Linear hinge assembly for an electric appliance

Abstract

A household appliance (100), such as a refrigeration appliance, includes a cabinet (102), a door body (122), and a linear hinge (200) coupling the door body (122) to the cabinet (102). The linear hinge (200) includes a bearing assembly (210), an elongated shaft (220), a door linkage (230), and a cabinet linkage (232). The bearing assembly (210) can be mounted to the cabinet (102). The elongated shaft (220) is housed within the bearing assembly (210) and is slidable on the bearing assembly (210) along a translation axis (A). The elongated shaft (220) can define a first shaft pivot axis (P1) perpendicular to the translation axis (A) and a second shaft pivot axis (P2) parallel to the first shaft pivot axis (P1). The door linkage (230) can couple the door body (122) to the elongated shaft (220). The door linkage (230) can be pivotally connected to the elongated shaft (220) at the first shaft pivot axis (P1). The cabinet linkage (232) can couple the cabinet (102) to the elongated shaft (220). The cabinet linkage (232) can be pivotally connected to the elongated shaft (220) at the second shaft pivot axis (P2).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to refrigeration appliances, and more particularly to linear hinges for refrigeration appliances. BACKGROUND

[0002] Refrigeration appliances generally include a cabinet defining a refrigeration compartment for receiving food products for storage. In addition, the refrigeration appliance includes one or more door bodies rotatably hinged to the cabinet to allow selective access to the food products stored in the refrigeration compartment. The refrigeration appliance can also include various storage components mounted within the refrigeration compartment and designed to facilitate storage of food products therein. Such storage components can include shelves, bins, shelves, or drawers that receive food products within the refrigeration compartment and assist in organizing and arranging such food products.

[0003] Refrigeration appliances are typically disposed within a recess in a row of cabinets that are mounted to a wall in a kitchen. To improve the appearance of the refrigeration appliance and minimize protrusion into the pathway of the kitchen, certain refrigeration appliances are designed for flush mounting, in which the front of the door body is generally flush with the front of the cabinet when the door body is closed. In addition, such refrigerators can be designed to accommodate a cabinet panel such that the front appearance of the refrigeration appliance matches the appearance of the cabinet. However, conventional refrigeration appliances include door bodies that pivot about a single pivot axis or hinge, which can cause the door body or a panel mounted to the door body to rub or conflict with an adjacent cabinet. In addition, the door body can frequently experience gasket rubbing or wear when the refrigerator door body is repeatedly opened and closed.

[0004] Accordingly, a refrigeration appliance having an improved hinge assembly would be useful. More particularly, a hinge assembly that reduces the likelihood of contact between the refrigerator door body and an adjacent cabinet would be particularly beneficial. SUMMARY

[0005] Various aspects of the application, as well as a full description of the application, will be apparent from the following detailed description, or can be learned by practice of the application.

[0006] In one example aspect of the present disclosure, a household appliance is provided. The household appliance can include a cabinet, a door body, and a linear hinge coupling the door body to the cabinet. The linear hinge can include a bearing assembly, an elongate shaft, a door linkage, and a cabinet linkage. The bearing assembly can be mounted to the cabinet. The elongate shaft can be housed within the bearing assembly such that the elongate shaft is slidable on the bearing assembly along a translation axis. The elongate shaft can define a first shaft pivot axis perpendicular to the translation axis and a second shaft pivot axis parallel to the first shaft pivot axis. The door linkage can couple the door body to the elongate shaft. The door linkage can be pivotally connected to the elongate shaft at the first shaft pivot axis. The cabinet linkage can couple the cabinet to the elongate shaft. The cabinet linkage can be pivotally connected to the elongate shaft at the second shaft pivot axis.

[0007] In another example aspect of the disclosure, a refrigeration appliance is provided. The refrigeration appliance can include a cabinet, a door, and a linear hinge coupling the door to the cabinet. The linear hinge can include a bearing assembly, an elongated shaft, a door linkage, a cabinet linkage, and a biasing linkage. The bearing assembly can be mounted to the cabinet. The elongated shaft can be housed within the bearing assembly such that the elongated shaft is slidable on the bearing assembly along a translation axis. The elongated shaft can define a first shaft pivot axis, a second shaft pivot axis, and a third shaft pivot axis. The first shaft pivot axis can be perpendicular to the translation axis. The second shaft pivot axis and the third shaft pivot axis can be parallel to the first shaft pivot axis. The door linkage can couple the door to the elongated shaft. The door linkage can be pivotally connected to the elongated shaft at the first shaft pivot axis. The cabinet linkage can couple the cabinet to the elongated shaft. The cabinet linkage can be pivotally connected to the elongated shaft at the second shaft pivot axis. The biasing linkage can be pivotally connected to the elongated shaft at the third shaft pivot axis and to the door at a door pivot axis.

