Damping hinge and refrigerator

Abstract

The application discloses a damping hinge and a refrigerator. When the damping hinge is in a fully open state, a first cam structure abuts against a cam rotating part, an elastic assembly is in a non-compressed state, and one end of a third connecting piece abuts against a speed reduction assembly. When the damping hinge is in a critical state, the first cam structure is separated from the cam rotating part, a second cam structure abuts against the cam rotating part, the elastic assembly is compressed to drive the second connecting piece and the fourth connecting piece to rotate clockwise, thereby driving the door body fixing seat to rotate counterclockwise to drive the damping hinge to move to a closed state, and one end of the third connecting piece rotates counterclockwise to abut against the speed reduction assembly to reduce the closing speed of the damping hinge until the damping hinge enters the closed state. Therefore, when the door body is in the open state, the elastic assembly does not exert a closing force on the door body; when the door body rotates to the critical state, the elastic assembly exerts a closing force on the door body, and meanwhile, the cooperation of the third connecting piece and the speed reduction assembly can reduce the self-closing speed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to hinges, and more particularly to a damping hinge and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] To ensure thermal insulation, refrigerators typically have thicker doors. This requires the hinges connecting the door and the refrigerator cabinet to have a larger opening to avoid interference between the door and the cabinet during opening / closing. Especially with the increasing popularity of built-in refrigerators, the refrigerator door also needs to be assembled onto the cabinet door panel, which further increases the thickness of the entire door and necessitates an even larger opening for the hinges.

[0003] Chinese invention patent CN112292500B discloses a speed-reducing hinge for furniture. It uses a speed-reducing device to reduce the speed when the door closes. However, when the door is fully open, it is subject to the elastic force of the elastic element and tends to close. It cannot remain open without the application of external force, which would make it convenient for users to take things out. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a device that can remain open when fully open, making it convenient for users to take and put things in; and can be pre-tightened to the closed position when closed, preventing the door and cabinet from not being fully closed, and reducing its self-closing speed when closed to protect the damping hinges of the door and cabinet and the refrigerator.

[0005] One of the objectives of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] A damping hinge includes a cabinet mounting base and a door mounting base. The damping hinge further includes a first connector, a second connector, a third connector, a fourth connector, an elastic component, a supporting component, and a deceleration component.

[0007] The first connector has two ends rotatably connected to the cabinet mounting base and the second connector, respectively. The second connector has two ends rotatably connected to the first connector and the door mounting base, respectively. The third connector has two ends rotatably connected to the cabinet mounting base and the fourth connector, respectively. The fourth connector has two ends rotatably connected to the first connector and the door mounting base, respectively. The elastic component is rotatably mounted on the fourth connector. The abutting component is fixedly mounted inside the second connector and rotatably abuts against the elastic component. The deceleration component is mounted inside the cabinet mounting base. The elastic component has a first cam structure and second cam structures located on both sides of the first cam structure. The abutting component has a cam rotating part, which rotatably meshes with the first cam structure and the second cam structure of the elastic component, respectively.

[0008] When the damping hinge is in the fully open state, the first cam structure of the elastic component abuts against the cam rotating part, the second cam structure is separated from the cam rotating part, and the elastic component is in a non-compressed state. One end of the third connector abuts against the deceleration component.

[0009] When the damping hinge is in a critical state, the first cam structure of the elastic component separates from the cam rotation part, the second cam structure abuts against the cam rotation part, the elastic component is compressed to drive the second connector and the fourth connector to rotate clockwise, thereby driving the door fixing seat to rotate counterclockwise to drive the damping hinge to move towards the closed state, the third connector rotates counterclockwise under the drive of the fourth connector, and one end of the third connector rotates counterclockwise to abut against the deceleration component to reduce the closing speed of the damping hinge until the damping hinge enters the closed state.

[0010] Furthermore, the first cam structure protrudes beyond the second cam structure in the direction of the abutment component, and the ends of the first cam structure and the second cam structure are flush with each other and connected to a relief portion that yields to the abutment component.

[0011] Furthermore, the cam rotating part includes a rotating recess that cooperates with the first cam structure and rotating protrusions located on both sides of the rotating recess that cooperate with the second cam structure, the rotating protrusions protruding from the rotating recess in the direction of the elastic component.

[0012] Furthermore, both the rotating recess and the rotating protrusion are cam-shaped and have a cam rotating surface that rotates against the elastic component. The cam rotating surface of the rotating protrusion is located on the side away from the elastic component, and the cam rotating surface of the rotating protrusion has a vertex. When the damping hinge changes from the closed state to the critical state, the second cam structure passes the vertex, the second cam structure separates from the cam rotating surface of the rotating protrusion, and the first cam structure cooperates with the rotating recess.

[0013] Furthermore, the first cam structure includes an arc-shaped first cam abutment surface and a second cam abutment surface extending from the end of the first cam abutment surface with an arc greater than that of the first cam abutment surface. The cam rotation surface of the rotating recess includes a first cam rotation surface facing the cabinet fixing seat and a second cam rotation surface facing the door fixing seat, which are adjacent to each other. The second cam structure includes an arc-shaped third cam abutment surface facing the door fixing seat. The cam rotation surface of the rotating protrusion includes a third cam rotation surface facing the door fixing seat and engaging with the third cam abutment surface. When the damping hinge is in the fully open state, the second cam abutment surface engages with the first cam rotation surface. When the damping hinge moves from the fully open state to the critical state, the second cam abutment surface and the first cam rotation surface gradually separate until the first cam abutment surface and the second cam rotation surface engage with each other. When the damping hinge moves from the critical state to the closed state, the first cam abutment surface and the second cam rotation surface separate, and the third cam abutment surface engages with the third cam rotation surface.

[0014] Furthermore, the elastic component includes a base fixed to the fourth connector and the first connector via a shaft, a fixed support extending vertically from the base, an elastic element sleeved on the fixed support, and a movable part movably disposed at the other end of the fixed support. The movable part abuts against the elastic element and has a first cam structure and a second cam structure abutting against the cam rotation part.

