Refrigerator door assembly with embedded handle and method of installing the same

Abstract

The application provides an embedded refrigerator door body assembly and a mounting method thereof. The embedded refrigerator door body assembly comprises a refrigerator door body, a door plate and a connecting piece connecting the refrigerator door body and the door plate. The refrigerator door body comprises a side surface, and the side surface has a recessed portion. The door plate comprises a mounting surface facing the refrigerator door body. The connecting piece comprises a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion is arranged in the recessed portion, and the second connecting portion is connected with the mounting surface. The mounting method comprises the following steps: pre-installing the first connecting portion of the connecting piece in the recessed portion, and the connecting piece is movable relative to the recessed portion along the thickness direction of the refrigerator door body; fixing the second connecting portion of the connecting piece on the door plate; adjusting the door plate along the thickness direction of the refrigerator door body; and completely fixing the first connecting portion in the recessed portion. In this way, the refrigerator door body and the door plate can be tightly mounted even when the mounting space is narrow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of home appliances, and more particularly to an embedded refrigerator door assembly and its installation method. Background Technology

[0002] As living standards improve, more and more users are pursuing integrated furniture. Users choose their refrigerator before decorating, design cabinets based on the refrigerator's dimensions, and place the refrigerator inside. To enhance the overall aesthetic, the cabinet doors are often installed on the refrigerator doors after the refrigerator is installed inside; this type of refrigerator is called a built-in refrigerator.

[0003] Most built-in refrigerators currently use a connecting plate to fix the refrigerator door to the cabinet door with screws. However, this design has the following drawback: when the installation space between the refrigerator door and the cabinet door is small, this installation method is not convenient for securing the refrigerator door and the cabinet door. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an embedded refrigerator door assembly and its installation method. By providing a recessed part on the refrigerator door to accommodate the connector, it is possible to facilitate the fastening installation of the refrigerator door and door panel even in narrow installation spaces.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, the present invention provides an embedded refrigerator door assembly, including a refrigerator door, a door panel covering the refrigerator door, and a connector for connecting the refrigerator door and the door panel. The refrigerator door includes a side surface with a recessed portion. The recessed portion is recessed inward from the edge of the side surface near the door panel. The door panel includes a mounting surface facing the refrigerator door. The connector includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion is at least partially disposed within the recessed portion and connected to the recessed portion. The second connecting portion is connected to the mounting surface.

[0006] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first connecting part has an elongated groove with an opening facing the refrigerator door body. The first connecting part is connected to the recessed part by a first fastener that cooperates with the elongated groove. The outer diameter of the first fastener located in the elongated groove is smaller than the groove width of the elongated groove. A protrusion is symmetrically formed at the opening of the elongated groove. A guide surface is formed on the outer side of the protrusion, and a stop surface is formed on the inner side of the protrusion.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are perpendicular to each other, the second connecting portion is provided with a second fastener for connecting the second connecting portion to the mounting surface, the second connecting portion includes a connecting surface for mounting the second fastener, the connecting surface is inclined relative to the first connecting portion and the included angle is an obtuse angle.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, a connecting hole is provided on the connecting surface to cooperate with the second fastener, the connecting hole is provided with a limiting part, and the limiting part is connected to the second fastener.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the refrigerator door body includes a door shell, a door liner, and an embedded part installed in the door shell, the embedded part forming the recessed portion, and a heat insulation material filling the space between the door shell and the door liner.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the recessed portion is provided with a metal reinforcing member connected to the first fastener, and the metal reinforcing member is located inside the refrigerator door.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the door assembly includes a first fastener connecting the first connecting portion and the recessed portion, the recessed portion protruding towards the interior of the refrigerator door to form a connecting post, the connecting post having a hole for installing the first fastener, and the end of the hole facing the interior of the refrigerator door being closed.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the embedded refrigerator door assembly further includes a decorative cover covering at least the recess and the connector, the second connector is provided with a slot on the side opposite to the mounting surface, the decorative cover is provided with a strip that mates with the slot, and the end of the slot facing the decorative cover is provided with a guide portion.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the recessed portion is formed by the inward recess of the side of the refrigerator door.