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the following description, although indicating preferred and other embodiments of the present disclosure, is given by way of illustration only, and is not intended to limit the present disclosure unless specifically restricted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the complete disclosure of the present disclosure will be set forth, which will provide sufficient information for those skilled in the art to implement the present disclosure, including best modes for making and using the present disclosure. The following description is presented in the context of particular embodiments of the present disclosure, with the understanding that numerous changes in the details of the present disclosure can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 1 A top perspective view of an example refrigeration appliance according to the present disclosure is provided.

[0011] Figure 2 A top perspective view of an example refrigeration appliance according to the present disclosure is provided. Figure 1 A top perspective view of an example refrigeration appliance according to the present disclosure is provided.

[0012] Figure 3 A top perspective view of an example refrigeration appliance according to the present disclosure is provided. Figure 1 An enlarged perspective view of a portion of a linear hinge assembly of an example refrigeration appliance according to the present disclosure is provided.

[0013] Figure 4 A top perspective view of an example refrigeration appliance according to the present disclosure is provided. Figure 1 A top perspective view of an example refrigeration appliance according to the present disclosure is provided.

[0014] Figure 5 A top perspective view of an example refrigeration appliance according to the present disclosure is provided. Figure 1 A top perspective view of an example refrigeration appliance according to the present disclosure is provided.

[0015] Figure 6 A front perspective view of a portion of a linear hinge assembly of an exemplary refrigeration appliance is provided. Figure 1

[0016] Figure 7 A front perspective view of a portion of a linear hinge assembly of an exemplary refrigeration appliance is provided. Figure 1

[0017] Figure 8 A top plan view of a linear hinge assembly of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is provided, with the door body in a closed position.

[0018] Figure 9 A top plan view of a linear hinge assembly of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is provided, with the door body in an intermediate position.

[0019] Figure 10 A top plan view of an exemplary linear hinge is provided, with the door body in an open position. Figure 9

[0020] Figure 11 A top plan view of a linear hinge assembly of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is provided, with the door body in a closed position.

[0021] Figure 12 A side perspective view of a portion of a linear hinge assembly of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is provided, with the door body in a closed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the application, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is given for the intent and purpose of explanation and is not intended to be limiting of the application. In fact, many modifications and variations to the described embodiments of the application can be made in light of the foregoing description. For example, and as will be understood by one skilled in the art, features described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present application covers the modifications and variations of this application provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0023] ​​​Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of the application, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. The detailed description uses numerical designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description have been used to identify like or similar portions of the application. As used herein, the term "or" is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., "A or B" is intended to mean "A or B or both"). The terms "first," "second," and "third" can be used interchangably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components.

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an appliance 100, such as a refrigeration appliance, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present application. As can be seen in Figure 1 , the refrigeration appliance 100 includes a housing or cabinet 102 that extends along a vertical direction V between a top 104 and a bottom 106, along a lateral direction L between a first side 108 and a second side 110, and along a transverse direction T between a front side 112 and a rear side 114. Each of the vertical direction V, the lateral direction L, and the transverse direction T are perpendicular to each other.

[0025] The cabinet 102 generally defines one or more refrigeration compartments 120 for receiving food items for storage. The cabinet 102 can be insulated, and the refrigeration appliance 100 can further include a sealing system (not shown) operable to cool the refrigeration compartments 120 and food stored therein. Although the refrigeration appliance 100 is illustrated as a single compartment refrigerator, it should be understood that aspects of the present application are applicable to other types of refrigeration appliances, such as bottom freezer, top freezer, and side-by-side refrigeration appliances. Moreover, aspects of the present application can be used in any other suitable appliance that includes a swing door body. For example, aspects of the present application can be used in or with a French door oven appliance, a dishwasher appliance, etc. to mount the door body to a cabinet such as a base, a lidded container, etc.

