Hinge assembly for refrigerator and refrigerator

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of refrigeration equipment, and discloses a hinge assembly for a refrigerator, comprising: a hinge box provided with an opening; the decorative cover is arranged at the opening, defines a containing space together with the hinge box, and is in sliding connection with the hinge box; the hinge is arranged in the accommodating space; the decorative cover slides relative to the hinge box so as to open or close the opening. In the process of replacing the hinge, the decorative cover is detached firstly, the opening of the hinge box is exposed, then the hinge is replaced at the opening, and after the hinge is replaced, the decorative cover is installed on the hinge box. The hinge box and the decorative cover are in sliding connection, and in the process of dismounting and mounting the decorative cover, the dismounting and mounting speed of the hinge box and the decorative cover can be increased, so that the overall speed is increased, customer complaints caused by long time are reduced, and the user experience is improved. And screw connection between the hinge box and the decorative cover is avoided, so that the disassembly and assembly process is more convenient, and the cost is saved. The invention further discloses the refrigerator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of refrigeration equipment, and particularly to a hinge assembly for a refrigerator and a refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] Currently, many users have high requirements for the appearance design of refrigerators and hope that the refrigerators can have a high-end and elegant appearance. To meet the needs of consumers, major refrigerator brands are constantly innovating and upgrading their appearance designs. For example, some brands have launched refrigerators with a metallic texture, and some brands have launched refrigerators with an embedded design. These refrigerators are not only fashionable and beautiful in appearance but also can better integrate into the home decoration style, enhancing the overall texture of the home. In addition, some refrigerator brands have also launched refrigerators with functions such as a large capacity, a thin design, and multiple-door styles to meet consumers' demands for space utilization and ease of use.

[0003] For a refrigerator with a metallic texture, the hinge is a connecting component between the refrigerator door body and the box body and is made of a metallic material. The hinge box is used to accommodate the hinge and is usually installed at the front section of the hinge. The decorative cover is arranged on the front side of the hinge box and is used to cover the hinge and the hinge box. It has a certain decorative effect and can enhance the overall appearance texture of the refrigerator.

[0004] In the process of implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is found that at least the following problems exist:

[0005] The refrigerator hinge may be damaged during production or at the user's home and needs to be replaced. If the time taken to replace the hinge is long, it is likely to cause customer complaints and reduce the user experience.

[0006] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the above background art section is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of the present application, and thus may include information that does not constitute the prior art known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To have a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a simple summary is given below. The summary is not a general review, nor is it intended to identify key / important constituent elements or delineate the protection scope of these embodiments. Instead, it serves as a preamble to the subsequent detailed description.

[0008] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a hinge assembly for a refrigerator and a refrigerator, which can improve the speed of disassembling and installing the decorative cover during the process of replacing the hinge.

[0009] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a hinge assembly for a refrigerator is provided, comprising: a hinge box provided with an opening; a decorative cover provided at the opening and defining a storage space together with the hinge box and slidably connected to the hinge box; a hinge provided in the storage space; wherein the decorative cover slides relative to the hinge box to open or close the opening.

[0010] Optionally, the hinge box includes: a side panel, including a base and a first extension portion, the base is vertically arranged in front of the accommodating space, the first extension portion is arranged on the side of the base away from the accommodating space and is connected to the top of the base, and the first extension portion is provided with a slide groove opening upward; the decorative cover includes: a first cover plate, which is arranged above the accommodating space, and a slider is provided on the surface facing the first extension portion; wherein the slider can slide left and right along the slide groove, thereby driving the decorative cover to slide in the left and right direction relative to the hinge box.

[0011] Optionally, the slide groove includes: a groove bottom wall, including a first side and a second side that are relatively positioned, and the second side is arranged in front of the first side; a first groove wall section, which is connected to the first side and is vertically arranged; a second groove wall section, which connects the first groove wall section and the top wall surface of the outer periphery of the slide groove opening, and the second groove wall section is inclined toward the direction where the slide groove is located along the direction from top to bottom; wherein, when the decorative cover is installed to the hinge box, the first cover plate is inclined relative to the side plate and the angle between the first cover plate and the side plate is an acute angle, the slider fits the second groove wall section, and then the first cover plate is rotated in the direction of increasing the angle, and the slider completely enters the interior of the slide groove.