[0014] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a method for installing an embedded refrigerator door assembly, wherein the embedded refrigerator door assembly is as described in any of the above embodiments, and the installation method includes:

[0015] The first connecting part of the connector is pre-installed in the recessed part, and the connector can move relative to the recessed part along the thickness direction of the refrigerator door.

[0016] The second connecting part of the connector is fixed to the door panel;

[0017] The door panel is moved and adjusted along the thickness direction of the refrigerator door body;

[0018] The first connecting part is completely fixed to the recessed part.

[0019] As a further improvement of the present invention, the installation method includes:

[0020] The first fastener is pre-installed on the recessed part of the refrigerator door;

[0021] The second fastener is pre-installed on the second connecting part of the connector.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a recessed part on the side of the refrigerator door, places the connector in the recessed part, and connects the refrigerator door and the door panel together with the connector. Its advantages are that it can facilitate the fastening installation between the refrigerator door and the door panel even when the installation space is narrow. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embedded refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an embedded refrigerator door assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of the embedded refrigerator door assembly shown;

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the connector shown;

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a connector according to another embodiment shown;

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The connection diagram of the connector shown is shown.

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the connector in the third embodiment shown;

[0031] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The connection diagram of the connector shown is shown.

[0032] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the embedded refrigerator door assembly shown;

[0033] Figure 10 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows the refrigerator door.

[0034] Figure 11 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the embedded parts shown;

[0035] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the recessed portion according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the recessed portion according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 14 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the decorative cover shown;

[0038] Figure 15 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the connection between the refrigerator door and the door panel in another embodiment is shown;

[0039] Figure 16 yes Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic of the connection between the refrigerator door and the door panel in the third embodiment.

[0040] Figure 17 This is a flowchart of an installation method for an embedded refrigerator door assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 An embodiment of the present invention provides an embedded refrigerator 1, which may include a cabinet 2 having an internal accommodating space, and an embedded refrigerator door assembly 100 connected to the cabinet 2 for opening and closing the accommodating space.

[0043] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3In one embodiment of the present invention, the embedded refrigerator door assembly 100 may include a refrigerator door 10, a door panel 20 covering the refrigerator door 10, and a connector 30 for connecting the refrigerator door 10 and the door panel 20. The refrigerator door 10 includes a side surface, and a recessed portion 11 is provided on the side surface of the refrigerator door 10. The recessed portion 11 is recessed inward from the edge of the side surface of the refrigerator door 10 near the door panel 20. The door panel 20 includes a mounting surface 21 facing the refrigerator door 10. The connector 30 includes a first connecting portion 31 and a second connecting portion 32. The first connecting portion 31 is at least partially disposed in the recessed portion 11 and connected to the recessed portion 11. The second connecting portion 32 is connected to the mounting surface 21.

[0044] In this embodiment, during the installation process, the refrigerator 1 can be installed in the cabinet as a whole first, and then the door panel 20 can be connected to the refrigerator door 10.

[0045] During the installation of the door panel 20 onto the refrigerator door 10, it is necessary to determine the position of the door panel 20 relative to the refrigerator door 10. For example, it is necessary to determine the position of the door panel 20 relative to the refrigerator door 10 in the height direction, width direction, and thickness direction of the door body during the installation process, so as to ensure that the door panel 20 can fit well with the cabinet and achieve a better appearance.

[0046] In this embodiment, the position of the door panel 20 relative to the refrigerator door 10 in the height and width directions can be determined first by using a ruler or other components, and the door panel 20 can be pre-installed on the refrigerator door 10 so that the door panel 20 is in a better position in both the width and height directions.

[0047] Then, the door panel 20 and the refrigerator door 10 can be connected by the connector 30, and the position of the door panel 20 relative to the refrigerator door 10 in the thickness direction of the door body can be adjusted.

[0048] The first connecting part 31 can be pre-installed in the recess 11 by the first fastener 41, which can be a bolt. The connection structure between the first connecting part 31, the first fastener 41, and the recess can be configured to allow the connecting part 30 to move relative to the first fastener along the thickness direction of the refrigerator door.

