Door shelf assembly and refrigerator

Abstract

This invention discloses a door shelf assembly and a refrigerator. The door shelf assembly includes: a door body; a shelf box slidably connected to the door body; a lid covering the shelf box; when the shelf box is in the open position, the lid opens the shelf box; when the shelf box is in the initial position, the lid closes the shelf box; and a reset structure connected to the shelf box, used to reset the shelf box to the initial position. The door shelf assembly and refrigerator of this invention effectively solve the problem of inconvenient operation of existing door shelf structures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and more specifically, to a door shelf assembly and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards continue to improve, their demand for diversified refrigerator functions is also increasing. The door shelves on the refrigerator are storage spaces that users use most frequently during refrigerator use.

[0003] Most existing refrigerator door shelves are open-style, with the shelves fixed to the refrigerator door liner, offering a simple function. Some door shelves have a flip-up cover at the top or front, creating an independent space. The biggest drawback of this type of door shelf structure is that it is difficult to achieve convenient use and an effective sealed space, making operation more cumbersome.

[0004] For most open-door shelving structures, the circulating cold air comes into direct contact with the stored items, making them prone to drying out and spoiling, thus failing to meet the need for airtight, multi-functional storage.

[0005] Currently, some existing door shelves have an opening at the front. The front of the door shelf and a rotating flip cover placed at the front cooperate to form a box-like structure with an internal cavity. This structure achieves the sealing function of the door shelf, but it is inconvenient to store items, and the cover cannot open and close automatically.

[0006] In summary, the existing door shelf structure is inconvenient to operate. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention provides a door shelf assembly and a refrigerator to solve the problem of inconvenient operation of existing door shelf structures.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a door shelf assembly, comprising: a door body; a shelf box slidably connected to the door body; a cover covering the shelf box; when the shelf box is in the open position, the cover opens the shelf box; when the shelf box is in the initial position, the cover closes the shelf box; and a reset structure connected to the shelf box, the reset structure being used to reset the shelf box to the initial position.

[0009] Furthermore, the box cover includes: a rear cover plate, the first side of which is pivotally connected to the shelf box; a central shaft, the central shaft being connected to the second side of the rear cover plate; and a front cover plate, the first side of which is pivotally connected to the central shaft, the second side of which is a free end. The front cover plate and the rear cover plate together cover the shelf box and close the shelf box.

[0010] Furthermore, after the shelf box is pulled out in a direction away from the door, the shelf box enters the open position, and the rear cover and the front cover open the shelf box; after the shelf box is returned in a direction closer to the door, the shelf box returns to the initial position, and the rear cover and the front cover close the shelf box.

[0011] Furthermore, the reset structure is connected to the door body, and the reset structure includes a spring. The central shaft is drivenly connected to the spring. When the shelf box enters the open position, the shelf box drives the rear cover plate and pushes the central shaft, and the central shaft compresses the spring. During the process of the shelf box returning to the initial position, the force of the spring pushes the central shaft, and the central shaft pushes the shelf box through the rear cover plate, causing the shelf box to move towards the door body.

[0012] Furthermore, the reset structure includes: a support frame, which is mounted on the door body; a guide post, which is fixedly connected to the support frame; a spring sleeved on the guide post, with a first end of the spring fixedly disposed; and a sliding block, which is slidably connected to the support frame, and is fixedly connected to the second end of the spring, and is drivenly connected to the central shaft.

[0013] Furthermore, the rear cover plate is located on the side of the central axis facing the door body; the rear cover plate is integrally formed with the central axis; the front cover plate is located on the side of the central axis away from the door body.

[0014] Furthermore, the shelf box is provided with shock-absorbing pads on the side facing the door.

[0015] Furthermore, a handle is provided on the side of the shelf box opposite to the door, and the shelf box can be switched between the open position and the initial position by sliding.

