Door opening device, door body and refrigerator

Abstract

The application discloses a door opening device, a door body and a refrigerator. The door opening device comprises: a door hook assembly, one end of which is provided with a door hook capable of being hooked or stepped by feet, and is installed in the door body; a sensor, which sends an induction signal when a specified area of the door body is shielded; a driving member, which drives the door hook assembly to move; and a controller, which controls the driving member to drive the door hook assembly to move when the induction signal of the sensor is received, so that the door hook of the door hook assembly is extended from the door body. The application changes the external mechanical structure into the embedded structure embedded in the internal door body of the refrigerator, and replaces the spring elastic force driving with the automatic driving mode of the reflection type photoelectric switch triggering the rotation of the brushless motor, so that the user can more conveniently use the device to open the refrigerator door, greatly simplifies the cumbersome degree of user operation, improves the convenience and easy use of the application, and guarantees the integrity and aesthetic degree of the refrigerator door body through the structure embedded design.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and in particular to a door opening device, a door body, and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Today, household refrigerators come in a wide variety of styles and types, with increasingly rich practical functions. Refrigerator doors have also evolved from traditional two-door and three-door models to multi-door models such as side-by-side and four-door, allowing for more detailed division of functional areas. At the same time, users' demands for aesthetically pleasing refrigerator designs have gradually increased, leading manufacturers to continuously introduce innovative designs such as recessed doors and concealed handles. However, these designs do not solve the problem of users having to directly touch the door handle to open the refrigerator door, regardless of whether they are holding items in their hands. This is especially true for the bottom shelf of side-by-side refrigerators or double-door refrigerators, where users often need to place items near the refrigerator, open and keep the door open, and finally put the items in and close the door. This series of operations not only demonstrates the low efficiency of opening the refrigerator door when the user is holding items, but also leads to higher energy consumption during refrigerator use. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to solve the technical problem of low door opening efficiency in the prior art, the present invention proposes a door opening device, a door body, and a refrigerator.

[0004] The technical solution adopted in this invention is:

[0005] This invention proposes a door opening device, comprising:

[0006] Door hook assembly, with a door hook that can be hooked or stepped on, is installed inside the door;

[0007] The sensor emits a sensing signal when there is an obstruction in a designated area of ​​the door.

[0008] The driving component drives the door hook assembly to move;

[0009] When the controller receives the sensing signal from the sensor, it controls the drive unit to drive the door hook assembly to move so that the door hook of the door hook assembly extends out of the door body.

[0010] Furthermore, after receiving the sensing signal, if the controller does not receive the sensing signal for a preset time, it controls the drive unit to drive the door hook assembly to move so that the door hook assembly retracts into the door body.

[0011] Preferably, the door hook assembly includes: a crank, a door hook disposed at one end of the crank, and a connector connecting the crank and the drive member, wherein the drive member drives the crank to perform a circular motion through the connector to extend out of the door body or retract into the door body.

[0012] Furthermore, the lower part of the door body has an opening on the side away from the pivot, and the door body has an arc-shaped track that connects to the opening, with the crank installed in the arc-shaped track.

[0013] Furthermore, the inner wall of the arc-shaped track is provided with multiple notches, and the crank is provided with a limiting component that can be partially engaged in the notches. After the crank extends out of the door body in a circular motion, the limiting component is engaged in one of the notches. After the crank retracts out of the door body in a circular motion, the limiting component is engaged in another notch.

[0014] Furthermore, a cleaning brush that contacts the crank is provided inside the opening.

[0015] Furthermore, the end of the arc-shaped track is provided with an elastic element, and the crank moves in a circular motion and is limited by the elastic element at the rear end when it retracts into the door body.

[0016] Furthermore, the outer surface of the door hook is a friction surface, and the crank extends from the door body to a position where the friction surface of the door hook faces upward.

[0017] Preferably, the designated area sensed by the sensor is located around the opening.

[0018] The present invention also proposes a door body, wherein the above-mentioned door opening device is installed at the bottom of the door body.

[0019] The present invention also proposes a refrigerator, including the aforementioned door body.