[0049] Then, the second connecting part 32 of the connector 30, which is initially fixed to the recess 11 of the refrigerator door 10, can be used to fix the door panel 20 to the second fastener 42. The second fastener 42 can be a screw, so that the door panel 20 is initially fixed to the refrigerator door 10 and held in a better position in the height and width directions of the door.

[0050] After the door panel 20 is initially fixed, the door panel 20 can be moved in the thickness direction of the door body, which will simultaneously drive the connecting piece 30 to move in the thickness direction of the door body, so that the door panel 20 can be in a better position to match the cabinet in the thickness direction of the door body.

[0051] Finally, the first connecting part 31 can be completely fixed to the recessed part 11 by the first fastener 41, thereby completely fixing the door panel 20 to the refrigerator door 10 to ensure the appearance of the built-in refrigerator after installation.

[0052] This configuration ensures a secure connection between the refrigerator door 10 and the door panel 20, while maintaining the overall appearance of the built-in refrigerator after installation. It also places the door panel in an optimal position in terms of door height, door thickness, and door width.

[0053] Furthermore, the connector 30 is located on the side of the refrigerator door 10. The installation space 3 of the connector 30 can refer to the space between the side of the refrigerator door 10 and the side of the door panel 20. Due to the design of the cabinet itself or the adjustment of the door panel, the distance between the side of the refrigerator door 10 and the side of the door panel 20 may be small, resulting in the installation space 3 of the connector being too narrow, making it difficult or even impossible to install the connector.

[0054] By placing at least a portion of the connector 30 into the recess 11 of the refrigerator door 10, the occupancy of the connector 30 on the installation space 3 outside the side of the refrigerator door 10 can be reduced. This allows the refrigerator door 10 and the door panel 20 to be securely installed even when the installation space 3 is narrow. The structure is simple and the installation is convenient.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 4 The first connecting part 31 has an elongated groove 37 with an opening facing the refrigerator door 10. The first connecting part 31 is connected to the recessed part 11 by a first fastener 41 that cooperates with the elongated groove 37. The outer diameter of the first fastener 41 located in the elongated groove 37 is smaller than the groove width of the elongated groove 37. A protrusion 38 is symmetrically formed at the opening of the elongated groove 37. A guide surface 381 is formed on the outer side of the protrusion 38, and a stop surface 382 is formed on the inner side of the protrusion 38.

[0056] The first fastener can be a bolt, and the first fastener can have a fastening head and a thread. The side of the first connecting part 31 parallel to the length direction of the long groove 37 can cooperate with the recess to further limit the first connecting part, ensuring that the first connecting part moves within the recess along the thickness direction of the door body.

[0057] During installation in this embodiment, the first fastener 41 is fixed to the refrigerator door 10, with the screw portion of the first fastener 41 extending beyond the side of the refrigerator door 10. The first connecting portion 31 of the connector 30 is guided by the guide surface 381 to insert the elongated slot 37 into the screw of the first fastener 41, with the screw positioned inside the stop surface 382 of the elongated slot 37. The connector 30 can move along the thickness direction of the refrigerator door through the mating structure of the screw of the first fastener 41 and the elongated slot 37 of the first connecting portion 31.

[0058] With this configuration, the connector 30 can be moved through the cooperation between the long slot 37 and the first fastener 41, thereby enabling the door panel 20 to be moved along the thickness direction of the refrigerator door body 10, adjusting the gap between the door panel 20 and the refrigerator door body 10, ensuring the installation effect of the door panel 20, and at the same time facilitating the entry of the first fastener 41 into the long slot 37 and preventing the first fastener 41 from detaching from the long slot 37.

[0059] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one embodiment of the present invention, the first connecting portion 31 may be perpendicular to the second connecting portion 32. The second connecting portion 32 may be provided with a second fastener 42 for connecting the second connecting portion 32 to the mounting surface 21. The second fastener 42 may be a screw. The second connecting portion 32 may include a connecting surface 33 for mounting the second fastener 42. The connecting surface 33 is inclined relative to the first connecting portion 31 and the included angle is an obtuse angle.

[0060] This configuration allows the connecting surface 33 to face the installation space 3 outside the recess 11, which facilitates the fasteners installed on the connecting surface 33. It also minimizes the size of the second connecting part 32 while ensuring stable installation of the fasteners, reducing the occupation of the second connecting part 32 on the installation space 3 outside the recess 11. This also makes it easier to fasten the refrigerator door 10 and the door panel 20 even when the installation space 3 is narrow.