[0012] Optionally, the decorative cover also includes: a second cover plate, which is connected to the first cover plate and is bent at the connection, and is arranged on the front side of the side plate; the first extension portion also includes: a front wall surface, which abuts against the second cover plate; and a sloped surface, which connects the front wall surface and the top wall surface of the outer periphery of the slide groove opening, and the sloped surface is inclined forward in a direction from top to bottom.

[0013] Optionally, an elastic claw is provided on the surface of the base body facing the second cover plate; the second cover plate is correspondingly provided with a first slot, and the elastic claw cooperates with the first slot to connect the hinge box to the decorative cover.

[0014] Optionally, the first card slot includes: a limiting structure, which divides the first card slot into a first sub-card slot and a second sub-card slot, and the first sub-card slot and the second sub-card slot are arranged in sequence along the length direction of the second cover plate; the elastic claw is located in the second sub-card slot and abuts against the limiting structure.

[0015] Optionally, the elastic claw is provided with a notch running through the thickness direction thereof, and when the hinge box and the decorative cover are disassembled, the elastic claw is tilted from the notch in a direction away from the first slot to separate the elastic claw from the first slot.

[0016] Optionally, the second cover plate is provided with a reinforcement surface protruding toward the base body, and the first clamping groove is provided on the reinforcement surface.

[0017] Optionally, the side plate further includes: a reinforcing structure provided on a side of the base body facing away from the accommodation space, and having an avoidance portion for avoiding the reinforcing surface.

[0018] Optionally, the side plate further includes: a second extension portion connected to the bottom end of the base body and disposed opposite to the first extension portion; a claw is provided at the bottom end of the second cover plate, and a second card slot is correspondingly provided on the second extension portion, and the claw is engaged with the second card slot to connect the hinge box and the decorative cover.

[0019] Optionally, the number of claws is multiple, and the multiple claws are spaced along the length direction of the second cover plate; the number of the second card slots is multiple, and the positions of the multiple second card slots correspond to the multiple claws.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of the present invention, a refrigerator is provided, including: a box body defining a refrigerating space; a door body movably provided on the box body to open or close the refrigerating space; and a hinge assembly connecting the box body and the door body.

[0021] Optionally, the door body includes a decorative strip, and the hinge box further includes: a plug-in portion connected to the decorative strip; a box platform is provided at the top end of the plug-in portion, and a groove is provided on the surface of the decorative strip facing the box platform; the decorative cover further includes: a short side of the cover, when the decorative cover slides to completely cover the opening, the short side of the cover is located above the box platform and abuts against the top wall surface of the groove.

[0022] The hinge assembly and the refrigerator for a refrigerator provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can achieve the following technical effects:

[0023] During the process of replacing the hinge, first, the decorative cover is removed to expose the opening of the hinge box, and then, the operation of replacing the hinge is performed at the opening. After the hinge replacement is completed, the decorative cover is installed on the hinge box again. The hinge box and the decorative cover are slidably connected. In this way, during the process of removing and installing the decorative cover, the speed of removing and installing between the hinge box and the decorative cover can be increased, thereby increasing the overall speed, reducing customer complaints caused by long time consumption, and improving the user experience. Moreover, the connection between the hinge box and the decorative cover is free of screw connection, and the disassembly and assembly process is more convenient, saving costs.

[0024] The above general description and the following description are only exemplary and explanatory and are not intended to limit the present application. Description of the Drawings

[0025] One or more embodiments are exemplarily illustrated by corresponding drawings. These exemplary illustrations and the drawings do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements. The drawings do not constitute a scale limitation, and among them:

[0026] Figure 1It is a schematic structural diagram of a hinge assembly for a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 is Figure 1 the schematic cross-sectional structural diagram taken along the A-A direction in

[0028] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of a hinge box from a first perspective provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of a hinge box from a second perspective provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of a decorative cover provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 6 It is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of an intermediate process of assembling the hinge box and the decorative cover provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the trim strip and the hinge assembly after assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 8 is Figure 7 the schematic cross-sectional structural diagram taken along the B-B direction in

[0034] Reference numerals:

[0035] 10: Hinge assembly;

[0036] 20: Hinge box; 21: Opening; 22: Accommodating space; 23: Side plate; 231: Substrate; 2311: Elastic claw; 2312: Notch; 232: First extension; 2321: Chute; 2322: Bottom wall of the groove; 2323: First side; 2324: Second side; 2325: First groove wall segment; 2326: Second groove wall segment; 2327: Front wall surface; 2328: Inclined surface; 233: Second extension; 2331: Second card slot; 234: Reinforcing structure; 2341: Avoidance part; 24: Insertion part; 241: Box platform;

[0037] 30: Decorative cover; 31: First cover plate; 311: Slide block; 32: Second cover plate; 321: First card slot; 3211: Limiting structure; 3212: First sub-card slot; 3213: Second sub-card slot; 322: Reinforcing surface; 323: Claw; 33: Short side of the cover;

[0038] 40: Trim strip; 41: Groove. Detailed implementation manners

[0039] In order to understand the features and technical content of the embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail, the implementation of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are only for reference and explanation purposes and are not used to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following technical description, for the sake of explanation, numerous details are provided to provide a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, one or more embodiments may still be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices may be shown in a simplified manner to simplify the drawings.

[0040] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as "first" and "second" in the description and claims of the embodiments and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and do not necessarily describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances for the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein. In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0041] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", "inner", "middle", "outer", "front", and "rear" is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. These terms are mainly used to better describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and their embodiments, and are not used to limit that the indicated devices, elements, or components must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. And, in addition to being able to represent an orientation or positional relationship, some of the above terms may also be used to represent other meanings. For example, the term "upper" may also be used to represent a certain attachment relationship or connection relationship in some cases. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of these terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0042] In addition, the terms "set", "connect", and "fix" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connect" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or there is internal communication between two devices, elements, or components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0043] Unless otherwise specified, the term "plurality" means two or more.

[0044] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the character " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B.

[0045] The term "and / or" is an associative relationship describing objects and indicates that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or, A and B these three relationships.

[0046] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with each other.

[0047] Combination Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the embodiment of the present disclosure provides a hinge assembly 10 for a refrigerator, comprising a hinge box 20, a decorative cover 30 and a hinge. The hinge box 20 is provided with an opening 21, the decorative cover 30 is arranged at the opening 21, the decorative cover 30 and the hinge box 20 together define a receiving space 22, and the hinge is arranged in the receiving space 22. The decorative cover 30 is slidably connected to the hinge box 20. The decorative cover 30 slides relative to the hinge box 20 to open or close the opening 21.

[0048] Using the hinge assembly 10 for a refrigerator provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, in the process of replacing the hinge, first, the decorative cover 30 is removed to expose the opening 21 of the hinge box 20, and then the hinge is replaced at the opening 21. After the hinge is replaced, the decorative cover 30 is installed on the hinge box 20. The hinge box 20 and the decorative cover 30 are connected by sliding, so that in the process of disassembling and installing the decorative cover 30, the speed of disassembling and installing the hinge box 20 and the decorative cover 30 can be increased, thereby improving the overall speed, reducing customer complaints caused by a long time, and improving the user experience. In addition, the hinge box 20 and the decorative cover 30 are exempted from screw connection, and the disassembly and assembly process is more convenient and cost-saving.

[0049] Optionally, combined Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the hinge box 20 includes a side plate 23, and the side plate 23 includes a base 231 and a first extension 232. The base 231 is vertically arranged in front of the accommodation space 22, and the first extension 232 is arranged on the side of the base 231 away from the accommodation space 22, and the first extension 232 is connected to the top of the base 231. The first extension 232 is provided with a slide groove 2321 with the opening 21 upward. Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the decorative cover 30 includes a first cover plate 31, which is disposed above the accommodating space 22, and a slider 311 is disposed on the surface of the first cover plate 31 facing the first extension portion 232. The slider 311 can slide left and right along the slide groove 2321, thereby driving the decorative cover 30 to slide left and right relative to the hinge box 20.