[0015] Furthermore, the fixed support column has a central hole facing the moving part, the moving part has a long shaft that is slidably disposed in the central hole, one end of the moving part is abutted by the abutting component, and the other end of the moving part is abutted by the elastic member.

[0016] Furthermore, the moving part is provided with a protrusion extending from the second cam structure away from the abutment component. The first connector is U-shaped and has a bottom and side portions extending on both sides of the bottom. One end of the bottom extends straight and has an extension portion and an overlapping groove formed between the extension portion and the side portions. The protrusion slides onto the overlapping groove.

[0017] Furthermore, the extension extends upward beyond the side portion such that the depth of the overlapping groove is less than the length of the extension, and the extension extends upward beyond the first cam structure such that it stops at the end of the abutment assembly that abuts against the elastic assembly when the damping hinge is in the fully open state.

[0018] Furthermore, the moving part is provided with a moving shaft that extends laterally from the second cam structure, the first connecting member is U-shaped and has a bottom and side portions extending on both sides of the bottom, the side portions are provided with sliding grooves, and the moving shaft is slidably disposed in the sliding grooves.

[0019] Furthermore, the bottom separation interval of the first connector is set as a pair and has a notch, the base is exposed in the notch, and the bottom with the extension or groove is vertically arranged to accommodate the elastic component with the side.

[0020] Furthermore, the cabinet fixing base is U-shaped and has a bottom side, an extension side extending vertically from both sides of the bottom side, and a side stop connecting the bottom side and the extension side. The deceleration assembly is disposed against the side stop and has a damping frame, a damping block movably disposed in the damping frame, and a support rod connected to the damping block and fixed to the bottom side. One end of the damping frame relative to the support rod is abutted by one end of the third connector.

[0021] Furthermore, the extended side of the cabinet fixing base is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole at intervals. A first through shaft passes through the first through hole and one end of the third connector, and a second through shaft passes through the second through hole and one end of the first connector. The second through shaft stops on one side of the damping frame relative to the side stop, and the end of the first connector through which the second through shaft passes is U-shaped and clamped to the damping frame.

[0022] Furthermore, the third connector includes a main body, a first end located on one side of the main body through which the first through shaft passes, and a second end located on the other side of the main body that is rotatably connected to the fourth connector. The main body includes a first main body near the first end and a second main body near the second end. The width of the first main body gradually decreases from the second main body to the first main body. When the damping hinge is in the fully open state, the first main body is mounted on the side of the first connector, and the second main body is housed within the first connector.

[0023] Furthermore, when the damping hinge is in the fully open state, the angle between the door fixing seat and the cabinet fixing seat is 115 degrees; when the damping hinge is in the critical state, the angle between the door fixing seat and the cabinet fixing seat is 65 degrees; when the damping hinge is in the closed state, the angle between the door fixing seat and the cabinet fixing seat is 0 degrees.

[0024] One of the objectives of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution two:

[0025] A refrigerator comprising the aforementioned damping hinge.

[0026] Compared with existing technologies, the damping hinge of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0027] When the damping hinge is in the fully open state, the first cam structure of the elastic component abuts against the cam rotating part, the second cam structure is separated from the cam rotating part, and the elastic component is in a non-compressed state. One end of the third connector abuts against the deceleration component. When the damping hinge is in a critical state, the first cam structure of the elastic component is separated from the cam rotating part, the second cam structure abuts against the cam rotating part, and the elastic component is compressed to drive the second connector and the fourth connector to rotate clockwise, thereby driving the door fixing seat to rotate counterclockwise to drive the damping hinge to move towards the closed state. The third connector rotates counterclockwise under the drive of the fourth connector, and one end of the third connector rotates counterclockwise to abut against the deceleration component to reduce the closing speed of the damping hinge until the damping hinge enters the closed state. Therefore, when the door fixing seat is fully open, the elastic component does not apply a closing force to the door fixing seat, which can effectively avoid the impact risk to the user caused by the automatic closing of the door fixing seat, improve the safety of use, and also make it convenient for the user to take and put things; when the door fixing seat rotates past the critical state, the elastic component applies a closing force to the door fixing seat, while the deceleration component reduces the automatic closing speed, so that the door fixing seat and the cabinet fixing seat are finally fully closed and maintain safety. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the damping hinge of the present invention in a fully open state;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the damping hinge of the present invention in a closed state;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the cabinet mounting base, door mounting base, and other parts of the damping hinge of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the elastic component and the supporting component of the damping hinge of the present invention when it is in the fully open state.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the elastic component of the damping hinge of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of the elastic component of the damping hinge of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the supporting component of the damping hinge of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first connecting member of the damping hinge of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the second connecting member of the damping hinge of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the third connecting member of the damping hinge of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the fourth connector of the damping hinge of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the deceleration component of the damping hinge of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first cam structure and the rotating recess when the damping hinge of the present invention is in the fully open state and is tangent to the rotating recess.

[0041] Figure 14 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional schematic diagram of the second cam structure and the rotating convex part when the damping hinge of the present invention is in the fully open state.

[0042] Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the second cam structure and the rotating convex part when the damping hinge of the present invention is in the closed state and is tangent to the rotating convex part.

[0043] Figure 16 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first cam structure and the rotating recess when the damping hinge of the present invention is in the closed state.

