A hidden refrigerator door handle

Abstract

The application discloses a hidden refrigerator door handle, which comprises a pre-buried box and a handle. The front side of the pre-buried box is provided with a handle storage groove for storing the handle. At least one rearward-extending mounting groove is arranged in the handle storage groove, and each mounting groove is equipped with a set of handle connecting devices. The handle connecting device comprises a shell fixedly arranged in the mounting groove, a cavity with an open front side arranged in the shell, a sliding block capable of sliding forward and backward arranged in the cavity, a locking mechanism arranged on the shell for locking and releasing the sliding block, and a rotating mechanism connected to the front end of the sliding block. The rotating mechanism is connected to the handle, and the rotating mechanism can adjust the rotating angle of the handle in the horizontal direction. The refrigerator door handle can be hidden in the handle storage groove during transportation, which is convenient for transportation and prevents the handle from being damaged by knocking. In addition, the user can freely adjust the angle of the handle in the horizontal direction according to habits when using the refrigerator, thereby improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In recent years, upright refrigerators have become increasingly popular with consumers due to their small footprint and convenient compartmentalized storage. However, upright refrigerators have larger doors, requiring larger door handles for easier opening. To facilitate transportation and avoid unnecessary damage, door handles are generally not installed before leaving the factory. Customers are then responsible for installing them upon delivery, but many lack the necessary DIY skills, making proper installation difficult. This often results in handles detaching later, and some customers have even returned the refrigerator because they couldn't install the handles, causing unnecessary losses. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the existing technology. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a retractable refrigerator door handle, aiming to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To achieve the above objective, the technical solution adopted is as follows:

[0004] A retractable refrigerator door handle includes a pre-embedded box and a handle. The front side of the pre-embedded box is provided with a handle storage groove for storing the handle. The handle storage groove is provided with at least one rearwardly extending mounting groove, and each mounting groove is equipped with a handle connecting device.

[0005] The handle connection device includes a housing fixed in a mounting groove, a cavity with a front opening inside the housing, a slider that can slide back and forth inside the cavity, a locking mechanism on the housing for locking and releasing the slider, a rotating mechanism connected to the front end of the slider, the rotating mechanism being connected to the handle, and the rotation angle of the handle in the horizontal direction can be adjusted by the rotating mechanism.

[0006] Preferably, there are two mounting slots, arranged vertically at intervals.

[0007] Preferably, the locking mechanism includes a sliding plate, which is slidably mounted on the top of the housing, and the sliding plate is provided with at least one set of locking components;

[0008] The locking assembly includes an elongated through hole on the sliding plate, which is arranged along the front-back direction. A limiting protrusion is provided on the top surface of the sliding plate and in the front half of the elongated through hole in the circumferential direction. The top surface of the limiting protrusion is a slope that gradually decreases from front to back. A limiting pin that can move up and down is provided in the elongated through hole. A limiting cap is provided on the top of the limiting pin. The outer diameter of the limiting cap is larger than the width of the elongated through hole. A pin hole that matches the limiting pin is provided on the top of the slider. The limiting pin passes through the housing and can extend into the pin hole.

[0009] When the sliding plate is moved forward, it causes the limit pin to move downward and extend into the pin hole, locking the slider. When the sliding plate is moved backward, it causes the limit pin to move upward and move out of the pin hole, releasing the slider and allowing it to slide back and forth.

[0010] Preferably, the locking mechanism further includes a spring assembly, which includes a baffle and a compression spring. The baffle is fixedly installed on the top of the housing, one end of the compression spring is fixedly connected to the baffle, and the other end is fixedly connected to the rear end of the sliding plate.

[0011] Preferably, the compression spring is in a compressed state.

[0012] Preferably, there are two sets of locking components, arranged at intervals.

[0013] Preferably, the locking mechanism further includes an upper cover for covering the sliding plate.

[0014] Preferably, the rotating mechanism includes two sets of rotating components and a connecting rod connecting the two sets of rotating components, and the rotating components include a rotating seat and a rotating cover;

[0015] The rotating base includes a base on which a column is vertically fixed. The column has a cavity with an open top inside. The side wall of the cavity has two symmetrical strip-shaped through holes arranged in the vertical direction. The cavity has a movable limiting post inside, and the outer wall of the limiting post has two symmetrical limiting flanges. The two limiting flanges correspond one-to-one with the two strip-shaped through holes. Each limiting flange extends outward from the corresponding strip-shaped through hole and can move up and down along the strip-shaped through hole. A return spring is provided inside the cavity and below the limiting post. The return spring is in a compressed state and is used to drive the limiting post to move upward.

