the linkage component 13. Those skilled in the art can obtain the connection method between the second base 12 and the linkage component 13 by referring to the connection method between the first base 11 and the linkage component 13. Therefore, this embodiment will no longer describe the connection method between the second base 12 and the linkage component 13.

[0050] The second bottom plate 112 is disposed on one side of the first bottom plate 111 and extends from the first bottom plate 111 in a direction away from the mounting base 20. Figure 5 , Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The second bottom plate 112 has a plurality of slide grooves 112a. The extension direction of the slide grooves 112a is inclined relative to the first direction AA.

[0051] Please also refer to Figures 6 to 8 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the hinge mechanism provided in this application, omitting the hinge body; Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of part B; Figure 8 yes Figure 6Enlarged view of part C. The connecting member 31 includes a main body 311 and a limiting portion 312. The connecting member 31 is an integrated structure, thereby ensuring the structural strength of the connecting member 31, and at the same time, reducing the number of docking times, thereby improving assembly efficiency. The limiting portion 312 is arranged on the side of the first base 11 away from the linkage assembly 13. The main body 311 extends from the limiting portion 312 toward the first base 11. The main body 311 is arranged along a first direction AA, and the limiting portion 312 is arranged as a whole along a second direction BB perpendicular to the first direction AA. The plane where the main body 311 is located can be parallel to the plane where the second base plate 112 is located. The side of the main body 311 facing the second base plate 112 has a plurality of fixed columns 311a that are compatible with the slide groove 112a. The fixed columns 311a are integrally formed in the main body 311, thereby ensuring the structural strength of the fixed columns 311a. The fixed columns 311a are inserted into the slide groove 112a. Since the extending direction of the sliding groove 112a is tilted relative to the first direction AA, errors can be avoided, and adjustment space is reserved for the hinge body 10, which facilitates the adjustment of the position of the door body assembly 110.

[0052] During the adjustment process of the adjustment shaft 32, the adjustment shaft 32 moves along the second direction BB toward or away from the mounting base 20. Under the driving action of the adjustment shaft 32, the connecting member 31 can also move along the second direction BB toward or away from the mounting base 20 along the adjustment shaft 32. At the same time, the connecting member 31 drives the first base 11 to move along the first direction AA through the fixed column 311a, thereby adjusting the position of the door body assembly 110 to avoid the door body assembly 110 sinking or tilting relative to the box body 120, resulting in cold leakage, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0053] The fixing column 311 a may be cylindrical, and the diameter of the fixing column 311 a is smaller than the length of the slide groove 112 a in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction, so that the fixing column 311 a can be inserted into the slide groove 112 a.

[0054] In some embodiments, the sliding groove 112a may also be rectangular. Accordingly, the shape of the fixing column 311a may be a cube or a cuboid.

[0055] The limiting portion 312 includes a first limiting plate 3121, a second limiting plate 3122, and a receiving plate 3123. The first limiting plate 3121 and the second limiting plate 3122 are arranged along the second direction BB and spaced apart from each other in the third direction CC. One end of the main body 311 is connected to the second limiting plate 3122 and extends from the second limiting plate 3122 toward the first base 11. The receiving plate 3123 is disposed at the end of the first limiting plate 3121 and the second limiting plate 3122 facing away from the mounting base 20 and bridges between the first limiting plate 3121 and the second limiting plate 3122. The receiving plate 3123 has a groove 3123a on the side facing the hinge body 10. The groove 3123a extends through the receiving plate 3123 in the second direction BB. The length of the groove 3123a in the first direction AA is greater than the length of the groove 3123a in the third direction CC. The groove 3123 a has a notch 3123 b , and the notch 3123 b is located on a side of the groove 3123 a facing the hinge body 10 .

[0056] The adjustment shaft 32 is arranged along a second direction BB, which is perpendicular to the first direction AA. The adjustment shaft 32 includes a first shaft section 321 and a second shaft section 322. The first shaft section 321 is located on the side of the adjustment shaft 32 facing the mounting base 20, and the second shaft section 322 is located on the side of the adjustment shaft 32 facing away from the mounting base 20. The first shaft section 321 and the second shaft section 322 are interconnected. The second shaft section 322 includes an adjustment portion 3221, a locking portion 3222, and a support portion 3223, which are connected in sequence. Specifically, the locking portion 3222 is connected between the adjustment portion 3221 and the support portion 3223. The adjustment portion 3221 is located on the side of the locking portion 3222 facing away from the mounting base 20, and the support portion 3223 is located on the side of the locking portion 3222 facing the mounting base 20. The support portion 3223 is connected to the first shaft section 321.