[0044] In the diagram: 100, damping hinge; 10, cabinet mounting base; 11, receiving slot; 12, side panel; 13, first through hole; 14, second through hole; 131, first through shaft; 141, second through shaft; 15, bottom side; 16, extension side; 20, door mounting base; 21, bottom plate; 22, side plate; 221, first retaining hole; 222, second retaining hole; 223, first retaining shaft; 224, second retaining shaft; 30, first connector; 31, bottom; 310, notch; 311, extension; 312, overlapping groove; 32, side; 320, slide groove; 32 1. First fixing hole; 322. Second fixing hole; 323. Third fixing hole; 324. First fixing shaft; 325. Second fixing shaft; 40. Second connecting member; 41. Bottom wall; 42. Side wall; 421. First retaining hole; 422. Second retaining hole; 423. Third retaining hole; 424. Retaining shaft; 50. Third connecting member; 51. Main body; 511. First main body; 512. Second main body; 52. First end; 521. First hole; 522. Supporting part; 53. Second end; 531. Second hole; 54. Fixing post; 60. Fourth connecting member; 61. Side plate portion; 611. First connecting hole; 612. Second connecting hole; 613. Third connecting hole; 62. First connecting arm; 63. Second connecting arm; 64. Opening; 70. Elastic component; 71. Base; 72. Fixed support; 721. Center hole; 73. Elastic element; 74. Moving part; 741. Moving shaft; 742. Base; 746. Long shaft; 743. First cam structure; 7431. First cam abutment surface; 7432. Second cam abutment surface; 744. Second cam structure; 7441. Third cam abutment surface; 7442. Protrusion; 7 45. Yielding part; 80. Supporting component; 81. Main body; 811. Holding end; 8111. First holding through hole; 812. Cam rotating part; 8121. Second holding through hole; 8122. Rotating recess; 81221. First cam rotating surface; 81222. Second cam rotating surface; 8123. Rotating convex part; 81231. Third cam rotating surface; H. Vertex; 8124. Yielding recess; 90. Deceleration component; 91. Damping frame; 92. Damping block; 93. Support rod; 94. First side; 95. Second side; 96. Third side; 97. Fourth side. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly on the other component or it can be fixed through another intermediate component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or it may be fixed through another intermediate component. When a component is said to be "set on" another component, it can be set directly on the other component or it may be set through another intermediate component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0048] In this invention, by setting an elastic component 70, a supporting component 80 that rotates and abuts against the elastic component 70, and a deceleration component 80, the damping hinge can remain open when fully open, facilitating the user to take and put away items; when it needs to be closed, it can be pre-tightened to the closed position at a critical state, forming a self-locking mechanism to prevent the door and cabinet from not closing completely, and reducing its self-closing speed to protect the door and cabinet when closing. When the damping hinge 100 is in the fully open state, the first cam structure 743 of the elastic component 70 abuts against the cam rotation part 812 of the supporting component 80, the second cam structure 744 of the elastic component 70 separates from the cam rotation part 812 of the supporting component 80, and the elastic component 70 is in a non-compressed state. At this time, the door fixing seat 20 is in a free state and is not subject to the force of the internal structure of the damping hinge 100, and one end of the third connecting member 50 abuts against the deceleration component 90; when the damping hinge 100 is in the critical state, the first cam structure 744 of the elastic component 70... 3. Separated from the cam rotating part 812, the second cam structure 744 abuts against the cam rotating part 812, and the elastic component 70 is compressed to drive the second connecting member 40 and the fourth connecting member 60 to rotate clockwise, thereby driving the door fixing seat 20 to rotate counterclockwise to drive the damping hinge 100 to move to the closed state. The third connecting member 50 rotates counterclockwise under the drive of the fourth connecting member 60, and one end of the third connecting member 50 rotates counterclockwise to abut against the deceleration component 90 to reduce the closing speed of the damping hinge 100 until the damping hinge 100 enters the closed state. Therefore, when the door fixing seat 20 is in the fully open state, the elastic component 70 does not apply a closing force to the door fixing seat 20, thereby effectively avoiding the impact risk to the user caused by the automatic closing of the door fixing seat 20, improving the safety of use, and also making it easier for the user to take and put things; when the door fixing seat 20 rotates past the critical state, the elastic component 70 applies a closing force to the door fixing seat 20, while the deceleration component 90 is used to reduce the automatic closing speed, so that the door fixing seat 20 and the cabinet fixing seat 10 are finally completely closed and maintain safety, thereby improving the service life of the damping hinge.

[0049] Please refer to Figures 1 to 16The damping hinge 100 of the present invention includes a cabinet fixing base 10, a door fixing base 20, a first connecting member 30, a second connecting member 40, a third connecting member 50, a fourth connecting member 60, an elastic component 70, a supporting component 80, and a deceleration component 90. The two ends of the first connecting member 30 are rotatably connected to the cabinet fixing base 10 and the second connecting member 40, respectively. The two ends of the second connecting member 40 are rotatably connected to the first connecting member 30 and the door fixing base 20, respectively. The two ends of the third connecting member 50 are rotatably connected to the cabinet fixing base 10 and the fourth connecting member 60, respectively. The two ends of the fourth connecting member 60 are rotatably connected to the first connecting member 30 and the door fixing base 20, respectively. The elastic component 70 is rotatably mounted on the fourth connecting member 60. The supporting component 80 is fixedly mounted inside the second connecting member 40 and rotatably supports the elastic component 70.

[0050] The cabinet mounting bracket 10 is used to fix the cabinet. In this embodiment, the damping hinge 100 is applied to a refrigerator, and the cabinet mounting bracket 10 is fixed to the refrigerator cabinet. Please refer to... Figure 1 The cabinet mounting base 10 features a double-plate design with a U-shaped cross-section. This design increases structural strength while accommodating other components, reducing the volume of the damping hinge 100, and protecting other components. The cabinet mounting base 10 includes a bottom side 15, a pair of extending sides 16 extending vertically from both sides of the bottom side 15, and a side stop 12 connecting the bottom side 15 and the pair of extending sides 16. A receiving groove 11 for accommodating other components is formed between the bottom side 15, the extending sides 16, and the side stop 12. A first through hole 13 and a second through hole 14 are spaced apart on the extending sides 16. The first through hole 13 is fixed by a first through shaft 131, and the second through hole 14 is fixed by a second through shaft 141.