[0016] The rotating cover includes an annular column. The inner wall of the annular column is provided with several protruding ridges at equal intervals along the circumference. A limiting groove is formed between two adjacent protruding ridges. A cover plate is installed on the annular column. The cover plate is provided with a through hole adapted to the limiting column, and the through hole is arranged coaxially with the annular column.

[0017] The annular column is fitted onto the column, and the two limiting flanges are respectively engaged in the corresponding limiting grooves. At this time, the rotating seat and the rotating cover are locked relative to each other. When the limiting column is pressed down, the two limiting flanges can move down synchronously and move out of the corresponding limiting grooves. At this time, the rotating seat and the rotating cover can rotate relative to each other.

[0018] Preferably, the base is provided with a side plate, and a first connector is installed on the side plate.

[0019] Preferably, the outer wall of the annular column is provided with a second connector.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] This invention provides a retractable refrigerator door handle. During transport, the door handle can be concealed within a handle storage slot, facilitating transportation and preventing damage from bumps and knocks. Furthermore, users can freely adjust the handle's horizontal angle according to their preferences, enhancing the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the assembly of the door handle and the refrigerator door of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the embedded box structure of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism structure of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating seat structure of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting column structure of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating cover structure of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the rotating base and rotating cover of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the handle in the hidden state of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the handle of the present invention in use.

[0032] In the diagram: 1. Embedded box; 2. Handle; 3. Refrigerator door; 4. Handle storage groove; 5. Mounting groove; 6. Housing; 7. Cavity; 8. Slider; 9. Sliding plate; 10. Elongated through hole; 11. Limiting protrusion; 12. Limiting pin; 13. Limiting cap; 14. Pin hole; 15. Baffle; 16. Compression spring; 17. Top cover; 18. Base; 19. Column; 20. Strip-shaped through hole; 21. Limiting post; 22. Limiting flange; 23. Return spring; 24. Side plate; 25. First connecting piece; 26. Annular column; 27. Protruding ridge; 28. Limiting groove; 29. ​​Cover plate; 30. Second connecting piece; 31. Connecting rod. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a retractable refrigerator door handle, including a pre-embedded box 1 and a handle 2.

[0036] The pre-embedded box 1 is embedded in the side wall of the refrigerator door 3, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the pre-embedded box 1 is an integrated structure with a handle storage groove 4 on its front side for storing the handle 2. The handle storage groove 4 has at least one rearward extending mounting groove 5. Preferably, the present invention has two mounting grooves 5, which are arranged vertically at intervals. Each mounting groove 5 is equipped with a handle connecting device.

[0037] The handle connection device includes a housing 6 fixedly installed in the mounting groove 5. The bottom of the housing 6 is attached to and fixedly connected to the bottom wall of the mounting groove 5, specifically by means of bolts or clips. The top of the housing 6 has a certain gap with the top wall of the mounting groove 5 for installing the sliding plate mentioned below.

[0038] The housing 6 has a cavity 7 with a front opening. The cavity 7 has a slider 8 that can slide back and forth. The front and back length of the slider 8 is less than the front and back length of the cavity 7. The housing 6 has a locking mechanism for locking and releasing the slider 8.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the locking mechanism includes a sliding plate 9, which is mounted on the top of the housing 6 and can slide back and forth. Specifically, a groove can be provided on the top of the housing 6, and the sliding plate 9 is placed in the groove. At least one set of locking components is provided on the sliding plate 9. Preferably, the present invention provides two sets of locking components, which are arranged at a distance from each other.

[0040] The locking assembly includes an elongated through hole 10 disposed on the sliding plate 9. The elongated through hole 10 is arranged along the front-rear direction. A limiting protrusion 11 is provided on the top surface of the sliding plate 9, in the circumferential direction of the front half of the elongated through hole 10. The top surface of the limiting protrusion 11 is a slope that gradually decreases from front to back. A limiting pin 12 is provided in the elongated through hole 10. The limiting pin 12 can move up and down in the vertical direction. A limiting cap 13 is provided on the top of the limiting pin 12. The outer diameter of the limiting cap 13 is larger than the width of the elongated through hole 10. A pin hole 14 adapted to the limiting pin 12 is provided on the top of the slider 8. The limiting pin 12 passes through the housing 6 and can extend into the pin hole 14.