[0016] Furthermore, the shelf box slides along the horizontal direction of the door body, the central axis moves along the vertical direction of the door body, and the direction of the spring force is the vertical direction of the door body.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, a refrigerator is provided, including the aforementioned door shelf assembly.

[0018] When the shelf box is in its initial position, the lid closes, creating a sealed space that keeps items inside moist and prevents odors from mixing. When the user opens the shelf box or it opens automatically, the shelf box is in the open position, with the lid open for easy storage and retrieval of food or other items. After use, the reset mechanism automatically returns the shelf box to its initial position, maintaining a sealed space. Even if the user forgets to close it, there will be no loss. The door shelf assembly's reset mechanism eliminates the need for the user to close it manually; the door shelf assembly closes automatically, greatly simplifying the operation and making it more convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the door shelf assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the door shelf assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a front view schematic diagram of a door shelf assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure at point AA;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a top view schematic diagram of a door shelf assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the door shelf assembly in its initial position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the door shelf assembly in the open position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the reset structure of the door shelf assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a front view schematic diagram of the reset structure of the door shelf assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 10 This is a rear view schematic diagram of the reset structure of the door shelf assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the resetting structure of the door shelf assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structural fit of the shelf box of the door shelf assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 13 This is an exploded view of the shelf box of the door shelf assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the shelf box of the door shelf assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 15 This is a top view of the shelf box of the door shelf assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 16 This is a front view schematic diagram of the shelf box of the door shelf assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the structure at point BB. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0037] See Figures 1 to 17 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a door shelf assembly is provided. The door shelf assembly includes a door body 10, a shelf box 20, a box cover 30, and a reset structure 40. The shelf box 20 is slidably connected to the door body 10. The box cover 30 covers the shelf box 20. When the shelf box 20 is in the open position, the box cover 30 opens the shelf box 20. When the shelf box 20 is in the initial position, the box cover 30 closes the shelf box 20. The reset structure 40 is connected to the shelf box 20 and is used to reset the shelf box 20 to the initial position.

[0038] When the shelf box is in its initial position, the lid closes, creating a sealed space that keeps items inside moist and prevents odors from mixing. When the user opens the shelf box or it opens automatically, the shelf box is in the open position, with the lid open for easy storage and retrieval of food or other items. After use, the reset mechanism automatically returns the shelf box to its initial position, maintaining a sealed space. Even if the user forgets to close it, there will be no loss. The door shelf assembly's reset mechanism eliminates the need for the user to close it manually; the door shelf assembly closes automatically, greatly simplifying the operation and making it more convenient.

[0039] See Figure 4 and Figure 12The door shelf assembly's cover 30 includes a rear cover plate 31, a central pivot 32, and a front cover plate 33. The first side of the rear cover plate 31 is pivotally connected to the shelf box 20; the central pivot 32 is connected to the second side of the rear cover plate 31; the first side of the front cover plate 33 is pivotally connected to the central pivot 32, and the second side of the front cover plate 33 is a free end. The front cover plate 33 and the rear cover plate 31 together cover and close the shelf box 20. When the user opens the door (refrigerator door), the front cover plate 33 is located on the side closer to the user, and the rear cover plate 31 is located on the side closer to the door.

[0040] As the shelf box moves to the open position, it pushes the rear cover, which in turn moves the front cover via a central pivot, thus opening the shelf box. As the shelf box moves to its initial position, the front and rear covers gradually close and seal the shelf box. This design allows for simultaneous movement of the shelf box and opening of the lid by simply operating the shelf box itself, simplifying the process.

[0041] In this embodiment, after the shelf box 20 is pulled out in a direction away from the door body 10, the shelf box 20 enters the open position, and the rear cover plate 31 and the front cover plate 33 open the shelf box 20.

[0042] After the shelf box 20 is returned to its initial position in the direction close to the door 10, the rear cover plate 31 and the front cover plate 33 close the shelf box 20.