[0020] Compared with existing technologies, this invention replaces the external mechanical structure with an internal structure embedded inside the refrigerator door. At the same time, it replaces the spring force drive with an automatic drive method that triggers the brushless motor to rotate using a reflective photoelectric switch. This makes it easier for users to open the refrigerator door, greatly simplifies the cumbersome operation for users, improves the convenience and ease of use of this invention, and ensures the integrity and aesthetics of the refrigerator door through the embedded structural design. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the front structure of the door in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the front structure of the door opening device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a side view of the crankshaft partially hidden in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the door hook assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the side structure of the door hook assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the door hook assembly retracting into the inside of the door body in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the door hook assembly extending outward from the door body in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a flowchart from an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a simplified structural diagram of the refrigerator in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] 1. Door body; 11. Inner side of door body; 12. Outer side of door body; 111. Door handle; 13. Curved track; 14. Elastic element; 15. Second limiting notch; 16. First limiting notch;

[0032] 2. Door opening device; 21. Crank; 22. Door hook; 23. Connector; 211. Mounting hole; 212. Limit spring; 213. Limit ball;

[0033] 3. Sensors;

[0034] 4. Drive components;

[0035] 5. Cleaning brush. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0037] The principles and structure of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0038] Today, household refrigerators come in a wide variety of styles and types, with increasingly rich practical functions. Refrigerator doors have also evolved from traditional two-door and three-door models to multi-door models such as side-by-side and four-door, allowing for more detailed division of the refrigerator's functional areas. At the same time, users' demands for the aesthetic design of refrigerators have gradually increased, leading manufacturers to continuously introduce innovative designs such as recessed doors and concealed door handles. However, these designs do not solve the problem of users having to directly touch the door handle to open the refrigerator door, regardless of whether their hands are holding items to be stored.

[0039] Currently, most solutions to the problem of opening refrigerator doors without hands fall into two categories: automatic and manual. One approach involves improving the door handle design by extending the groove to the bottom of the door, allowing the user to trigger a motor sensor within the groove using their toes to open the door. The other approach involves installing a spring-loaded mechanical foot-operated door opener on the side of the refrigerator or the outside of the door frame, using the spring force to drive a door-top mechanism to open and close the door. This invention proposes a door opening device that, when installed on the refrigerator, allows the door to open when a person's foot is extended and closes near the door.

[0040] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, this invention proposes a door opening device 2, which is installed inside a door body 1. A door handle 111 is installed on the door body 1. The door opening device 2 includes a door hook assembly, a sensor 3, a drive unit 4, and a controller. The door hook assembly is installed inside the door body 1, with a door hook 22 at one end. After extending from inside the door body 1, the door hook 22 faces upwards, allowing the user to hook or step on the door hook 22 with their toe to open the door body 1 outwards. The sensor 3 is installed on the door body 1 and can detect a convenient foot contact area (a designated area) on the lower part of the door body 1. When a foot contacts this designated area (i.e., the designated sensing area), a sensing signal is emitted. The drive unit 4 is installed inside the door body 1 and can drive the door hook assembly to move, allowing the door hook 22 of the door hook assembly to extend outwards. The controller is used to receive the sensor signal to control the drive unit to drive the door hook assembly. When the controller receives the sensor signal, it controls the drive unit 4 to drive the door hook assembly to move outward of the door body 1, so that the door hook 22 of the door hook assembly extends outward from the door body 1. The user can hook or step on the door hook 22 with their toes to open the door body 1 outward. After the door hook assembly extends, if the controller does not receive the sensor signal within a preset time, it controls the drive unit 4 to drive the door hook assembly to move so that the door hook assembly retracts into the door body 1.

[0041] The door opening device proposed in this invention can automatically pop out of the door body 1 when the user needs to open the door with his / her foot, so that the user can step on the door hook 22 to open the door body 1. Moreover, the door hook 22 of the device can automatically retract into the door body 1 or stick to the side of the door body to avoid affecting the aesthetics of the door body 1 and prevent bumps.