[0041] When the sliding plate 9 is moved forward, the limiting cap 13 moves backward relative to the sliding plate 9, which drives the limiting pin 12 to move downward and extend into the pin hole 14. At this time, the slider 8 is locked, preventing it from sliding back and forth. When the sliding plate 9 is moved backward, the limiting cap 13 moves forward relative to the sliding plate 9. The limiting protrusion 11 slides into contact with the limiting cap 13, which drives the limiting pin 12 to move upward and move out of the pin hole 14, releasing the slider 8. At this time, the slider 8 can slide back and forth.

[0042] Furthermore, the locking mechanism also includes a spring assembly, which comprises a baffle 15 and a compression spring 16. The baffle 15 is fixedly mounted on the top of the housing 6, and one end of the compression spring 16 is fixedly connected to the baffle 15, while the other end is fixedly connected to the rear end of the sliding plate 9. In the initial state, the compression spring 16 is compressed. Under the action of the compression spring 16, the sliding plate 9 is pushed forward, thereby causing the limiting pin 12 to extend into the pin hole 14 and lock the slider 8.

[0043] In addition, the locking mechanism also includes an upper cover 17, which is installed on the top of the housing 6 to cover the sliding plate 9 and provide protection.

[0044] The front end of the slider 8 is connected to a rotating mechanism, which includes two sets of rotating components and a connecting rod connecting the two sets of rotating components. The rotating components include a rotating seat and a rotating cover.

[0045] Among them, such as Figures 4-5 As shown, the rotating base includes a circular base 18. A column 19 is vertically fixed in the middle of the base 18. The column 19 has a cavity with an open top. Two strip-shaped through holes 20 are symmetrically arranged on the side wall of the cavity near the bottom, and the strip-shaped through holes 20 are arranged in the vertical direction. A limiting post 21 is provided in the cavity. The limiting post 21 can move up and down. Two limiting flanges 22 are symmetrically provided on the outer wall of the limiting post 21. The two limiting flanges 22 correspond one-to-one with the two strip-shaped through holes 20. Each limiting flange 22 extends outward from the corresponding strip-shaped through hole 20 and can move up and down along the strip-shaped through hole 20.

[0046] A return spring 23 is provided inside the cavity and below the limiting post 21. One end of the return spring 23 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the cavity, and the other end is fixedly connected to the limiting post 21. The return spring 23 is in a compressed state. Under the action of the return spring 23, it can drive the limiting post 21 to move upward and extend out of the cavity. The limiting flange 22 is stuck at the top of the strip-shaped through hole 20, which plays a limiting role in the upward movement of the limiting post 21.

[0047] A semi-circular side plate 24 is provided at the edge of the base 18, and a first connector 25 is fixedly installed on the side plate 24.

[0048] Among them, such as Figure 6 As shown, the rotating cover includes an annular column 26. The inner wall of the annular column 26 is provided with several protruding ridges 27 at equal intervals along the circumference. A limiting groove 28 is formed between two adjacent protruding ridges 27. A cover plate 29 is installed on the annular column 26. The cover plate 29 is provided with a through hole that matches the limiting post 21, and the through hole is arranged coaxially with the annular column 26.

[0049] A second connector 30 is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the annular column 26.

[0050] like Figure 7 As shown, the rotating seat and rotating cover are rotatably connected. Specifically, the annular column 26 is fitted onto the column 19, and the limiting post 21 passes through the through hole on the cover plate 29. At the same time, the two limiting flanges 22 are respectively engaged in the corresponding limiting grooves 28, at which point the rotating seat and rotating cover are locked relative to each other. When the limiting post 21 is pressed down, the two limiting flanges 22 can move down synchronously and move out of the corresponding limiting grooves 28, at which point the rotating seat and rotating cover can rotate relative to each other.

[0051] The first connector 25 in the first set of rotating components is fixedly connected to the front end of the slider 8. The second connector 20 in the first set of rotating components is fixedly connected to the second connector 20 in the second set of rotating components through the connecting rod 31. The first connector 25 in the second set of rotating components is fixedly connected to the handle 2.

[0052] Before the refrigerator leaves the factory, the handle 2 needs to be hidden in the handle storage groove 4. Specifically, as shown in the example... Figure 8 As shown, first adjust the rotation angle of the two sets of rotating components to ensure that the slider 8, the two sets of rotating components and the handle 2 are arranged in the front-back direction. Then, manually push the sliding plate 9 backward to move the limiting pin 12 out of the pin hole 14. Finally, manually push the handle 2 backward and drive the slider 8 and the two sets of rotating components to move backward synchronously, so that the slider 8 and the two sets of rotating components are all stored in the cavity 7 and the handle 2 is stored in the hand storage slot 4.