[0061] Reference Figure 4 In one embodiment of the present invention, a connecting hole 35 is provided on the connecting surface 33 to cooperate with the second fastener 42, and a limiting part 36 is provided in the connecting hole 35, and the limiting part 36 is connected to the second fastener 42.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second fastener 42 can be a threaded connector 30, such as a screw, and the limiting part 36 can be a rib arranged laterally at the opening of the connecting hole 35. When the second fastener 42 is inserted into the connecting hole 35, the limiting part 36 can contact the thread of the second fastener 42, for example, it can be stuck on the thread of the second fastener 42, thereby restricting the movement of the second fastener 42.

[0063] This configuration allows the second fastener 42 to be pre-installed on the connector 30 at the factory, while also preventing the second fastener 42 from falling out of the connector 35 after being inserted into it. This avoids the need to find additional parts during installation and prevents parts from being lost, thus facilitating the installation of the embedded door assembly.

[0064] Furthermore, refer to Figure 4 In one embodiment of the present invention, the connector 30 may be made of plastic and may be integrally injection molded. Both the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32 may have a grid 301 formed on them to increase the strength of the connector 30 while reducing its overall weight.

[0065] This design facilitates the processing and manufacturing of the connector 30, ensuring that the connector 30 has sufficient connection strength while reducing production costs.

[0066] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 In another embodiment of the present invention, the connector 30 can be manufactured from sheet metal. The second connecting portion 32 of the connector 30 can be bent toward the mounting space 3. This arrangement facilitates the manufacturing of the connector 30, ensures sufficient connection strength, and reduces production costs.

[0067] In addition, since sheet metal is thinner than plastic material while having the same strength, the use of sheet metal connectors 30 can further reduce the space occupied by connectors 30 in the installation space 3, making it easier to fasten the refrigerator door 10 and door panel 20 when the installation space 3 is narrow.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first connecting portion 31 may be provided with an elongated hole 311 extending toward the refrigerator door 10. The elongated hole 311 can be configured to cooperate with the first fastener 41 to allow the door panel 20 to be adjusted along the thickness direction of the refrigerator door 10.

[0069] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting hole 25 on the second connecting portion 32 can extend toward the first connecting portion 31 to increase the length of the connecting hole 25. This arrangement allows the door panel 20 to be adjusted along the width direction of the refrigerator door body 10, enabling the door panel 20 to be fixed in a better position and ensuring a proper fit between the door panel 20 and the cabinet.

[0070] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8In the third embodiment of the present invention, the second connecting portion 32 of the connector 30 can be bent in a direction away from the mounting space 3. The connector 30 can be manufactured from sheet metal. This arrangement facilitates the manufacturing of the connector 30, ensures sufficient connection strength, and reduces production costs.

[0071] In addition, bending the connector inward can further reduce the space occupied by the connector 30 in the installation space 3, and make it easier to fasten the refrigerator door 10 and the door panel 20 when the installation space 3 is narrow.

[0072] In the actual installation process, the connector 30 can be fixed to the door panel 20 first, and then the door panel can be fixed to the refrigerator door 10 through the connector.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first connecting portion 31 may be provided with an elliptical elongated hole 312 extending toward the refrigerator door 10. The elliptical elongated hole 312 can be configured to cooperate with the first fastener 41 to enable the door panel 20 to be adjusted along the thickness direction and the width direction of the refrigerator door 10.

[0074] In one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 2 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 The refrigerator door 10 includes a door shell 12, a door liner 13, and an embedded part 50 installed on the door shell 12. The embedded part 50 forms the recessed portion 11, and the space between the door shell 12 and the door liner 13 is filled with heat insulation material.

[0075] The side of the door shell 12 and the surface facing the door panel 20 may have installation openings 121 for accommodating the embedded part 50, which may be disposed at the installation openings 121. The embedded part 50 may have a flange 51 that mates with the installation opening 121, which is used to limit the embedded part 50. During installation, the embedded part 50 may be pre-installed on the door shell 12, and the flange 51 may be used to limit the embedded part 50. Then, the door liner 13 may be installed, and finally, thermal insulation material may be filled between the door shell 12 and the door liner 13, thereby fixing the embedded part 50 to the installation opening 121.