[0026] Still referring to Figure 1 , the door body 122 is coupled to the cabinet 102 with one or more linear hinge assemblies 200 (e.g., at the top and bottom of the door body 122). A user can rotate the door body 122 open to access the interior of the cabinet 102 (e.g., the refrigeration compartments 120), and the user can rotate the door body 122 closed to seal the interior of the cabinet 102. The door body 122 can also include a handle 124 that a user can pull when opening and closing the door body 122. Linear hinge assemblies 200 in accordance with example embodiments of the present application will be described in greater detail herein. Generally, in addition to rotating open and closed, the linear hinges are used to allow the door body to translate away from an adjacent cabinet or appliance. By translating in addition to rotating, interference between the door body and the adjacent cabinet or appliance itself can be avoided.

[0027] Referring generally Figures 1 to 12 A linear hinge assembly 200 according to example embodiments of the present application will be described in greater detail. In particular, Figure 1 and Figure 3 A linear hinge assembly 200 in a closed position is illustrated. Figure 2 and Figure 4 The same embodiment of the linear hinge assembly 200 in an open position is illustrated, while Figures 5 to 7 Various portions of the same embodiment are illustrated. Figure 8 Another example embodiment of a linear hinge assembly is illustrated. Figure 9 and Figure 10 Other example embodiments of a linear hinge assembly are illustrated. Figure 11 Portions of still other example embodiments of the present application are illustrated. Figure 12 Portions of yet other example embodiments of the present application are illustrated. As noted above, due to the similarities between the embodiments of the linear hinge assembly 200 described herein, like reference numerals will be used to indicate the same features in generally similar features between embodiments. While only a top linear hinge assembly 200 is illustrated and described in detail, it should be understood that the refrigeration appliance 100 can include a bottom hinge assembly that is generally similar to the top linear hinge assembly 200.

[0028] As illustrated, the linear hinge assembly 200 includes at least one bearing assembly 210 mounted to the cabinet 102. As an example, the bearing assembly 210 can be fastened or otherwise suitably secured to the cabinet 102. More particularly, as illustrated, the bearing assembly 210 includes a front bearing 212 and a rear bearing 214 spaced apart along a translation axis A, which can correspond to the lateral direction T (or another suitable direction) of the appliance 100. While the bearing assembly 210 is illustrated as including two linear slide bearings, it should be understood that the bearing assembly 210 can include any suitable number and type of bearing configurations, such as ball bearings, low-friction sleeves, or any other suitable slide or linear bearings.

[0029] The elongated shaft 220 is housed within the bearing assembly 210. In particular, the elongated shaft 220 can slide along the translation axis A on or within the bearing assembly 210. Thereby, the elongated shaft 220 can extend and retract along the translation axis A on the bearing assembly 210, for example, as the door body 122 is opened and closed. Notably, as described below, such translation provides a clearance or minimizes interference between the door body 122 and an adjacent cabinet or other structure. The elongated shaft 220 can be formed of one or more any suitable rigid material. For example, the elongated shaft 220 can include a rigid translation body 226 (e.g., formed of a cylindrical bar of steel). Additionally or alternatively, a shaft mount 228 can be provided at the distal end portion 222 of the elongated shaft 220 (e.g., fixedly attached to the rigid translation body 226). Optionally, one or more portions of the elongated shaft 220 can be coated with any suitable coating, such as anodized aluminum or another suitable corrosion-resistant coating.

[0030] As shown, the elongated shaft 220 extends along the translation axis A between the proximal end portion 224 and the distal end portion 222. When assembled, the distal end portion 222 can overhang from the bearing assembly 210, while the proximal end portion 224 is generally disposed behind the bearing assembly 210 (e.g., above the cabinet 102). At or adjacent the distal end portion 222, a plurality of pivot axes can be defined to guide movement of the door body 122.

[0031] In general, the distal end portion 222 of the elongated shaft 220 is rotatably connected to the door body 122 (e.g., at the shaft mount 228). In particular, the door body 122 is rotatable about a door body axis D that is offset from and translatable relative to the elongated shaft 220. The door body axis D can be perpendicular to the translation axis A. For example, the door body axis D can be vertically oriented (e.g., parallel to the vertical V), and the translation axis A can be horizontally oriented.