[0053] When the customer uses the refrigerator, pull handle 2 out to the appropriate position, then push the sliding plate 9 so that the limit pin 12 extends into the pin hole 14, locking the slider 82. Additionally, as... Figure 9 As shown, users can adjust the rotation angle of the two sets of rotating components, thereby adjusting the angle of the handle in the horizontal direction for user convenience.

[0054] In summary, the retractable refrigerator door handle described in this embodiment of the invention allows the door handle to be concealed in a handle storage slot during refrigerator transportation, facilitating transport and preventing damage from bumps and knocks. Furthermore, users can freely adjust the handle's horizontal angle according to their preferences when using the refrigerator, enhancing the user experience.

[0055] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A retractable refrigerator door handle, characterized in that, It includes a pre-embedded box and a handle. The front side of the pre-embedded box is provided with a handle storage groove for storing the handle. The handle storage groove is provided with at least one rearward extending mounting groove, and each mounting groove is equipped with a handle connecting device. The handle connection device includes a housing fixed in the mounting groove, a cavity with a front opening inside the housing, a slider that can slide back and forth inside the cavity, a locking mechanism on the housing for locking and releasing the slider, a rotating mechanism connected to the front end of the slider, the rotating mechanism being connected to the handle, and the rotation angle of the handle in the horizontal direction can be adjusted by the rotating mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a sliding plate, which is slidably mounted on the top of the housing, and the sliding plate is provided with at least one set of locking components; The locking assembly includes an elongated through hole on the sliding plate, which is arranged along the front-back direction. A limiting protrusion is provided on the top surface of the sliding plate and in the front half of the elongated through hole in the circumferential direction. The top surface of the limiting protrusion is a slope that gradually decreases from front to back. A limiting pin that can move up and down is provided in the elongated through hole. A limiting cap is provided on the top of the limiting pin. The outer diameter of the limiting cap is larger than the width of the elongated through hole. A pin hole that matches the limiting pin is provided on the top of the slider. The limiting pin passes through the housing and can extend into the pin hole. When the sliding plate is moved forward, it causes the limit pin to move downward and extend into the pin hole, locking the slider. When the sliding plate is moved backward, it causes the limit pin to move upward and move out of the pin hole, releasing the slider and allowing it to slide back and forth.

2. The retractable refrigerator door handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two mounting slots, arranged vertically and alternately.

3. A retractable refrigerator door handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking mechanism further includes a spring assembly, which includes a baffle and a compression spring. The baffle is fixedly installed on the top of the housing, one end of the compression spring is fixedly connected to the baffle, and the other end is fixedly connected to the rear end of the sliding plate.

4. A retractable refrigerator door handle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The compression spring is in a compressed state.

5. A retractable refrigerator door handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two sets of locking components, arranged at intervals.

6. A retractable refrigerator door handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking mechanism also includes an upper cover for covering the sliding plate.

7. A retractable refrigerator door handle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating mechanism includes two sets of rotating components and a connecting rod connecting the two sets of rotating components. The rotating components include a rotating seat and a rotating cover. The rotating base includes a base on which a column is vertically fixed. The column has a cavity with an open top inside. The side wall of the cavity has two symmetrical strip-shaped through holes arranged in the vertical direction. The cavity has a movable limiting post inside, and the outer wall of the limiting post has two symmetrical limiting flanges. The two limiting flanges correspond one-to-one with the two strip-shaped through holes. Each limiting flange extends outward from the corresponding strip-shaped through hole and can move up and down along the strip-shaped through hole. A return spring is provided inside the cavity and below the limiting post. The return spring is in a compressed state and is used to drive the limiting post to move upward. The rotating cover includes an annular column. The inner wall of the annular column is provided with several protruding ridges at equal intervals along the circumference. A limiting groove is formed between two adjacent protruding ridges. A cover plate is installed on the annular column. The cover plate is provided with a through hole adapted to the limiting column, and the through hole is arranged coaxially with the annular column. The annular column is fitted onto the column, and the two limiting flanges are respectively engaged in the corresponding limiting grooves. At this time, the rotating seat and the rotating cover are locked relative to each other. When the limiting column is pressed down, the two limiting flanges can move down synchronously and move out of the corresponding limiting grooves. At this time, the rotating seat and the rotating cover can rotate relative to each other.

8. A retractable refrigerator door handle according to claim 7, characterized in that, The base is provided with a side plate, and a first connector is installed on the side plate.

9. A retractable refrigerator door handle according to claim 7, characterized in that, The outer wall of the annular column is provided with a second connector.

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