[0076] This design facilitates the assembly of the embedded refrigerator door assembly 100, resulting in a simple structure, convenient installation, and low manufacturing cost.

[0077] In one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 8 The refrigerator door 10 has a metal reinforcing member 60 inside, which is located on one side of the recess 11 and connected to a first fastener. The first fastener may be a bolt.

[0078] During the installation and manufacturing process, the metal reinforcement 60 can be connected to the embedded part 50 by the first fastener and then installed at the opening of the door shell 12. Then, the door shell 12 and the door liner 13 are assembled, and foaming material is injected into the door shell 12 and the door liner 13 to form the heat insulation material.

[0079] This configuration improves the stability and reliability of the first fastener 41 on the refrigerator door 10, ensuring connection strength. It also allows the first fastener 41 to be pre-installed on the connector 30 at the factory, avoiding the need to find additional parts during installation or the loss of parts, thus facilitating the installation of the embedded door assembly.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the metal reinforcement 60 may have a mounting hole 61 that mates with the first fastener 41. The peripheral wall of the mounting hole 61 may partially protrude from the metal reinforcement 60. This configuration can reduce the thickness of the metal reinforcement 60 while ensuring sufficient connection strength, thus saving materials and reducing the weight of the metal reinforcement 60.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a limiting rib 52 can be provided on the side of the metal reinforcement 60 away from the recess 11 to limit the metal reinforcement 60 and prevent the metal reinforcement 60 from dislodging from the recess 11.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the recessed portion 11 can extend towards the inside of the refrigerator door 10 from the sidewalls at both ends of the metal reinforcement 60, and the recessed portion 11 can be disposed on the embedded part 50. This arrangement can limit the metal reinforcement 60, preventing it from detaching from the recessed portion 11. At the same time, it can increase the contact area between the embedded part 50 and the heat insulation material, improving the stability of the embedded part 50 installation.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a baffle 53 may be provided at the insertion end of the first fastener 41 into the refrigerator door 10. The baffle 53 may be parallel to the metal reinforcement 60. The baffle 53 may act as a stop for the insertion end of the first fastener 41 to prevent the insertion end from damaging the heat insulation material.

[0084] Reference Figure 13 In one embodiment of the present invention, the recessed portion 11 extends protruding into the refrigerator door 10 to form a connecting post 54. The connecting post 54 has a hole for installing a first fastener 41, and the end of the hole facing into the refrigerator door 10 is closed. Reinforcing ribs may be provided around the connecting post 54 to increase its strength.

[0085] This design is simple and can achieve a stable connection of the first fastener 41. At the same time, it can stop the insertion end of the first fastener 41 and prevent the insertion end from damaging the heat insulation material.

[0086] In one embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to... Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 14 The embedded refrigerator door assembly 100 further includes a decorative cover 70 that covers at least the recessed portion 11 and the connector 30. The second connecting portion 32 is provided with a slot 39 on the side opposite to the mounting surface 21. The decorative cover 70 is provided with an insert 71 that mates with the slot 39. The end of the slot 39 facing the decorative cover 70 is provided with a guide portion 391 to facilitate the insertion of the insert 71.

[0087] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the decorative cover 70 may be pivotally mounted on the connector 30.

[0088] After the connector 30, refrigerator door 10, and door panel 20 are all connected, the insert 71 of the decorative cover 70 can be directly inserted into the slot 39 to fix the decorative cover 70. The insert 71 and the slot 39 can be an interference fit.

[0089] This design can cover the connection between the refrigerator door 10 and the door panel 20, and at the same time prevent the components at the connection between the refrigerator door 10 and the door panel 20 from being directly exposed to the air and thus aging, rusting, etc. The structure is simple and easy to install.

[0090] In one embodiment of the present invention, the recessed portion 11 is formed by an inward recess from the side of the refrigerator door 10. This design enables the recessed portion 11 and the refrigerator door 10 to be integrated into one piece, resulting in a simple structure and high reliability.