[0050] It can be understood that the front, rear, left, right, upper, and lower directions mentioned in the embodiments of the present disclosure are defined from the perspective of a user looking at a normally placed refrigerator. The door body of the refrigerator is located in the front, and the cabinet body of the refrigerator is located in the rear. The height direction of the refrigerator defines the up and down directions, with the top being the upper side and the bottom being the lower side. The left and right directions are the horizontal directions. The hinge is a connecting component between the door body and the cabinet body. The hinge box 20 is used to accommodate the hinge and is usually installed at the front section of the hinge. The decorative cover 30 is arranged on the front side of the hinge box 20 to cover the hinge and the hinge box 20.

[0051] In this way, through the cooperation of the slider 311 and the chute 2321, a sliding connection between the decorative cover 30 and the hinge box 20 is achieved. The slider 311 can slide relative to the chute 2321 in the left and right directions, thereby driving the decorative cover 30 to slide relative to the hinge box 20 in the left and right directions to open or close the opening 21.

[0052] For a single-door refrigerator, the hinge can be installed on the left side or the right side according to the user's door-opening habit. For a double-door refrigerator, hinges are installed on both the left and right sides. When the hinge is installed on the left side, when the decorative cover 30 slides leftward relative to the hinge box 20, the opening 21 of the hinge box 20 is opened; when the hinge is installed on the right side, when the decorative cover 30 slides rightward relative to the hinge box 20, the opening 21 of the hinge box 20 is opened.

[0053] Optionally, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 6 , the chute 2321 includes a bottom wall 2322, a first side wall section 2325, and a second side wall section 2326. The bottom wall 2322 includes a first side 2323 and a second side 2324 that are opposite in position, and the second side 2324 is located in front of the first side 2323. The first side wall section 2325 is connected to the first side 2323 and is vertically arranged. The second side wall section 2326 connects the first side wall section 2325 and the top wall surface of the outer periphery of the opening 21 of the chute 2321, and the second side wall section 2326 is inclined in the direction of the chute 2321 along the direction from top to bottom. Among them, when installing the decorative cover 30 onto the hinge box 20, the first cover plate 31 is inclined relative to the side plate 23 and the included angle between the first cover plate 31 and the side plate 23 is an acute angle. The slider 311 fits against the second side wall section 2326, and then the first cover plate 31 is rotated in the direction of increasing the included angle, and the slider 311 completely enters the inside of the chute 2321.

[0054] In this way, the second side wall section 2326 functions as a guiding inclined surface 2328, guiding the slider 311 to smoothly insert into the chute 2321 when installing the decorative cover 30 onto the hinge box 20.

[0055] Optionally, the decorative cover 30 further includes a second cover plate 32. The second cover plate 32 is connected to the first cover plate 31 and a bend is formed at the connection. The second cover plate 32 is disposed on the front side of the side plate 23. The first extension portion 232 further includes a front wall surface 2327 and an inclined surface 2328. The front wall surface 2327 abuts against the second cover plate 32. The inclined surface 2328 connects the front wall surface 2327 and the top wall surface of the opening 21 of the chute 2321. Along the direction from top to bottom, the inclined surface 2328 slopes forward.

[0056] It is known that when the decorative cover 30 is installed on the hinge box 20, the first cover plate 31 is inclined relative to the side plate 23 and the included angle between the first cover plate 31 and the side plate 23 is an acute angle. The slider 311 fits against the second groove wall section 2326, and then the first cover plate 31 is rotated in the direction of increasing the included angle. In this way, during the rotation of the first cover plate 31, by providing the inclined surface 2328 to avoid the second cover plate 32 and the bend between the second cover plate 32 and the first cover plate 31, the decorative cover 30 can be smoothly rotated to the predetermined position.

[0057] Optionally, as Figure 4 shown, an elastic claw 2311 is provided on the surface of the base body 231 facing the second cover plate 32. As Figure 5 shown, the second cover plate 32 is correspondingly provided with a first card slot 321. The elastic claw 2311 is engaged with the first card slot 321 to connect the hinge box 20 and the decorative cover 30.

[0058] In this way, the elastic claw 2311 is engaged with the first card slot 321, so that the base body 231 is engaged with the second cover plate 32, thereby realizing the engagement between the hinge box 20 and the decorative cover 30, and the connection between the hinge box 20 and the decorative cover 30 is more firm.