[0051] The door mounting bracket 20 is used to fix the door. In this embodiment, the damping hinge 100 is applied to the refrigerator, and the door mounting bracket 20 is fixed to the refrigerator door. Please refer to... Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 13 to 16 The door fixing base 20 is also a double-plate design with a U-shaped cross-section. This increases structural strength while accommodating other components, reducing the volume of the damping hinge 100, and protecting other components. The door fixing base 20 includes a base plate 21 and a pair of side plates 22 extending vertically from both sides of the base plate 21. The side plates 22 are provided with a first retaining hole 221 and a second retaining hole 222 spaced apart. The pair of first retaining holes 221 on the side plates 22 are fixed by a first retaining shaft 223, and the pair of second retaining holes 222 on the side plates 22 are fixed by a second retaining shaft 224.

[0052] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 8 The first connector 30 is a double-plate design with a U-shaped cross-section. While increasing structural strength, the interior of the first connector 30 can accommodate other components, reducing the hinge's volume and protecting these components. The first connector 30 is U-shaped and has a bottom 31 and side portions 32 extending from both sides of the bottom 31. The bottom 31 of the first connector 30 is spaced apart in pairs, with a notch 310 defined at the midpoint. One end of the bottom 31 extends straight out with an extension 311 and an overlapping groove 312 formed on both sides of the extension 311 and between it and the side portions 32. The extension 311 extends upward beyond the side portions 32 such that the depth of the overlapping groove 312 is less than the length of the extension 311. The extension 311 extends upward beyond the first cam structure 743 so that when the damping hinge 100 is in the fully open state, it stops at the end of the abutment assembly 80 that abuts against the elastic component 70. The side portion 32 is provided with a first fixing hole 321, a second fixing hole 322, and a third fixing hole 323 located between the first fixing hole 321 and the second fixing hole 322. The side portion 32 is also provided with a vertically oriented sliding groove 320 located between the first fixing hole 321 and the third fixing hole 323. The first fixing hole 321 is fixed by a first fixing shaft 324, the second fixing hole 322 is fixed by a second through shaft 141, and the third fixing hole 323 is fixed by a second fixing shaft 325. One side of the second fixing hole 322 of the first connector 30 is received by the receiving groove 11 of the cabinet fixing base 10.

[0053] Please continue to refer to Figure 3 and Figure 9 The second connector 40 is also a double-plate design with a U-shaped cross-section. The second connector 40 includes a bottom wall 41 and a pair of side walls 42 extending from both sides of the bottom wall 41. The side walls 42 are provided with a first retaining hole 421, a second retaining hole 422, and a third retaining hole 423 located between the first retaining hole 421 and the second retaining hole 422. The pair of first retaining holes 421 on the pair of side walls 42 are fixed by the first retaining shaft 223, so that one end of the second connector 40 is received in the door fixing seat 20. The pair of second retaining holes 422 on the pair of side walls 42 are fixed by the first fixing shaft 324 to rotatably connect with one end of the first connector 30. The pair of third retaining holes 423 on the pair of side walls 42 are fixed by the retaining shaft 424 to fix the abutment assembly 80 within the second connector 40.

[0054] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 , Figure 10 and Figures 13 to 15 The third connector 50 has a plate-like structure and includes a main body 51 and a first end 52 and a second end 53 located at both ends of the main body 51. The main body 51 includes a first main body 511 near the first end 52 and a second main body 512 near the second end 53, with the width gradually decreasing from the first main body 511 to the second main body 512. The first end 52 has a pair of first holes 521, and the pair of first holes 521 are fixed by the first through shaft 131 so that one end of the third connector 50 is rotatably connected to the cabinet fixing base 10. The second end 53 has a pair of second holes 531, and the pair of third holes 531 are fixed by a fixing post 54. The first end 52 and the first main body 511 are provided with a supporting part 522 on one side corresponding to the deceleration assembly 90. The supporting part 522 rotatably abuts against the deceleration assembly 90 to reduce the self-closing speed of the damping hinge 100 during its self-closing process. When the damping hinge 100 is in the fully open state, the first main body 511 is mounted on the side 32 of the first connector 30 near the receiving groove 11, and the second main body 512 is received in the first connector 30.

[0055] Please continue to refer to Figure 11 and Figures 13 to 16 The fourth connector 60 is also a double-plate structure. The fourth connector 60 includes a pair of spaced-apart side plate portions 61 and a first connecting arm 62 and a second connecting arm 63 connecting the pair of side plate portions 61. The first connecting arm 62 and the second connecting arm 63 are spaced apart, with the intermediate space defined as an opening 64. The second end 53 of the third connector 50 extends through the opening 64 between the pair of side plate portions 61. Each side plate portion 61 has a spaced-apart first connecting hole 611, a second connecting hole 612, and a third connecting hole 613 located between the first connecting hole 611 and the second connecting hole 612. A pair of first connecting holes 611 on the pair of side plate portions 61 are fixed by a second fixing shaft 224, so that one end of the fourth connector 60 is rotatably connected to the door fixing seat 20. A pair of second connecting holes 612 on the pair of side plate portions 61 are fixed by a second fixing shaft 325, so that the other end of the fourth connector 60 is rotatably connected to the first connector 30. A pair of third connecting holes 613 on a pair of side plate portions 61 are fixed by the fixing post 54 so that one end of the third connecting member 50 is rotatably connected to the fourth connecting member 60.