[0091] Reference Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the connector 30 can be disposed on the left and right sides of the refrigerator door 10. A handle can be disposed on the lower side of the door panel 20. This arrangement can prevent interference between the installation structure of the handle and the connector 30, and facilitate the fastening installation of the embedded door assembly.

[0092] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 In one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator door 10 may not have a recessed portion 11, but may be directly connected by a connector 30.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a reinforcing iron can be provided inside the refrigerator door 10. The reinforcing iron is fixed to the inner wall of the side wall of the refrigerator door 10. The first fastener 41 is connected to the reinforcing iron via the side wall of the refrigerator door 10. The reinforcing iron can be first bonded to the inner surface of the side wall of the refrigerator door using adhesives such as glue, and then fixed to the side wall of the refrigerator door by foaming with foaming material. This arrangement can improve the connection strength of the connector 30 on the refrigerator door 10, and improve the stability and reliability of the fixation between the connector 30 and the refrigerator door 10.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connector 30 can be made of sheet metal or plastic. The structure of the connector can be as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0095] Preferably, the connector 30 is made of sheet metal. The bending direction of the second connector 32 relative to the first connector 31 can be towards the mounting space 3 or away from the mounting space 3.

[0096] This design allows for easy connection between the refrigerator door 10 and the door panel 20 when the installation space 3 is large, without the need for additional structures, thus facilitating manufacturing and installation and reducing production costs.

[0097] In actual use, the connector 30 can be set at different positions on the refrigerator door 10 according to the usage needs. For example, it can be set on the left and right sides of the refrigerator door 10, or on the upper and lower sides of the refrigerator door 10.

[0098] Since the size of the installation space 3 formed by different sides of the refrigerator door 10 and the door panel 20 may be different, in one embodiment of the present invention, the structure at the connector 30 can be flexibly set according to the actual situation. When the installation space 3 is relatively small, a recess 11 can be provided at the connector 30. When the installation space 3 is large, the recess 11 can be omitted, and the connector 30 can be used directly for connection.

[0099] Specifically, in this embodiment, recesses 11 can be provided at one or more locations where the refrigerator door 10 and door panel 20 connect, while other connection points are directly connected using connectors 30 without recesses 11. Alternatively, all connection points between the refrigerator door 10 and door panel 20 can be designed with recesses 11. Furthermore, all connection points between the refrigerator door 10 and door panel 20 can be directly connected using connectors 30 without any recesses.

[0100] This design allows for flexible selection of the connection structure at the junction of the refrigerator door 10 and the door panel 20, based on actual conditions, to meet various installation and usage requirements, facilitating installation while reducing production costs.

[0101] An embodiment of the present invention provides an installation method for an embedded refrigerator door assembly 100, wherein the embedded refrigerator door assembly 100 can be as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0102] Reference Figure 17 The installation method may include:

[0103] The first connecting part 31 of the connector 30 is pre-installed in the recess 11, and the connector 30 can move relative to the recess 11 along the thickness direction of the refrigerator door 10.

[0104] The second connecting portion 32 of the connector 30 is fixed to the door panel 20;

[0105] The door panel 20 is moved and adjusted along the thickness direction of the refrigerator door body 10;

[0106] The first connecting part 31 is completely fixed to the recessed part 11.

[0107] Once the first connecting part 31 is completely fixed to the recessed part 11, the decorative cover 70 can be installed.

[0108] This design enables a secure connection between the refrigerator door 10 and the door panel 20, facilitates adjustment of the door panel's orientation, ensures the overall appearance of the built-in refrigerator after installation, and places the door panel in an optimal position in terms of door height, door thickness, and door width.

[0109] Furthermore, the connector 30 can be at least partially inserted into the recess 11 of the refrigerator door 10, reducing the occupation of the installation space 3 outside the side of the refrigerator door 10 by the connector 30. This allows the refrigerator door 10 and the door panel 20 to be fastened together even when the installation space 3 is narrow. The structure is simple and the installation is convenient.

[0110] In one embodiment of the present invention, the installation method may further include: the first fastener 41 is pre-installed on the recess 11 of the refrigerator door 10.

[0111] This design facilitates the installation and movement of the connector 30, while pre-installing the first fastener 41 at the factory avoids the need to search for additional parts during installation and prevents parts from being lost.