[0057] In some embodiments, the end face of the adjusting portion 3221 away from the clamping portion 3222 has a screw groove, and this embodiment does not limit the shape of the screw groove. For example, the end face of the adjusting portion 3221 away from the clamping portion 3222 has a screw groove that is compatible with a cross screwdriver, or has a screw groove that is compatible with a flat screwdriver, or has a screw groove that is compatible with a cross screwdriver and a flat screwdriver, so that the adjusting shaft 32 can be adjusted by a cross screwdriver and / or a flat screwdriver. The screw groove should have a certain depth to prevent the screwdriver from slipping out of the screw groove during the adjustment process of the adjusting shaft 32, thereby improving the reliability of the adjustment. In other embodiments, the adjusting portion 3221 can also be a regular hexagonal prism, similar to a bolt or a nut, and the cross-section of the adjusting portion 3221 is a regular hexagon, and the adjusting shaft 32 can be adjusted by a wrench.

[0058] The outer diameters of the adjustment portion 3221 and the support portion 3223 are both larger than the outer diameter of the retaining portion 3222. The outer diameter of the retaining portion 3222 is smaller than the length of the groove 3123a in the third direction CC. During installation of the adjustment shaft 32, the adjustment shaft 32 is moved from the receiving plate 3123 toward the side of the hinge body 10 along the first direction AA toward the receiving plate 3123. The retaining portion 3222 is then retained in the groove 3123a via the notch 3123b, facilitating installation and improving assembly efficiency. After the adjustment shaft 32 is installed, the receiving plate 3123 is positioned between the adjustment portion 3221 and the support portion 3223 at its upper limit in the second direction BB, further positioning the entire connector 31 between the adjustment portion 3221 and the support portion 3223 at its upper limit in the second direction BB. Therefore, the connecting member 31 can move along the adjustment shaft 32 in the second direction BB toward or away from the mounting base 20, so that the connecting member 31 can drive the first base 11 to move via the fixing column 311a, and then drive the door assembly 110 to move, thereby adjusting the position of the door assembly 110 and preventing the door assembly 110 from sinking or tilting relative to the box body 120. The groove 3123a should have a certain length in the first direction AA to prevent the locking portion 3222 from escaping from the groove 3123a through the notch 3123b.

[0059] The connecting member 31 can move along the second direction BB toward or away from the mounting seat 20 with the adjusting shaft 32. For example, when the adjusting shaft 32 moves along the second direction BB toward the mounting seat 20, the adjusting shaft 32 can drive the connecting member 31 to move toward the mounting seat 20. When the adjusting shaft 32 moves along the second direction BB away from the mounting seat 20, the adjusting shaft 32 can drive the connecting member 31 to move away from the mounting seat 20.

[0060] The outer diameter of the adjusting portion 3221 and the outer diameter of the supporting portion 3223 are both larger than the length of the groove 3123a in the third direction CC. Therefore, after the clamping portion 3222 of the adjusting shaft 32 is clamped in the groove 3123a, the adjusting portion 3221 is located on the side of the receiving plate 3123 facing away from the mounting seat 20, which facilitates the adjustment of the adjusting shaft 32 through the adjusting portion 3221. The supporting portion 3223 is located on the side of the receiving plate 3123 facing the mounting seat 20, so that the receiving plate 3123 can be supported on the supporting portion 3223.

[0061] After the locking portion 3222 of the adjusting shaft 32 is locked in the groove 3123a, the end surface of the adjusting portion 3221 facing one end of the mounting seat is fitted with the receiving plate 3123, and the end surface of the supporting portion 3223 facing away from the mounting seat 20 is also fitted with the receiving plate 3123. This has a compact structure, which prevents the connecting member 31 from shaking, and prevents the second shaft section 322 of the adjusting shaft 32 from falling off from the notch 3123b, thereby improving stability and reliability. In addition, it also limits the displacement of the connecting member 31 in the second direction BB.