[0056] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 , Figures 4 to 7 and Figures 13 to 16The elastic component 70 includes a base 71, a fixed support column 72 extending vertically upward from the base 71, an elastic element 73 sleeved on the outside of the fixed support column 72, and a movable part 74 movably disposed at the other end of the fixed support column 72 and abutting against the elastic element 73. The elastic element 73 is any one of a spring, disc spring, spring sheet, or compression spring. Specifically, in this embodiment, the elastic element 73 is preferably a spring, and the elastic element 73 is sleeved on the fixed support column 72. The base 71 is fixed by the second fixed shaft 325 to be rotatably connected to one end of the fourth connecting member 60 and the first connecting member 30. The base 71 is exposed at the notch 310 of the first connecting member 30. The fixed support column 72 has a central hole 721 facing the movable part 74, and the central hole 721 passes through the upper surface of the fixed support column 72. One end of the movable part 74 is abutted by the abutting component 80, and the other end of the movable part 74 is abutted by the elastic element 73. The movable part 74 has a base 742, a long shaft 746 extending vertically downward from the base 742, a movable shaft 741 extending from the base 742 along the extension direction of the second fixed shaft 325 and protruding from the base 742, a first cam structure 743 extending upward from the base 742, and second cam structures 744 located on both sides of the first cam structure 743 along the extension direction of the second fixed shaft 325. The long shaft 746 is received in the central hole 721 and can move vertically under the action of the elastic member 73. The movable shaft 741 protrudes laterally from the second cam structure 744 and slides vertically against the groove 320. The first connecting member 30 has the extension 311 or the bottom 31 of the groove 320 vertically arranged to receive the elastic member 70 with the side portion 32.

[0057] The first cam structure 743 protrudes beyond the second cam structure 744 towards the abutment assembly 80, and the ends of the first cam structure 743 and the second cam structure 744 are flush and connected to a clearance portion 745 that accommodates the abutment assembly 80. The first cam structure 743 includes an arc-shaped first cam abutment surface 7431 and a second cam abutment surface 7432 extending from the end of the first cam abutment surface 7431 with an arc greater than that of the first cam abutment surface 7431. The concave direction of the first cam abutment surface 7431 is approximately the same as the extending direction of the fixed support column 72. The second cam structure 744 includes an arc-shaped third cam abutment surface 7441 facing the door fixing seat 20. The concave direction of the second cam abutment surface 7432 is approximately opposite to the convex direction of the third cam abutment surface 7441.

[0058] The movable part 74 is further provided with a protrusion 7442 extending from the second cam structure 744 away from the abutting component 80. This arrangement allows one end of the elastic component 70 to be rotatably connected to the first connector 30 via the second fixed shaft 325, and the other end of the elastic component 70 to slide against the overlapping groove 312 and the sliding groove 320 via the protrusion 7442 and the movable shaft 741, respectively. Under the action of the elastic member 73, the protrusion 7442 and the movable shaft 741 can slide within the overlapping groove 312 and the sliding groove 320. Specifically, when the damping hinge 100 is in the fully open state, the protrusion 7442 is located on the bottom side of the overlapping groove 312, and the movable shaft 741 is located on the side of the sliding groove 320 near the third fixed hole 323. When the damping hinge 100 is in the closed state, the protrusion 7442 is located on the top side of the overlapping groove 312, and the moving shaft 741 is located on the side of the slide groove 320 away from the third fixing hole 323.

[0059] Please continue to refer to Figure 7 and Figures 13 to 16 The abutting component 80 abuts and presses against the elastic component 70. The abutting component 80 is elongated and is fixedly installed within the second connecting member 40, rotating and abutting against the elastic component 70. The abutting component 80 has a main body 81, which is provided with a retaining end 811 and a cam rotating part 812 disposed opposite to each other. The retaining end 811 is provided with a first retaining through hole 8111, which is fixed by the retaining shaft 424. The cam rotating part 812 is provided with a second retaining through hole 8121, which is fixed by the first fixing shaft 324. This arrangement ensures that both ends of the abutting component 80 are fixedly connected to the second connecting member 40, so the abutting component 80 and the second connecting member 40 rotate synchronously.

[0060] The cam rotating part 812 of the abutting component 80 rotates and engages with the first cam structure 743 and the second cam structure 744 of the elastic component 70, respectively.

[0061] When the damping hinge 100 is in the fully open state, the first cam structure 743 of the elastic component 70 abuts against the cam rotating part 812, the second cam structure 744 separates from the cam rotating part 812, and the elastic component 70 is in a non-compressed state, with one end of the third connector 50 abutting against the deceleration component 90; when the damping hinge 100 is in a critical state, the first cam structure 743 of the elastic component 70 separates from the cam rotating part 812, and the second cam structure 744 abuts against... In the cam rotating part 812, the elastic component 70 is compressed to drive the second connecting member 40 and the fourth connecting member 60 to rotate clockwise, thereby driving the door fixing seat 20 to rotate counterclockwise to drive the damping hinge 100 to move to the closed state. The third connecting member 50 rotates counterclockwise under the drive of the fourth connecting member 60, and one end of the third connecting member 50 rotates counterclockwise to abut against the deceleration component 90 to reduce the closing speed of the damping hinge 100 until the damping hinge 100 enters the closed state.

[0062] The cam rotating portion 812 includes a rotating recess 8122 that mates with the first cam structure 743 and rotating protrusions 8123 located on both sides of the rotating recess 8122 that mate with the second cam structure 744. The rotating protrusions 8123 protrude from the rotating recess 8122 toward the elastic component 70. When the damping hinge 100 is in the closed state, the pair of rotating protrusions 8123 abut against the second cam structure 744 and are fixedly clamped to the extension portion 311, with the pair of rotating protrusions 8123 partially received in the overlapping groove 312.

[0063] Both the rotating recess 8122 and the rotating protrusion 8123 are cam-shaped and have cam rotation surfaces that rotatably abut against the elastic component 70. The cam rotation surface of the rotating protrusion 8123 is located on the side away from the elastic component 70, and the cam rotation surface of the rotating protrusion 8123 has a vertex H. When the damping hinge 100 changes from the closed state to the critical state, the second cam structure 744 passes the vertex H, and the second cam structure 744 separates from the cam rotation surface of the rotating protrusion 8123. The first cam structure 743 then engages with the rotating recess 8122. Further, the cam rotation surface of the rotating recess 8122 includes a first cam rotation surface 81221 facing the cabinet fixing seat 10 and a second cam rotation surface 81222 facing the door fixing seat 20, which are adjacent to each other. The cam rotation surface of the rotating protrusion 8123 includes a third cam rotation surface 81231 that faces the door fixing seat 20 and abuts against the third cam abutment surface 7441. When the damping hinge 100 is in the fully open state, the second cam abutment surface 7432 abuts against the first cam rotation surface 81221; when the damping hinge 100 moves from the fully open state to the critical state, the second cam abutment surface 7432 and the first cam rotation surface 81221 gradually separate until the first cam abutment surface 7431 abuts against the second cam rotation surface 81222; when the damping hinge 100 moves from the critical state to the closed state, the first cam abutment surface 7431 and the second cam rotation surface 81222 separate, and the third cam abutment surface 7441 abuts against the third cam rotation surface 81231. The rotating recess 8122 is also provided with a clearance recess 8124 on the side near the rotating surface 81231 of the third cam, which is provided to accommodate the first cam structure 743.