[0043] This design facilitates user operation. The shelf box is pulled out towards the user, gradually approaching them, allowing for close observation and use of the shelf box and easy access to or storage of items. When the shelf box returns to its initial position, it fits snugly against the door, minimizing its internal space usage and maximizing space utilization.

[0044] Preferably, the reset structure 40 is connected to the door body 10, and the reset structure 40 includes a spring 41, with the central shaft 32 being drivenly connected to the spring 41;

[0045] When the shelf box 20 is in the open position, the shelf box 20 drives the rear cover plate 31 and pushes the central shaft 32, and the central shaft 32 compresses the spring 41;

[0046] During the process of the shelf box 20 returning to its initial position, the force of the spring 41 pushes the central shaft 32, and the central shaft 32 pushes the shelf box 20 through the rear cover plate 31, causing the shelf box 20 to move toward the door body 10.

[0047] In other words, the spring and the central shaft in the reset structure work together to achieve the reset action of the shelf box. Moreover, through the cooperation between the central shaft, the rear cover plate, and the shelf box, the reset structure not only achieves the reset of the shelf box through the spring, but also achieves the closing action of the lid. One set of cooperation structure achieves two sets of actions at the same time, which has unexpected technical effects. The structure is ingeniously designed and has a stronger correlation in the cooperation.

[0048] Combination Figures 8 to 11 As shown, the reset structure 40 also includes a support frame 42, a guide post 43, and a sliding block 44. The support frame 42 is mounted on the door body 10; the guide post 43 is fixedly connected to the support frame 42; the spring 41 is sleeved on the guide post 43, and the first end of the spring 41 is fixedly set; the sliding block 44 is slidably connected to the support frame 42, and the sliding block 44 is fixedly connected to the second end of the spring 41. The sliding block 44 is drivenly connected to the central shaft 32.

[0049] The spring is fitted onto the guide post, which restricts the spring's movement, preventing deformation during compression and extension and ensuring a proper return to its original position. The support frame is mounted on the door body, providing higher structural strength and simplifying installation.

[0050] The sliding stop 44 and the central shaft 32 are in a butt-fitting engagement. The sliding stop 44 has an arc-shaped groove that mates with the central shaft. Considering structural balance and reset effect, in this embodiment, there are two guide posts 43 and two springs, each corresponding to one guide post 43. The two springs are respectively connected to both ends of the sliding stop, making the movement of the sliding stop more stable. The two springs also have better rebound force, and can effectively reset after compression.

[0051] See Figure 13 The rear cover plate 31 is located on the side of the central axis 32 facing the door body 10; the rear cover plate 31 and the central axis 32 are integrally formed; the front cover plate 33 is located on the side of the central axis 32 away from the door body 10. The structure of the rear cover plate and the central axis is integrally formed, which can make the structure stronger. During use, the fit between the structures can remain effective for a long time and will not cause structural failure due to deformation.

[0052] To prevent the shelf box 20 from colliding with the door after it springs back to its original position and causing noise, a shock-absorbing pad 21 is provided on the side of the shelf box 20 facing the door 10. The shock-absorbing pad is a rubber pad, which can effectively reduce collision noise and also protect the outer wall of the shelf box.

[0053] Preferably, the shelf box 20 is provided with a handle 22 on the side opposite to the door body 10, the shelf box 20 is slidably connected to the door body 10, and the shelf box 20 can switch between the open position and the initial position by sliding.

[0054] The handle is located on the side of the shelf box facing the user, allowing the user to pull the shelf box outwards and then put in or take out items, which is convenient and quick.

[0055] In this embodiment, preferably, the shelf box 20 slides along the horizontal direction of the door body 10, the central shaft 32 moves along the vertical direction of the door body 10, and the force of the spring 41 is in the vertical direction of the door body 10.