[0062] The mounting base 20 is provided with a sleeve 21 that is compatible with the first shaft segment 321. The first shaft segment 321 is adjustably threadedly connected to the sleeve 21. The sleeve 21 is arranged along the second direction BB. The sleeve 21 has a socket 21a, which is a blind hole or a through hole, for receiving the first shaft segment 321. The first shaft segment 321 is cylindrical, and the inner diameter of the socket 21a is larger than the diameter of the first shaft segment 321, allowing the first shaft segment 321 to be inserted into the socket 21a. In some embodiments, the sidewalls of the socket 21a are provided with internal threads, and the first shaft segment 321 is provided with external threads that match the internal threads on the sidewalls of the socket 21a, allowing the adjustment shaft 32 to move along the sleeve 21 in the second direction BB. The diameter of the support portion 3223 of the adjustment shaft 32 is larger than the diameter of the socket 21a of the sleeve 21, and therefore, the support portion 3223 cannot enter the socket 21a. The sleeve 21 is integrally formed with the mounting base 20 , thereby ensuring the structural strength of the sleeve 21 .

[0063] During the adjustment process of the adjustment shaft 32, the adjustment part 3221 can be screwed clockwise or counterclockwise by a tool such as a screwdriver, so that the first shaft section 321 can be moved toward or away from the mounting seat 20 along the second direction BB, thereby realizing the adjustment of the door body assembly 110. The structure is simple and the operation is convenient, thereby improving the adjustment rate of the door body assembly 110 and improving the assembly efficiency of the refrigerator 1000.

[0064] To prevent the first shaft segment 321 from disengaging from the insertion hole 21a of the sleeve 21 during adjustment of the adjustment shaft 32, and because the first shaft segment 321 is subjected to greater force than the second shaft segment 322, the length of the first shaft segment 321 in the second direction BB is not less than the length of the second shaft segment 322 in the second direction BB. This ensures a certain connection strength between the first shaft segment 321 and the sleeve 21, thereby preventing the first shaft segment 321 from disengaging from the insertion hole 21a of the sleeve 21.

[0065] The hinge mechanism 100 also includes a fixing assembly 40. The fixing assembly 40 is arranged along the first direction AA. The fixing assembly 40 serves to fix and support the hinge body 10, as well as to limit the connection member 31. The fixing assembly 40 is arranged on the side of the mounting seat 20 facing away from the hinge body 10, and the hinge body 10 is supported on the mounting seat 20 and the fixing assembly 40. The provision of the fixing assembly 40 improves the load-bearing capacity of the mounting seat 20, thereby preventing the mounting seat 20 from collapsing and deforming. At the same time, the provision of the fixing assembly 40 improves the lifting capacity of the hinge body 10, thereby preventing the door body assembly 110 from tilting or sinking relative to the box body 120 due to insufficient lifting capacity of the hinge body 10. The provision of the fixing assembly 40 further increases the connection strength between the hinge mechanism 100 and the door body assembly 110.

[0066] The present application does not limit the specific structure of the fixing assembly 40. The fixing assembly 40 only needs to fix and support the hinge body 10 and limit the connection member 31. For example, the fixing assembly 40 includes a fixing portion 44, an extension portion 45, and a bending portion 46. The fixing portion 44 is arranged on the side of the mounting base 20 facing away from the hinge body 10. The fixing portion 44 and the bending portion 46 are arranged relative to each other in the second direction BB and are arranged at both ends of the extension portion 45. The plane where the fixing portion 44 and the bending portion 46 are located is parallel to the first direction AA and the third direction CC, and perpendicular to the second direction BB. The plane where the extension portion 45 is located is parallel to the second direction BB, and perpendicular to the first direction AA and the third direction CC. The fixing assembly 40 is an integrally formed structure, thereby ensuring the structural strength of the fixing assembly 40. The arrangement of the extension portion 45 and the bending portion 46 improves the load-bearing capacity of the fixing assembly 40, thereby further improving the load-bearing capacity of the mounting base 20 and improving reliability.