[0042] In specific embodiments, such as Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figure 4, the door hook assembly includes: a crank 21 and a door hook 22 provided at one end of the crank 21 that can extend outward, and a connector 23 connecting the crank 21 and the drive member 4. The crank 21 is arc-shaped and moves in an arc around the drive shaft of the drive member 4. When the crank 21 is retracted inside the door body 1, the end with the door hook 22 is located at the bottom. When the crank 21 is driven to move outward from the door body 1, the door hook 22 is driven and moves outward and upward in an arc trajectory from the surface parallel to the side of the door body 1 (inner side 11, outer side 12), and rotates until the surface of the door hook 22 becomes perpendicular to the side of the door body 1 (it may not be completely perpendicular), so that the outer surface of the door hook 22 faces upward, making it convenient for the user to step on it with their foot.

[0043] In other embodiments, the door hook assembly can also be configured as a straight rod with a door hook at one end. The driving component is a cylinder, which can extend the straight rod out of the door body, allowing the door hook to extend so that the user can step on it to open the door, or retract the door hook into the door body to avoid affecting the aesthetics of the door and prevent bumps. Based on this, those skilled in the art can also use other structures to achieve the pop-out and retraction of the door hook, all of which are within the protection scope of this invention.

[0044] In specific embodiments, such as Figure 4 , 5 As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the door hook assembly includes: a crank 21 and a door hook 22 provided at one end of the crank 21 that can extend outward, and a connector 23 connecting the crank 21 and the drive member 4. The crank 21 is arc-shaped and moves in an arc around the drive shaft of the drive member 4. When the crank 21 is retracted inside the door body 1, the end with the door hook 22 is located at the bottom. When the crank 21 is driven to move outward from the door body 1, the door hook 22 is driven to move outward and upward in an arc trajectory from being parallel to the side of the door body 1, and rotates until the surface of the door hook 22 becomes perpendicular to the side of the door body 1 (it may not be completely perpendicular), so that the outer surface of the door hook 22 faces upward, making it convenient for the user to step on it with their foot. The central angle of crank 21 is 120 to 140 degrees, specifically 135 degrees. Connector 23 is a fan-shaped panel with a central angle of 60 degrees (which can be set according to actual needs, for example, 60 to 135 degrees). One end of the fan-shaped panel is connected to the drive shaft of drive component 4, and the other end is connected to the arc-shaped side of crank 21 to ensure the connection strength of the entire mechanism.

[0045] In specific embodiments, such as Figure 6 , 7As shown, an arc-shaped track 13 (inner side 11, outer side 12) is provided inside the door body 1 for mounting the crank 21. An opening is provided on the side of the door body 1, and the arc-shaped track 13 is located inside the opening. One end of the arc-shaped track 13 is the opening on the side of the door body 1, and the other end is provided with an elastic element 14. When the crank 21 is fully retracted into the arc-shaped track 13, the end will press against the elastic element 14, causing the elastic element 14 to compress. When the crank 21 is extended, the elastic element 14 releases its elastic force, which can improve the extension efficiency and speed of the crank 21 and improve the user experience.

[0046] The arc-shaped track 13 is also provided with two limiting notches, namely the first limiting notch 16 and the second limiting notch 15. The crank 21 is provided with a limiting component that can be partially engaged with the notch. When the limiting component is engaged with the first limiting notch 16, the crank 21 is in a fully retracted state in contact with the elastic element 14; when the limiting component is engaged with the second limiting notch 15, the crank 21 is in a pop-out state (inner side 11 of the door body, outer side 12 of the door body). By setting the notches and limiting components, the locking effect can be enhanced, and all the pressure of the crank 21 can be prevented from acting directly on the drive shaft of the drive element 4 when the drive element 4 is not rotating, thereby improving the life of the drive element 4 and improving the reliability of the overall structure.

[0047] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0048] Specifically, such as Figure 6 , 7 As shown, the elastic element 14 can be a spring directly mounted on the end of the arc track 13. When the crank 21 is retracted to this end, it will compress the elastic element to accumulate elastic force, while avoiding direct impact on the end of the arc track 13.