[0032] As shown in the figure, door 122 is connected to cabinet 102 via linear hinge assembly 200, allowing door 122 to translate relative to cabinet 102 along translation axis A and to rotate relative to cabinet 102 about door axis D. When door 122 moves forward / backward along translation axis A, door axis D itself can also translate relative to translation axis A (e.g., horizontally). Thus, for example, when door 122 includes an outer panel flush with adjacent cabinets, the linear hinge assembly 200 can cause door 122 to translate away from cabinet 102 along translation axis A when door 122 is rotated open about door axis D. This translation of door 122 away from cabinet 102 when door 122 is rotated open particularly helps reduce interference between door 122 and adjacent cabinets. Additionally, when the door 122 is rotated open, translating the door 122 away from the housing 102 relative to the translation axis A can also advantageously help limit the scratching of the door 122 on the seal (not shown), which extends between the housing 102 and the door 122 to seal the interior of the housing 102.

[0033] As described above, multiple (e.g., parallel) pivot lines may be defined at or adjacent to the distal portion 222 of the elongated shaft 220. Specifically, the elongated shaft 220 defines two or more pivot lines connected to individual linkage mechanisms (e.g., via corresponding connecting pins). For example, the elongated shaft 220 may define a first pivot line P1 at which the door linkage mechanism 230 is pivotally connected (e.g., via a corresponding connecting pin extending along the first pivot line P1) to connect the door 122 to the elongated shaft 220. Additionally, the elongated shaft 220 may define a second pivot line P2 at which the housing linkage mechanism 232 is pivotally connected (e.g., via a corresponding connecting pin extending along the second pivot line P2) to connect the housing 102 to the elongated shaft 220.

[0034] Typically, the first axis pivot P1 and the second axis pivot P2 are perpendicular to the translation axis A. Furthermore, the first axis pivot P1 and the second axis pivot P2 can be parallel to each other. As shown, the first axis pivot P1 and the second axis pivot P2 can be vertically oriented (e.g., parallel to the vertical V). In some embodiments, the first axis pivot P1 and the second axis pivot P2 are spaced apart, such as... Figures 1 to 7 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 12Example. Specifically, the first axis pivot P1 can be configured to be located away from the second axis pivot P2 along the translation axis A. For example, the first axis pivot P1 can be configured to be forward from the second axis pivot P2, such that the first axis pivot P1 is closer to the door body 122 relative to the transverse direction T than the second axis pivot P2. In other words, the first axis pivot P1 can be closer to the door body 122 along the translation axis A compared to the second axis pivot P2. In an alternative embodiment, the first axis pivot P1 and the second axis pivot P2 are coaxial or concentric with each other, such as... Figure 8 and Figure 11 Example.

[0035] In some embodiments, the third axis pivot P3 is defined on the elongated shaft 220. For example, the third axis pivot P3 may be defined parallel to the first axis pivot P1 or the second axis pivot P2 (e.g., vertically oriented). In some embodiments, the third axis pivot P3 is defined forward from the first axis pivot P1 or the second axis pivot P2 along the translation axis A (e.g., defined as the foremost axis pivot). As shown, the bias link 234 (e.g., a rigid linkage mechanism) may be pivotally connected to the elongated shaft 220 at the junction 240 defining the third axis pivot P3 (e.g., as or including a corresponding connecting pin extending along the third axis pivot P3) to further connect the elongated shaft 220 to the door body 122. In some such embodiments, the bias link 234 is also pivotally connected to the door body 122 at the door body axis D (e.g., via a corresponding connecting pin extending along the door body axis D). Therefore, when the door 122 rotates, the offset link 234 can rotate around both the door axis D and the third axis pivot P3.

[0036] As shown, the door linkage 230 typically includes one or more rigid arms or gears that engage the elongated shaft 220 to the door body 122 while being pivotable about a first axis pivot P1. In some embodiments, the door linkage 230 extends (e.g., horizontally) between a shaft end 236 near the distal portion 222 of the elongated shaft 220 and a guide end 238 disposed on the door body 122 (e.g., away from the distal portion 222). For example, the shaft end 236 may be disposed at or adjacent to the first axis pivot P1. In contrast, the guide end 238 may be slidably disposed along a guide path 244 defined on the door body 122.

[0037] Optionally, one or more sliding pins 242 (e.g., a pair of sliding pins 242) may be secured to the door linkage mechanism 230, while extending (e.g., vertically) through a guide path 244, which may be defined on a bracket 246 secured to the door 122, such as... Figures 1 to 10Example. However, alternatively, a single rigid slide bar 248 may be fixed to the door linkage mechanism 230 while slidably engaging with the track 249 that defines the guide path (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 12 (Example in the text), or other suitable sliding connections can be formed as understood.