[0064] Please continue to refer to Figures 12 to 16The deceleration assembly 90 includes a damping frame 91, a damping block 92 movably disposed within the damping frame 91, and a support rod 93 fixed between the damping block 92 and the bottom side 15 of the cabinet mounting base 10. The deceleration assembly 90 is disposed within the cabinet mounting base 10, and is abutted against the side baffle 12 of the cabinet mounting base 10. One end of the damping frame 91 relative to the support rod 93 is abutted by one end of the third connector 50. Specifically, the deceleration assembly 90 includes a first side 94 and a second side 95 arranged opposite each other in the vertical direction, and a third side 96 and a fourth side 97 arranged opposite each other in the transverse direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The first side 94 of the deceleration assembly 90 is rotatably supported by the abutment portion 522 of the third connector 50, the second side 95 of the deceleration assembly 90 is abutted against the bottom side 15 by the support rod 93, the third side 96 of the deceleration assembly 90 is abutted by the second through shaft 141, and the fourth side 97 of the deceleration assembly 90 is abutted by the crossbar portion 12. This ensures that the deceleration assembly 90 is supported in four directions, guaranteeing its stability. Simultaneously, the end of the first connector 30 through which the second through shaft 141 passes is U-shaped and clamped to the outside of the damping frame 91, further stabilizing the deceleration assembly 90.

[0065] When the damping hinge 100 is in the fully open state, the angle between the door fixing seat 20 and the cabinet fixing seat 10 is 115 degrees; when the damping hinge 100 is in the critical state, the angle between the door fixing seat 20 and the cabinet fixing seat 10 is 65 degrees; when the damping hinge 100 is in the closed state, the angle between the door fixing seat 20 and the cabinet fixing seat 10 is 0 degrees.

[0066] The following will describe in detail the relationships between the components of the damping hinge 100 in three different states and the process of switching between the three different states:

[0067] When using the damping hinge 100, the cabinet mounting base 10 is fixedly connected to the cabinet, and the door mounting base 20 is fixedly connected to the door. When the damping hinge 100 is in the fully open state, please refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 13 and Figure 14The angle between the door fixing seat 20 and the cabinet fixing seat 10 is obtuse, which meets the large opening requirement of the hinge. Specifically, in this embodiment, the obtuse angle is 115 degrees. At this time, the second cam abutment surface 7432 and the first cam rotation surface 81221 rotate and abut against each other. The first cam abutment surface 7431 and the second cam rotation surface 81222 do not contact each other, and the third cam abutment surface 7441 of the second cam structure 744 also does not contact the third cam rotation surface 81231, and are in a separated state. The protrusion 7442 overlaps the bottom end of the overlap groove 312, and the moving shaft 741 overlaps and is fixed to the bottom end of the slide groove 320. At this time, the extension 311 stops at one end of the cam rotation part 812 of the abutment assembly 80 to prevent the door fixing seat 20 from opening excessively and damaging the damping hinge. The abutting portion 522 of the third connector 50 slightly abuts against the first side 94 of the deceleration assembly 90 to stabilize the deceleration assembly 90. At this time, the elastic component 70 is in a non-compressed state, and the elastic component 70 does not exert a closing force on the door fixing seat 20, thereby effectively avoiding the impact risk to the user caused by the automatic closing of the door fixing seat 20, improving the safety of use, and also making it easier for the user to take and put things.

[0068] When the damping hinge 100 changes from the fully open state to the critical state, the angle between the door fixing seat 20 and the cabinet fixing seat 10 is an acute angle. In this embodiment, preferably, the acute angle is 65 degrees. The second cam abutment surface 7432 separates from the first cam rotation surface 81221 until the first cam abutment surface 7431 contacts and abuts the second cam rotation surface 81222. At this time, the third cam abutment surface 7441 of the second cam structure 744 is still not in contact with the third cam rotation surface 81231 of the rotating protrusion 8123, and they are arranged opposite each other and in a separated state. At this time, the elastic component 70 is compressed, causing the second connector 40 and the fourth connector 60 to rotate clockwise, which in turn causes the door fixing seat 20 to rotate counterclockwise, driving the damping hinge 100 to move towards the closed state. The third connector 50 rotates counterclockwise under the drive of the fourth connector 60, and the abutment portion 522 of the third connector 50 rotates counterclockwise to abut against the deceleration component 90 to reduce the closing speed of the damping hinge 100 until the damping hinge 100 enters the closed state. Therefore, when the door fixing seat 20 rotates past the critical state, the elastic component 70 applies a closing force to the door fixing seat 20, while the deceleration component 90 reduces the automatic closing speed, so that the door fixing seat 20 and the cabinet fixing seat 10 are finally completely closed and maintain safety, thereby improving the service life of the damping hinge 100.