[0049] Specifically, such as Figure 6 , 7 As shown, the limiting components are a limiting spring 212 and a limiting ball 213 mounted on the crank 21. Specifically, a mounting groove or mounting hole 211 can be provided at the end of the crank 21. One end of the limiting spring 212 is fixed in the mounting groove or mounting hole 211, and the limiting ball 213 is connected to the other end of the limiting spring 212. Before the end of the crank 21 moves to the notch, the limiting spring 212 is compressed, and the limiting ball is located in the mounting hole 211 or mounting groove. When the end of the crank 21 moves to the notch, the limiting spring 212 releases its elastic force, causing the limiting ball 213 to automatically pop out and lock into the notch for limiting.

[0050] It should be noted that the limiting component can also be set in other limiting forms, such as the limiting structure commonly used in the prior art, such as the snap-fit. As long as it is for limiting the crank 21 to a certain position as required, it is within the protection scope of this invention.

[0051] In specific embodiments, such as Figure 2 , 4 As shown, the outer side of the door hook 22 is a friction surface. When the crank 21 is driven to move outward from the door body 1, the door hook 22 is driven to move outward and upward in an arc trajectory from a state where the outer side is parallel to and close to the side of the door body 1, and rotates the angle until the outer side of the door hook 22 becomes perpendicular to the side of the door body 1 (it may not be completely perpendicular), so that the outer side of the door hook 22 faces upward. Setting a friction surface can increase the friction with the user's shoe sole, making it easier for the user to step on it with their foot and open the door body 1.

[0052] In practical applications, the area of ​​the outer side of the door hook 22 is slightly larger than the area of ​​the opening on the side of the door body 1. When the crank 21 is fully retracted into the arc track 13, the end will hit the elastic element 14 and compress the elastic element 14. When the elastic element 14 is compressed, the outer side of the door hook 22 will be close to the side of the door body 1 to block the opening, which can improve the integrity of the outer surface of the door body 1 and improve its aesthetics.

[0053] In a specific embodiment, a cleaning brush 5 is provided on the inner side of the opening of the door body 1. The cleaning brush contacts the crank and can clean the crank 21 during the process of retracting inward, so as to prevent the crank from bringing dust into the arc track. A dust collection groove that can be pulled out from the outside of the door body can also be provided at this position to prevent dust from clogging the arc track and to facilitate cleaning.

[0054] In a specific embodiment, sensor 3 is a photoelectric sensor. The designated area sensed by the sensor is located around the opening, specifically above the opening. When the user's foot extends to the designated position of the sensor to block it, the controller receives the sensing signal and controls the crank 21 to pop out, so that the door hook 22 automatically attaches to the user's foot, which can greatly improve the user experience.

[0055] In a specific embodiment or a further embodiment of the first embodiment described above, the drive component 4 is a brushless motor and has a self-locking function.

[0056] This invention also proposes a door body 1, with an opening device 2 installed at the bottom of the body. Specifically, or preferably, the opening device 2 is installed on the side of the door body 1 away from the pivot, facilitating the user to open the door body 1 by using their foot to drive the door hook 22. The opening device 2 includes: a door hook assembly, a sensor, a drive unit 4, and a controller. The door hook assembly is installed inside the door body 1, with a door hook 22 at one end. After extending from inside the door body 1, the door hook 22 faces upwards, allowing the user to hook or step on the door hook 22 with their toe to open the door body 1 outwards. The sensor is installed on the door body 1 and can detect a convenient foot contact area (a designated area) on the lower part of the door body 1. When a foot is placed in the designated area, a sensing signal is emitted. The drive unit 4 is installed inside the door body 1 and can drive the door hook assembly to move, allowing the door hook 22 of the door hook assembly to extend outwards. The controller is used to receive the sensing signal from the sensor to control the drive unit 4 to drive the door hook assembly. When the controller receives the sensing signal from the sensor, it controls the drive unit 4 to drive the door hook assembly to move outward of the door body 1, so that the door hook 22 of the door hook assembly extends outward from the door body 1. The user can hook or step on the door hook 22 with their toes to open the door body 1 outward.