[0038] When the door 122 is in the closed position, the guide path 244 may extend at least partially along the lateral direction L (e.g., at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the lateral direction L). Thus, when the door 122 is in the closed position, the opposing path ends 250, 252 of the guide path 244 may be laterally spaced. The outer end 250 of the guide path 244 may be away from the door axis D, while the inner end 252 of the guide path 244 may be close to the door axis D (e.g., along a horizontal direction, such as lateral L). In the closed position, the guide end 238 of the door linkage mechanism 230 (e.g., at least one sliding pin 242) may be located at or near the outer end 250. In contrast, in the open position, the guide end 238 (e.g., at least one sliding pin 242) may be located at or near the inner end 252. Thus, when the door 122 rotates open, the guide path 244 can rotate outward, and the guide end 238 can slide along the guide path 244, moving the guide end 238 away from the outer end 250 and closer to the inner end 252. Similarly, when the door 122 rotates closed, the guide path 244 can rotate inward, and the guide end 238 can slide along the guide path 244, moving the guide end 238 away from the inner end 252 and closer to the outer end 250.

[0039] In some embodiments, the door linkage 230 is arranged such that at least a portion of the rotational force of the door linkage 230 about the first pivot axis P1 is directed to the housing linkage 232. Specifically, the shaft end 236 of the door linkage 230 may be mechanically connected to the extendable end 254 of the housing linkage 232.

[0040] As an example, the intermediate link 258 can be set, such as... Figures 1 to 7As shown. In some such embodiments, the intermediate link 258 is movably mounted on an elongated shaft 220 at a position between a first pivot axis P1 and a second pivot axis P2 (e.g., along or relative to a translation axis A between P1 and P2). As shown, the intermediate link 258 may extend between a first cam axis C1 and a second cam axis C2, which may be parallel to the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2. Moreover, the intermediate link 258 may be coupled to a door linkage mechanism 230 at the first cam axis C1 and to a housing linkage mechanism 232 at the second cam axis C2 (e.g., via separate corresponding connecting pins). The first cam axis C1 of the intermediate link 258 may be specifically coupled to the shaft end 236 of the door linkage mechanism 230, while the second cam axis C2 is coupled to the extendable end 254 of the housing linkage mechanism 232.

[0041] As another example, the intermediate gear set 260 can be set, such as Figures 8 to 12 The various embodiments are shown. Specifically, the intermediate gear set 260 can be mechanically engaged between the door linkage mechanism 230 at the first axis pivot P1 and the housing linkage mechanism 232 at the second axis pivot P2. For example, as Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, mating gear teeth can be provided on the shaft end 236 of the door linkage mechanism 230 and the extendable end 254 of the housing linkage mechanism 232. Alternatively, two or more scissor gear arms may be provided with one end (e.g., an arm) connected to the coaxial first and second shaft pivots P1, P2 and the other arm connected to the door body 122 (e.g., at a separate gear axis).

[0042] The housing linkage 232 typically includes one or more rigid arms or gears that further engage the elongated shaft 220 to the housing 102. During use, the housing linkage 232 specifically helps to convert rotation of the door 122 into linear translation of the elongated shaft 220. As shown, the housing linkage 232 can extend (e.g., horizontally) between an extendable end 254 coupled to the distal portion 222 of the elongated shaft 220 and a rear end 256 disposed on the housing 102 (e.g., away from the distal portion 222). For example, the extendable end 254 may be disposed at or adjacent to the second shaft pivot P2. In contrast, the rear end 256 may be slidably or pivotally disposed on the housing 102. In some such embodiments (such as...) Figures 1 to 7 and Figure 11In the illustrated embodiment, the housing linkage 232 includes a plurality of rigid arms pivotally connected between the extendable end 254 and the rear end 256. Rotation at the second pivot axis P2 (e.g., driven at least partially by rotation of the door 122) can thereby drive the expansion or contraction of the rigid arms depending on whether the door 122 is open or closed. In other embodiments (such as...) Figures 8 to 10 and Figure 12 In the illustrated implementation, a single rigid rod is provided between the extendable end 254 and the rear end 256, which can slide horizontally (e.g., parallel to the lateral L) along the guide of the housing 102 while rotating, to allow the extendable end 254 to translate relative to the housing 102.