[0056] When you need to store or retrieve items, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 In its initial position, the user pulls the shelf box outward using the handle. Simultaneously, the shelf box pushes the rear cover 31 forward, ensuring the rear cover functions in conjunction with the front cover. First, the central pivot is pushed up and rises. As the pivot rises, it causes the front cover to rise together in the middle of the shelf box, opening the shelf box. (See [link]). Figure 7 As the central axis rises, it continuously compresses the spring via a sliding stop. After the front and rear covers are opened, the user can store or retrieve items.

[0057] After storage or retrieval is complete, simply release the shelf box. Under the downward force of the spring, the sliding stop pushes the arched central shaft 32 downwards. The central shaft 32 automatically presses the rear cover and front cover downwards along the center, closing the shelf box. As the rear cover is pressed back, it simultaneously pushes the shelf box along the slide rail to its initial position, completing the automatic closing and automatic reset process of the shelf box. See [link to documentation]. Figure 6 The initial position.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator is provided, characterized in that it includes the door shelf assembly described above. The door shelf assembly is mounted on the refrigerator door, and the refrigerator door is the door body of the door shelf assembly.

[0059] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0060] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0061] Of course, the above are preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the basic principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A door shelf assembly, characterized in that, include: Door body (10); Shelf box (20), which is slidably connected to the door body (10); A lid (30) is placed over the shelf box (20); when the shelf box (20) is in the open position, the lid (30) opens the shelf box (20); when the shelf box (20) is in the initial position, the lid (30) closes the shelf box (20). A reset structure (40) is connected to the shelf box (20) and is used to reset the shelf box (20) to its initial position. The lid (30) includes: Rear cover plate (31), the first side of which is pivotally connected to the shelf box (20); A central axis (32) is connected to the second side of the rear cover plate (31); The front cover (33) is pivotally connected to the central axis (32) on its first side and the second side of the front cover (33) is a free end. The front cover (33) and the rear cover (31) together cover the shelf box (20) and close the shelf box (20). The reset structure (40) is connected to the door body (10), and the reset structure (40) includes a spring (41). The central shaft (32) is drivenly connected to the spring (41). When the shelf box (20) is in the open position, the shelf box (20) drives the rear cover plate (31) and pushes the central shaft (32), and the central shaft (32) compresses the spring (41). During the process of the shelf box (20) returning to its initial position, the force of the spring (41) pushes the central shaft (32), and the central shaft (32) pushes the shelf box (20) through the rear cover plate (31), causing the shelf box (20) to move toward the door (10).

2. The door shelf assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the shelf box (20) is pulled out in a direction away from the door (10), the shelf box (20) enters the open position, and the rear cover plate (31) and the front cover plate (33) open the shelf box (20). After the shelf box (20) is sent back towards the door (10), the shelf box (20) returns to its initial position, and the rear cover plate (31) and the front cover plate (33) close the shelf box (20).

3. The door shelf assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reset structure (40) includes: A support frame (42) is mounted on the door body (10); A guide post (43) is fixedly connected to the support frame (42); a spring (41) is sleeved on the guide post (43), and the first end of the spring (41) is fixedly set. A sliding stop (44) is slidably connected to the support frame (42), the sliding stop (44) is fixedly connected to the second end of the spring (41), and the sliding stop (44) is driven to the central shaft (32).

4. The door shelf assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rear cover plate (31) is located on the side of the central axis (32) facing the door body (10); the rear cover plate (31) and the central axis (32) are integrally formed; The front cover (33) is located on the side of the central axis (32) away from the door body (10).

5. The door shelf assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The shelf box (20) is provided with shock-absorbing pads (21) on the side facing the door (10).

6. The door shelf assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The shelf box (20) has a handle (22) on the side opposite to the door (10), and the shelf box (20) can be switched between the open position and the initial position by sliding.

7. The door shelf assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The shelf box (20) slides along the horizontal direction of the door (10), the central shaft (32) moves along the vertical direction of the door (10), and the force of the spring (41) is in the vertical direction of the door (10).

8. A refrigerator, characterized in that, Includes the door shelf assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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