[0069] When the damping hinge 100 moves from the critical state to the closed state, the second cam structure 744 passes the vertex H of the rotating protrusion 8123 in a counterclockwise direction. The first cam abutment surface 7431 separates from the second cam rotation surface 81222 until the third cam abutment surface 7441 of the second cam structure 744 contacts and abuts the third cam rotation surface 81231 of the rotating protrusion 8123. At this time, the elastic component 70 is further compressed, causing the second connector 40 and the fourth connector 60 to rotate further clockwise. The door fixing seat 20 rotates counterclockwise to drive the damping hinge 100 to move towards the closed state. The third connector 50 rotates further counterclockwise under the drive of the fourth connector 60, and the abutment portion 522 of the third connector 50 rotates counterclockwise and abuts against the deceleration component 90 to reduce the closing speed of the damping hinge 100 until the damping hinge 100 enters the closed state. When the damping hinge 100 is in the closed state, the door fixing seat 20 and the cabinet fixing seat 10 are arranged parallel to each other, and the first connector 30, the second connector 40, the third connector 50 and the fourth connector 60 are housed between them. At this time, the third cam abutting surface 7441 of the second cam structure 744 contacts and abuts against the third cam rotating surface 81231 of the rotating protrusion 8123. A pair of rotating protrusions 8123 are partially clamped in the extension 311. The protrusion 7442 is located at the top of the overlapping groove 312, and the moving shaft 741 is located at the top of the slide groove 320.

[0070] When the refrigerator door needs to be opened, the damping hinge 100 needs to be opened from the closed state to the critical state. At this time, the required external force needs to be greater than the preload force on the damping hinge 100. This external force causes the door fixing seat 20 to rotate clockwise. Under the action of the external force, the door fixing seat 20 causes the second connecting member 40 and the fourth connecting member 60 to rotate counterclockwise. Consequently, the abutment component 80 within the second connecting member 40 rotates counterclockwise to abut against the elastic component 70. The states of the elastic component 70 and the abutment component 80 are determined by the... The third cam abutting surface 7441 of the second cam structure 744 abuts against the third cam rotating surface 81231 of the rotating protrusion 8123. The third cam abutting surface 7441 separates from the third cam rotating surface 81231. The second cam structure 744 clockwise passes the vertex H of the rotating cam 8123 until the first cam abutting surface 7431 of the first cam structure 743 abuts against the second cam rotating surface 81222 of the rotating recess 8122, causing the damping hinge 100 to enter a critical state. At this time, the third connecting member 50 also rotates clockwise, causing the abutting part 522 to abut against the deceleration assembly 90. At this point, the external force is greater than the elastic preload force given to the door fixing seat 20 by the elastic assembly 70 in the critical state; that is, it is also necessary to overcome the damping force of the deceleration assembly 90. Since the door fixing seat 20 is still under the preload of the elastic component 70, if the refrigerator needs to be fully opened, the external force still needs to be maintained on the door fixing seat 20. When the damping hinge 100 moves from the critical state to the fully open state, it further drives the door fixing seat 20 to rotate clockwise until the first cam abutment surface 7431 of the first cam structure 743 separates from the second cam rotation surface 81222 of the rotation recess 8122. The second cam abutment surface 7432 of the first cam structure 743 abuts against the first cam rotation surface 81221 of the rotation recess 8122. At this time, the door fixing seat 20 of the damping hinge 100 is no longer under the elastic preload of the elastic component 70, and the damping hinge 100 is in a free state. This can effectively avoid the impact risk to the user caused by the automatic closing of the door fixing seat 20, improve the safety of use, and also make it easier for the user to take and put things. In this way, the switching of the damping hinge 100 from the closed state to the open state is completed.

[0071] The present invention also includes a refrigerator comprising the aforementioned damping hinge 100.

[0072] When the damping hinge 100 is in the fully open state, the first cam structure 743 of the elastic component 70 abuts against the cam rotating part 812, the second cam structure 744 is separated from the cam rotating part 812, and the elastic component 70 is in a non-compressed state. One end of the third connecting member 50 abuts against the deceleration component 90. At this time, the damping hinge 100 is in a free state, and the door fixing seat 20 is not subject to the elastic preload of the elastic component. When the damping hinge 100 is in a critical state, the first cam structure 743 of the elastic component 70 and the cam... The rotating part 812 separates, and the second cam structure 744 abuts against the cam rotating part 812. The elastic component 70 is compressed to drive the second connecting member 40 and the fourth connecting member 60 to rotate clockwise, thereby driving the door fixing seat 20 to rotate counterclockwise to drive the damping hinge 100 to move into the closed state. The third connecting member 50 rotates counterclockwise under the drive of the fourth connecting member 60, and one end of the third connecting member 50 rotates counterclockwise to abut against the deceleration component 90 to reduce the closing speed of the damping hinge 100 until the damping hinge 100 enters the closed state. Therefore, when the door fixing seat 20 is in the fully open state, the elastic component 70 does not apply a closing force to the door fixing seat 20, thereby effectively avoiding the impact risk to the user caused by the automatic closing of the door fixing seat 20, improving the safety of use, and also making it convenient for the user to take and put things. When the door fixing seat 20 rotates past the critical state, the elastic component 70 applies a closing force to the door fixing seat 20, while the deceleration component 90 reduces the automatic closing speed, so that the door fixing seat 20 and the cabinet fixing seat 10 are finally completely closed and maintain safety.

[0073] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention. These are all equivalent modifications and improvements made to the above embodiments based on the essential technology of the present invention, and all of these fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A damping hinge, comprising a cabinet mounting base and a door mounting base, characterized in that: The damping hinge further includes a first connector, a second connector, a third connector, a fourth connector, an elastic component, a supporting component, and a deceleration component. The first connector has two ends rotatably connected to the cabinet mounting base and the second connector, respectively. The second connector has two ends rotatably connected to the first connector and the door mounting base, respectively. The third connector has two ends rotatably connected to the cabinet mounting base and the fourth connector, respectively. The fourth connector has two ends rotatably connected to the first connector and the door mounting base, respectively. The elastic component is rotatably mounted on the fourth connector. The abutting component is fixedly mounted inside the second connector and rotatably abuts against the elastic component. The deceleration component is mounted inside the cabinet mounting base. The elastic component has a first cam structure and second cam structures located on both sides of the first cam structure. The abutting component has a cam rotating part, which rotatably meshes with the first cam structure and the second cam structure of the elastic component, respectively. When the damping hinge is in the fully open state, the first cam structure of the elastic component abuts against the cam rotating part, the second cam structure is separated from the cam rotating part, and the elastic component is in a non-compressed state. One end of the third connector abuts against the deceleration component. When the damping hinge is in a critical state, the first cam structure of the elastic component separates from the cam rotation part, the second cam structure abuts against the cam rotation part, the elastic component is compressed to drive the second connector and the fourth connector to rotate clockwise, thereby driving the door fixing seat to rotate counterclockwise to drive the damping hinge to move towards the closed state, the third connector rotates counterclockwise under the drive of the fourth connector, and one end of the third connector rotates counterclockwise to abut against the deceleration component to reduce the closing speed of the damping hinge until the damping hinge enters the closed state. The cam rotation part includes a rotation recess that cooperates with the first cam structure and rotation protrusions located on both sides of the rotation recess that cooperate with the second cam structure. The rotation protrusions protrude from the rotation recess in the direction of the elastic component.