[0043] When the door 122 is rotated open, the housing linkage 232 can push the elongated shaft 220 forward via the extendable end 254 as the rear end 256 pivots or slides on the housing 102. Similarly, when the door 122 is rotated closed, the housing linkage 232 can push the elongated shaft 220 backward via the extendable end 254 as the rear end 256 pivots or slides in the opposite direction to the opening.

[0044] This written description discloses the invention using examples (including preferred embodiments) and enables those skilled in the art to practice the invention (including making and using any apparatus or system and performing any of the included methods). The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that may be conceived by those skilled in the art. Such other examples are expected to fall within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that are not distinct from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially distinct from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A household appliance, characterized in that, This household appliance includes: Box; Door body; and A linear hinge that connects the door to the housing, the linear hinge comprising: A bearing assembly, which is mounted to the housing; An elongated shaft is housed within the bearing assembly such that the elongated shaft is slidable on the bearing assembly along a translation axis, the elongated shaft defining a first pivot axis perpendicular to the translation axis and a second pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis; A door linkage mechanism that connects the door body to the elongated shaft, the door linkage mechanism being pivotally connected to the elongated shaft at the pivot axis of the first shaft; and A housing linkage mechanism that connects the housing to the elongated shaft, the housing linkage mechanism being pivotally connected to the elongated shaft at the second axis pivot point.

2. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pivot axis is separated from the second pivot axis along the translation axis.

3. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first axis pivot line is defined as moving forward along the translation axis from the second axis pivot line.

4. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linear hinge also includes: An offset link is pivotally connected to the elongated shaft at the third axis pivot and pivotally connected to the door body at the door body pivot.

5. The household appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third axis pivot line is defined forward from the first axis pivot line on the elongated shaft.

6. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The door linkage mechanism is fixedly connected to the door at the door joint.

7. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The door linkage mechanism includes a guide end that is slidably arranged along a guide path defined on the door.

8. The household appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that, The door linkage mechanism is fixedly connected to the door at the door joint, and wherein the door joint is arranged along the door linkage mechanism between the guide end and the first pivot axis.

9. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linear hinge also includes: An intermediate link is movably mounted on the elongated shaft between the first and second pivot axes. The intermediate link extends between the first and second cam axes, and is connected to the door linkage mechanism at the first cam axis and to the housing linkage mechanism at the second cam axis.

10. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linear hinge also includes: An intermediate gear set is mechanically connected between the door linkage mechanism at the first axis pivot and the housing linkage mechanism at the second axis pivot.

11. A refrigeration appliance, characterized in that, The refrigeration appliance includes: Box; Door body; and A linear hinge that connects the door to the housing, the linear hinge comprising: A bearing assembly, which is mounted to the housing; An elongated shaft is housed within the bearing assembly such that the elongated shaft is slidable along a translation axis on the bearing assembly. The elongated shaft defines a first axis pivot, a second axis pivot, and a third axis pivot, wherein the first axis pivot is perpendicular to the translation axis, and the second and third axis pivots are parallel to the first axis pivot. A door linkage mechanism that connects the door to the elongated shaft, the door linkage mechanism being pivotally connected to the elongated shaft at the pivot axis of the first shaft; A housing linkage mechanism that connects the housing to the elongated shaft, the housing linkage mechanism being pivotally connected to the elongated shaft at the second axis pivot point; and An offset link is pivotally connected to the elongated shaft at the third axis pivot and pivotally connected to the door body at the door body pivot.

12. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first pivot axis is separated from the second pivot axis along the translation axis.

13. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first axis pivot line is defined as moving forward along the translation axis from the second axis pivot line.

14. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that, The third axis pivot line is defined forward from the first axis pivot line on the elongated shaft.

15. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that, The door linkage mechanism is fixedly connected to the door at the door joint.

16. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that, The door linkage mechanism includes a guide end that is slidably arranged along a guide path defined on the door.

17. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 16, characterized in that, The door linkage mechanism is fixedly connected to the door at the door joint, and wherein the door joint is arranged along the door linkage mechanism between the guide end and the first pivot axis.

18. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that, The linear hinge also includes: An intermediate link is movably mounted on the elongated shaft between the first and second pivot axes. The intermediate link extends between the first and second cam axes, and is connected to the door linkage mechanism at the first cam axis and to the housing linkage mechanism at the second cam axis.

19. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that, The linear hinge also includes: An intermediate gear set is mechanically connected between the door linkage mechanism at the first axis pivot and the housing linkage mechanism at the second axis pivot.

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