[0067] Because the hinge mechanism 100 of the refrigerator 1000 not only connects the door assembly 110 and the refrigerator body 120 but also bears the majority of the door assembly 110's weight, it should be constructed of a high-strength material. The hinge mechanism 100 can be manufactured from sheet metal. For example, the hinge body 10, the fixing assembly 40, and the adjustment assembly 30 can all be sheet metal. Sheet metal is both strong and low-cost, ensuring the structural strength of the hinge mechanism 100 while reducing production costs.

[0068] See also Figure 9 , Figure 9 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of part D of the mounting seat 20. The mounting seat 20 is provided with a first limiting groove 22 and a second limiting groove 23. The first limiting groove 22 and the second limiting groove 23 are located on the side of the first base 11 away from the linkage assembly 13, and are located on both sides of the sleeve 21 along the third direction CC. The first limiting groove 22 and the second limiting groove 23 pass through from one side of the mounting seat 20 to the other side of the mounting seat 20. The fixing assembly 40 is provided with a third limiting groove 41 and a fourth limiting groove 42. Specifically, the third limiting groove 41 and the fourth limiting groove 42 are provided in the fixing portion 44. The third limiting groove 41 and the fourth limiting groove 42 are provided on the side of the fixing portion 44 facing the mounting seat 20. The third limiting groove 41 and the fourth limiting groove 42 can pass through from the side of the fixing portion 44 facing the mounting seat 20 to the other side of the mounting seat 20. Of course, the third limiting groove 41 and the fourth limiting groove 42 may not pass through the fixing portion 44. Whether the third limiting groove 41 and the fourth limiting groove 42 pass through the fixing portion 44 can be determined according to specific circumstances.

[0069] The first limiting slot 22 and the third limiting slot 41 are provided in correspondence with each other, and the second limiting slot 23 and the fourth limiting slot 42 are provided in correspondence with each other. The first limiting slot 22 and the third limiting slot 41 are adapted to the first limiting plate 3121, while the second limiting slot 23 and the fourth limiting slot 42 are adapted to the second limiting plate 3122. The first limiting plate 3121 is inserted into the first limiting slot 22 and the third limiting slot 41, and the second limiting plate 3122 is inserted into the second limiting slot 23 and the fourth limiting slot 42 in sequence. The first limiting plate 3121 is inserted into the second limiting slot 23 and the fourth limiting slot 42. The second limiting slot 23 and the fourth limiting slot 42 limit the displacement of the first limiting plate 3121 in the first direction AA and the third direction CC. The second limiting plate 3122 is inserted into the second limiting slot 23 and the fourth limiting slot 42. The second limiting slot 23 and the fourth limiting slot 42 limit the displacement of the second limiting plate 3122 in the first direction AA and the third direction CC, thereby further limiting the displacement of the connecting member 31 in the first direction AA and the third direction CC, improving the stability of the connecting member 31 and preventing the connecting member 31 from shaking during movement with the adjustment shaft 32. The third limiting slot 41 and the fourth limiting slot 42 ensure the insertion depth of the first limiting plate 3121 and the second limiting plate 3122, further improving the limiting effect.

[0070] The first base plate 111, the mounting base 20, and the fixing assembly 40 have a plurality of matching fixing holes 20a. First fixing members 43 are inserted into the fixing holes 20a of the first base plate 111, the mounting base 20, and the fixing assembly 40 to secure the hinge body 10 to the door assembly 110. The first fixing members 43 are positioned in the fixing holes 20a along the second direction BB. The first fixing members 43 should be sufficiently long in the second direction BB to enhance the connection strength.

[0071] In some embodiments, the fixing holes 20a on the first base plate 111 are arranged along the first direction AA, so that during adjustment of the adjustment shaft 32, the first base 11 can be moved along the first direction AA under the driving action of the connector 31, thereby avoiding structural errors and improving assembly efficiency. The specific shape of the fixing holes 20a on the mounting base 20 and the fixing assembly 40 is not limited. For example, the fixing holes 20a on the mounting base 20 and the fixing assembly 40 may be oval or circular.

[0072] The extension direction of the sliding groove 112a on the second bottom plate 112 of the first base 11 is inclined relative to the first direction AA, and the fixing hole 20a on the first bottom plate 111 is set along the first direction AA, providing a certain activity space for the first base 11, so that during the adjustment process of the adjustment shaft 32, under the driving action of the connecting member 31, the first base 11 can move along the first direction AA, thereby achieving the purpose of adjusting the position of the door body assembly 110.