[0112] In one embodiment of the present invention, the installation method may further include: the second fastener 42 may be pre-installed on the second connecting portion 32 of the connector 30.

[0113] This design facilitates the installation of the door panel 20, and the pre-installation of the second fastener 42 at the factory also avoids the need to search for additional parts during installation and prevents the loss of parts.

[0114] In summary, the embedded door assembly 100 and its installation method of the present invention can solve the problem that it is inconvenient to fasten the refrigerator door 10 when the installation space 3 between the refrigerator door 10 and the door panel 20 is narrow. By adopting the technical solution of this application, the connector 30 can be placed at least partially in the recess 11 of the refrigerator door 10, reducing the occupation of the connector 30 on the external installation space 3 of the refrigerator door 10. This makes it easy to fasten the refrigerator door 10 and the door panel 20 even when the installation space 3 is narrow. At the same time, it facilitates the adjustment of the position of the door panel 20, ensuring the overall appearance of the embedded refrigerator after installation, and placing the door panel in an optimal position in the door height, door thickness, and door width directions.

[0115] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0116] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An embedded refrigerator door assembly, comprising a refrigerator door, a door panel covering the refrigerator door, and a connector for connecting the refrigerator door and the door panel, characterized in that, The refrigerator door includes a side panel with a recessed portion. The recessed portion is recessed inward from the edge of the side panel near the door panel. The door panel includes a mounting surface facing the refrigerator door. The connector includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion is at least partially disposed within the recessed portion and connected to the recessed portion. The second connecting portion is connected to the mounting surface. The first connecting portion has an elongated groove with an opening facing the refrigerator door. The first connecting portion is connected to the recessed portion by a first fastener that mates with the elongated groove. The outer diameter of the first fastener located within the elongated groove is smaller than the groove width. The opening of the elongated groove has symmetrically formed protrusions. A guide surface is formed on the outer side of each protrusion, and a stop surface is formed on the inner side of each protrusion.

2. The embedded refrigerator door assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are perpendicular to each other. The second connecting portion is provided with a second fastener for connecting the second connecting portion to the mounting surface. The second connecting portion includes a connecting surface for mounting the second fastener. The connecting surface is inclined relative to the first connecting portion and the included angle is an obtuse angle.

3. The embedded refrigerator door assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting surface is provided with a connecting hole that mates with the second fastener. The connecting hole is provided with a limiting part, and the limiting part is connected to the second fastener.

4. The embedded refrigerator door assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerator door includes a door shell, a door liner, and an embedded part installed in the door shell. The embedded part forms the recessed portion, and heat insulation material is filled between the door shell and the door liner.

5. The embedded refrigerator door assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerator door is equipped with a metal reinforcing member inside, which is located on one side of the recess and connected to the first fastener.

6. The embedded refrigerator door assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The door assembly includes a first fastener connecting the first connecting portion and the recessed portion. The recessed portion protrudes towards the interior of the refrigerator door to form a connecting post. The connecting post has a hole for installing the first fastener, and the end of the hole facing the interior of the refrigerator door is closed.

7. The embedded refrigerator door assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The embedded refrigerator door assembly also includes a decorative cover that covers at least the recess and the connector. The second connector has a slot on the side opposite to the mounting surface. The decorative cover has a strip that mates with the slot. The end of the slot facing the decorative cover has a guide portion.

8. The embedded refrigerator door assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The recessed portion is formed by the inward indentation of the side of the refrigerator door.

9. A method for installing an embedded refrigerator door assembly, characterized in that, The installation method is used to install the embedded refrigerator door assembly as described in any one of claims 1-8, and the installation method includes: The first connecting part of the connector is pre-installed in the recessed part, and the connector can move relative to the recessed part along the thickness direction of the refrigerator door. The second connecting part of the connector is fixed to the door panel; The door panel is moved and adjusted along the thickness direction of the refrigerator door body; The first connecting part is completely fixed to the recessed part.

10. The installation method of the embedded refrigerator door assembly as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The installation method includes: The first fastener is pre-installed on the recessed part of the refrigerator door; The second fastener is pre-installed on the second connecting part of the connector.

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