2. The damping hinge as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first cam structure protrudes beyond the second cam structure in the direction of the abutment component, and the ends of the first cam structure and the second cam structure are flush with each other and connected to a relief portion that yields to the abutment component.

3. The damping hinge as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Both the rotating recess and the rotating protrusion are cam-shaped and have a cam rotating surface that rotates against the elastic component. The cam rotating surface of the rotating protrusion is located on the side away from the elastic component, and the cam rotating surface of the rotating protrusion has a vertex. When the damping hinge changes from the closed state to the critical state, the second cam structure passes the vertex, the second cam structure separates from the cam rotating surface of the rotating protrusion, and the first cam structure engages with the rotating recess.

4. The damping hinge as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The first cam structure includes an arc-shaped first cam abutment surface and a second cam abutment surface extending from the end of the first cam abutment surface with an arc greater than that of the first cam abutment surface. The cam rotation surface of the rotating recess includes a first cam rotation surface facing the cabinet mounting base and a second cam rotation surface facing the door mounting base, which are adjacent to each other. The second cam structure includes an arc-shaped third cam abutment surface facing the door mounting base. The cam rotation surface of the rotating protrusion includes a third cam rotation surface facing the door mounting base and engaging with the third cam abutment surface. When the damping hinge is in the fully open state, the second cam abutment surface engages with the first cam rotation surface. When the damping hinge moves from the fully open state to the critical state, the second cam abutment surface and the first cam rotation surface gradually separate until the first cam abutment surface and the second cam rotation surface engage with each other. When the damping hinge moves from the critical state to the closed state, the first cam abutment surface and the second cam rotation surface separate, and the third cam abutment surface engages with the third cam rotation surface.

5. The damping hinge as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic component includes a base fixed to the fourth connector and the first connector via a shaft, a fixed support extending vertically from the base, an elastic element sleeved on the fixed support, and a movable part movably disposed at the other end of the fixed support. The movable part abuts against the elastic element and has a first cam structure and a second cam structure abutting against the cam rotation part.

6. The damping hinge as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The fixed support has a central hole facing the moving part. The moving part has a long shaft that is slidably disposed in the central hole. One end of the moving part is abutted by the abutting component, and the other end of the moving part is abutted by the elastic member.

7. The damping hinge as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The movable part is provided with a protrusion extending from the second cam structure away from the abutment component. The first connector is U-shaped and has a bottom and side portions extending on both sides of the bottom. One end of the bottom extends straight and has an extension portion and an overlapping groove formed between the extension portion and the side portions. The protrusion slides onto the overlapping groove.

8. The damping hinge as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The extension extends upward beyond the side portion such that the depth of the overlapping groove is less than the length of the extension, and the extension extends upward beyond the first cam structure such that it stops at the end of the abutment assembly that abuts against the elastic assembly when the damping hinge is in the fully open state.

9. The damping hinge as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The moving part is provided with a moving shaft that protrudes laterally from the second cam structure. The first connecting member is U-shaped and has a bottom and side portions extending on both sides of the bottom. The side portions are provided with sliding grooves, and the moving shaft is slidably disposed in the sliding grooves.

10. The damping hinge as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The bottom separation intervals of the first connector are set as a pair and have a notch, the base is exposed out of the notch, and the bottom having the extension or groove is vertically arranged to accommodate the elastic component with the side.

11. The damping hinge as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The cabinet mounting base is U-shaped and has a bottom side, extension sides extending vertically from both sides of the bottom side, and a side stop connecting the bottom side and the extension sides. The deceleration assembly is abutted against the side stop and has a damping frame, a damping block movably disposed in the damping frame, and a support rod connected to the damping block and fixed to the bottom side. One end of the damping frame relative to the support rod is abutted by one end of the third connector.

12. The damping hinge as described in claim 11, characterized in that: The extended side of the cabinet fixing base is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole at intervals. A first through shaft passes through the first through hole and one end of the third connector. A second through shaft passes through the second through hole and one end of the first connector. The second through shaft stops on one side of the damping frame relative to the side stop. The end of the first connector through which the second through shaft passes is U-shaped and clamped to the damping frame.

13. The damping hinge as described in claim 12, characterized in that: The third connector includes a main body, a first end located on one side of the main body through which the first through shaft passes, and a second end located on the other side of the main body and rotatably connected to the fourth connector. The main body includes a first main body near the first end and a second main body near the second end. The width of the first main body gradually decreases from the second main body to the first main body. When the damping hinge is in the fully open state, the first main body is mounted on the side of the first connector, and the second main body is housed within the first connector.

14. The damping hinge as described in claim 1, characterized in that: When the damping hinge is in the fully open state, the angle between the door fixing seat and the cabinet fixing seat is 115 degrees; when the damping hinge is in the critical state, the angle between the door fixing seat and the cabinet fixing seat is 65 degrees; when the damping hinge is in the closed state, the angle between the door fixing seat and the cabinet fixing seat is 0 degrees.

15. A refrigerator, characterized in that: Includes the damping hinge as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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