[0073] During the installation of the first base 11, first fix the fixing component 40 to the side of the mounting base 20 facing away from the hinge body 10, and make the fixing hole 20a, the third limiting groove 41 and the fourth limiting groove 42 on the fixing component 40 correspond to the fixing hole 20a, the first limiting groove 22 and the second limiting groove 23 on the mounting base 20 respectively. Secondly, the clamping portion 3222 of the adjusting shaft 32 is clamped in the groove 3123a on the receiving plate 3123 of the connecting member 31, and the first shaft section 321 of the adjusting shaft 32 is set in the sleeve 21 on the mounting base 20, and at the same time, the first limiting plate 3121 is inserted into the first limiting groove 22 and the third limiting groove 41, and the second limiting plate 3122 is inserted into Into the second limiting groove 23 and the fourth limiting groove 42, then insert the fixing column 311a on the main body 311 of the connecting member 31 into the slide groove 112a on the first base 11, and finally cooperate with the first bottom plate 111, the mounting seat 20 and the fixing hole 20a on the fixing component 40 through the first fixing member 43 to connect the first bottom plate 111, the mounting seat 20 and the fixing component 40, so as to fix the first base 11 to the door body assembly 110. After the first base 11 is fixed, the door body assembly 110 is flush with the box body 120 by screwing the adjusting shaft 32. The overall structure of the hinge mechanism 100 is simple, the number of parts is small, and the adjustment is convenient, which improves the assembly efficiency.

[0074] The hinge mechanism 100 also includes a cover 50. The cover 50 is mounted on the mounting base 20 and at least partially covers the hinge body 10. This protects the hinge mechanism 100 from dust and liquids, thereby ensuring the proper connection and adjustment of the hinge body 10. It also enhances the overall aesthetics of the refrigerator 1000.

[0075] See also Figures 10 and 11 , Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of another embodiment of the refrigerator provided in this application; Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The present application also provides a refrigerator 1000, which includes a door assembly 110, a box body 120 and the hinge mechanism 100 in the above embodiment. The door assembly 110 has a foaming cavity therein. In some embodiments, the fixing assembly 40 is first fixed to the side of the mounting seat 20 facing away from the hinge body 10, and then the foaming material is injected into the foaming cavity. After the foaming material is formed, the fixing assembly 40 can be supported on the foaming material, thereby improving the connection strength of the fixing assembly 40, and at the same time further improving the structural strength of the mounting seat 20, thereby avoiding the collapse and deformation of the mounting seat 20 due to the heavy weight of the hinge body 10.

[0076] The door assembly 110 includes a first door body 110a and a second door body 110b. The specific structure of the first door body 110a and the second door body 110b refers to the structure of the door assembly 110 in the above embodiment. Both ends of the first door body 110a and the second door body 110b are connected to the box body 120 through a hinge mechanism 100. After the first base 11 is fixed, the adjustment shaft 32 on the hinge mechanism 100 of the first door body 110a and the second door body 110b is adjusted so that the first door body 110a and the second door body 110b are flush with the box body 120, and the first door body 110a and the second door body 110b are flush with each other. The hinge mechanism 100 has high overall strength, simple structure, and convenient adjustment, which greatly improves assembly efficiency.

[0077] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific structure of the box body 120. The specific structure of the hinge mechanism 100 refers to the above embodiment. Since the refrigerator 1000 provided in the embodiment of the present application adopts all the solutions of all the embodiments of the above-mentioned hinge mechanism 100, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions of the above-mentioned embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0078] The present application provides a hinge mechanism and a refrigerator, wherein the hinge mechanism is used for the refrigerator, and the hinge mechanism includes: a hinge body for connecting between the door assembly and the box body of the refrigerator; a mounting base for mounting the hinge body on the door assembly; an adjustment assembly including a connecting piece and an adjusting shaft, wherein the connecting piece is connected between the hinge body and the mounting base, one end of the adjusting shaft is clamped on the connecting piece, and the other end of the adjusting shaft is adjustably threaded on the mounting base, and the adjusting shaft is used to cooperate with the connecting piece to adjust the position of the door assembly. After fixing the hinge body to the door assembly, the adjusting shaft is screwed, and the adjusting shaft can drive the connecting piece to drive the hinge body to move, thereby adjusting the position of the door assembly. The structure is simple, the operation is convenient, and the assembly efficiency is improved.