[0057] The present invention also proposes a refrigerator, including the aforementioned door 1. Specifically, the refrigerator can be a double-door refrigerator or any other refrigerator with a rotating door 1 at the bottom (i.e., a refrigerator without a drawer-type door 1), all of which are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0058] In specific embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, after the refrigerator is powered on, the door hook 22 of the door opening device 2 is in the retracted state. The system determines whether there is a continuous obstruction by the signal fed back by the photoelectric sensor (photoelectric switch in the figure) of the door opening device 2, i.e., the user triggers the photoelectric sensor with their toe. If a continuous obstruction is detected, the system will drive the brushless motor (drive component 4) to rotate and pop the door hook assembly into place; otherwise, it will not act. After the door hook 22 of the door hook assembly pops into place, regardless of whether the refrigerator door 1 is open, the photoelectric sensor (photoelectric switch) will again detect whether there is a continuous obstruction (actually, it determines whether there is a continuous signal within a preset time, and this preset time can be determined by testing based on actual door opening conditions), i.e., it determines whether the user's toe is still hooked on the door hook 22 (hooked downwards or stepped on). At this time, if a continuous obstruction is detected, the system will not act; otherwise, it means that the user has released the door hook 22, and the system will drive the brushless motor to rotate and retract the door hook assembly to reset.

[0059] like Figure 9As shown, the refrigerator is a double-door refrigerator, comprising a pair of doors 1 that can rotate to open to both sides. Each door 1 has an opening device 2, specifically installed on the side of the door 1 furthest from the pivot point, i.e., near the central axis of the refrigerator in the diagram. Compared to the traditional improved door handle 111 design, which extends the groove to the bottom of the door 1, allowing the user to open the refrigerator door by triggering a sensor (drive unit) within the groove with their toe, the opening device 2 proposed in this invention is directly located at the bottom of the door 1. When the user's foot reaches the designated position of the sensor to block it, the controller receives the sensing signal and controls the crank 21 to pop out, and the door hook 22 automatically attaches to the user's foot, significantly improving the user experience.

[0060] This invention replaces the external mechanical structure with an internal structure embedded inside the refrigerator door. It also replaces the spring force drive with an automatic drive method that triggers the brushless motor to rotate using a reflective photoelectric switch. This makes it easier for users to open the refrigerator door, greatly simplifying the user's operation and improving the convenience and ease of use of this invention. Furthermore, the embedded design ensures the integrity and aesthetics of the refrigerator door.

[0061] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0062] It should be noted that the terminology used above is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0063] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0064] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0065] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A door opening device for a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising a door body, the door opening device disposed within the door body, an opening provided on the lower part of the door body away from the pivot, and an arc-shaped track communicating with the opening provided within the door body, characterized in that, The door opening device includes: A door hook assembly with a door hook that can be hooked or stepped on by a foot, allowing the user to open the door outward; the door hook is installed inside the door body. A sensor emits a sensing signal when there is an obstruction in a designated area of ​​the door, and the designated area sensed by the sensor is located around the opening; A driving component drives the door hook assembly to move between the inside and outside of the door; When the controller receives the sensing signal from the sensor, it controls the drive unit to drive the door hook assembly to move so that the door hook of the door hook assembly extends out of the door body. After the door hook assembly extends, according to the continuous state of the sensing signal, if no continuous sensing signal is detected within a preset time, the controller controls the drive unit to drive the door hook assembly to automatically retract into the door body. The door hook assembly includes: a crank installed in the arc-shaped track, a door hook disposed at one end of the crank, and a connector connecting the crank and a drive member. The drive member drives the crank to perform a circular motion through the connector, causing the door hook to extend out of the door body or retract into the door body. The outer surface of the door hook is a friction surface, and the crank extends from the door body to a position where the friction surface of the door hook faces upward.

2. The refrigerator door opening device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the arc-shaped track is provided with multiple notches, and the crank is provided with a limiting component that can be partially engaged in the notches. After the crank moves in a circular motion and extends out of the door body, the limiting component is engaged in one of the notches. After the crank moves in a circular motion and retracts out of the door body, the limiting component is engaged in another notch.

3. The refrigerator door opening device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A cleaning brush that contacts the crank is provided inside the opening.

4. The refrigerator door opening device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the arc-shaped track is provided with an elastic element, and the rear end of the crank that retracts into the door body in a circular motion is limited by the elastic element.

5. A door, characterized in that, The bottom of the door is equipped with the refrigerator opening device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A refrigerator, characterized in that, Includes the door body as described in claim 5.

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