[0079] The above description is only an implementation method of the present application and does not limit the patent scope of the present application. Any equivalent structure or equivalent process transformation made using the contents of the present application specification and drawings, or directly or indirectly applied in other related technical fields, are also included in the patent protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A hinge mechanism for a refrigerator, characterized in that: The hinge mechanism comprises: A hinge body, used to connect between the door assembly and the refrigerator body; A mounting base, used for mounting the hinge body on the door assembly; An adjustment assembly, comprising a connecting member and an adjustment shaft, wherein the connecting member is connected between the hinge body and the mounting seat, one end of the adjustment shaft is clamped to the connecting member, and the other end of the adjustment shaft is adjustably threaded to the mounting seat, and the adjustment shaft is used to cooperate with the connecting member to adjust the position of the door assembly; In which, the hinge body includes a first base, which is used to be fixed to the door body assembly and extends along the first direction. The first base includes a second bottom plate, and the second bottom plate has a plurality of slide grooves. The extension direction of the slide grooves is inclined relative to the first direction; the connecting member includes a main body and a limiting part that are connected to each other, one end of the adjusting shaft is clamped in the limiting part, and the main body has a plurality of fixed columns that are adapted to the slide grooves on the side facing the second bottom plate, and the fixed columns are inserted into the slide grooves.

2. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The hinge body further includes a second base and a linkage assembly, wherein the second base is used to be fixed to the box body, and the linkage assembly is connected between the first base and the second base.

3. The hinge mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The first base includes a first bottom plate, the first bottom plate is arranged on the mounting seat, and the second bottom plate is arranged on one side of the first bottom plate and extends from the first bottom plate in a direction away from the mounting seat.

4. The hinge mechanism according to claim 3, wherein: The limiting portion is arranged on a side of the first base away from the linkage assembly, and the main body extends from the limiting portion toward the first base.

5. The hinge mechanism according to claim 4, wherein: The limiting portion includes a first limiting plate, a second limiting plate and a receiving plate. The receiving plate is arranged at one end of the first limiting plate and the second limiting plate away from the mounting seat, and is bridged between the first limiting plate and the second limiting plate. The receiving plate has a groove on the side facing the hinge body.

6. The hinge mechanism according to claim 5, wherein: The adjusting shaft is arranged along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The adjusting shaft includes a first shaft segment and a second shaft segment. The second shaft segment includes an adjusting portion, a clamping portion and a supporting portion connected in sequence. The supporting portion is connected to the first shaft segment. The outer diameters of the adjusting portion and the supporting portion are both larger than the outer diameter of the clamping portion. The clamping portion is clamped in the groove.

7. The hinge mechanism according to claim 6, wherein: The adjusting portion is located on a side of the receiving plate facing away from the mounting seat, and the supporting portion is located on a side of the receiving plate facing the mounting seat.

8. The hinge mechanism according to claim 6, wherein: The mounting seat is provided with a sleeve adapted to the first shaft section, and the first shaft section is adjustably threadedly connected to the sleeve.

9. The hinge mechanism according to claim 5, wherein: The hinge mechanism also includes a fixing component, which is arranged on the side of the mounting seat facing away from the hinge body, the mounting seat has a first limiting groove and a second limiting groove, and the fixing component has a third limiting groove and a fourth limiting groove, wherein the first limiting plate is inserted into the first limiting groove and the third limiting groove, and the second limiting plate is inserted into the second limiting groove and the fourth limiting groove.

10. The hinge mechanism according to claim 9, wherein: The first base plate, the mounting seat and the fixing assembly are provided with a plurality of matching fixing holes, and the first fixing member is inserted into the fixing holes on the first base plate, the mounting seat and the fixing assembly to fix the hinge body to the door body assembly.

11. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The hinge mechanism further includes a cover body, which is disposed on the mounting seat and at least partially covers the hinge body.

12. A refrigerator, characterized in that: Comprising the hinge mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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