[0059] Optionally, as Figure 5 shown, the first card slot 321 includes a limiting structure 3211. The limiting structure 3211 divides the first card slot 321 into a first sub-card slot 3212 and a second sub-card slot 3213. Along the length direction of the second cover plate 32, the first sub-card slot 3212 and the second sub-card slot 3213 are arranged in sequence. The elastic claw 2311 is located in the second sub-card slot 3213 and abuts against the limiting structure 3211.

[0060] In this way, the limiting structure 3211 can limit the elastic claw 2311 from moving in the direction of the first sub-card slot 3212 under the influence of an external force, so that the elastic claw 2311 is always engaged with the second sub-card slot 3213, ensuring the snap connection between the decorative cover 30 and the hinge box 20.

[0061] Optionally, as Figure 4As shown, the elastic claw 2311 is provided with a notch 2312 running through the thickness direction thereof. When the hinge box 20 and the decorative cover 30 are disassembled, the elastic claw 2311 is tilted from the notch 2312 in a direction away from the first slot 321 to separate the elastic claw 2311 from the first slot 321 .

[0062] After the hinge assembly 10 is assembled with the door body and the box body, considering the remaining volume of the accommodating space 22 after the hinges and other components are installed in the accommodating space 22, it may be inconvenient for the operator to directly reach into the accommodating space 22 to perform corresponding operations on the elastic claw 2311. Therefore, a through notch 2312 is set in the thickness direction of the elastic claw 2311. The elastic claw 2311 can be tilted backward from the notch 2312 by using a tool such as a screwdriver, so that the elastic claw 2311 is separated from the first slot 321, and the locking effect is invalid. The decorative cover 30 can be rotated and slid along the slide slot 2321, thereby removing the decorative cover 30 from the hinge box 20.

[0063] Optionally, combined Figure 5 As shown, the second cover plate 32 is provided with a reinforcement surface 322 protruding toward the base body 231 , and the first locking groove 321 is provided on the reinforcement surface 322 .

[0064] The reinforced surface 322 can not only increase the structural strength of the second cover plate 32 , but also deepen the depth of the first clamping groove 321 , so that the connection between the elastic clamping claw 2311 and the first clamping groove 321 is tighter and more secure.

[0065] Optionally, combined Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the side plate 23 further includes a reinforcing structure 234, which is disposed on a side of the base 231 away from the accommodating space 22. The reinforcing structure 234 is provided with an avoidance portion 2341, which is used to avoid the reinforcing surface 322.

[0066] Optionally, the reinforcement structure 234 is a reinforcement rib.

[0067] The reinforcing ribs can increase the structural strength of the side plate 23 without increasing the wall thickness of the side plate 23, thereby saving costs. The avoidance portion 2341 can avoid the reinforcement surface 322, and the upper and lower end surfaces of the avoidance portion 2341 can limit the movement of the reinforcement surface 322 in the upper and lower directions, thereby playing a limiting role.

[0068] Optionally, combined Figures 2 to 6As shown, the side plate 23 further includes a second extension portion 233. The second extension portion 233 is connected to the bottom end of the base body 231 and is disposed opposite to the first extension portion 232. The bottom end of the second cover plate 32 is provided with a claw 323, and the second extension portion 233 is correspondingly provided with a second card slot 2331. The claw 323 is engaged with the second card slot 2331 to connect the hinge box 20 and the decorative cover 30.

[0069] In this way, through the connection between the claw 323 and the second card slot 2331, the connection between the second extension portion 233 and the second cover plate 32 is realized, and thus the connection between the hinge box 20 and the decorative cover 30 is realized. Combining the sliding connection and the snap connection at other positions, the connection between the hinge box 20 and the decorative cover 30 is tighter and more firm.

[0070] Optionally, the number of claws 323 is multiple, and the multiple claws 323 are spaced along the length direction of the second cover plate 32. The number of the second card slots 2331 is multiple, and the positions of the multiple second card slots 2331 correspond to the positions of the multiple claws 323.

[0071] By providing multiple claws 323 and multiple second card slots 2331, the connection between the second extension portion 233 and the bottom end of the second cover plate 32 is made tighter.

[0072] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator, including a box body, a door body and a hinge assembly 10. The box body defines a refrigerating space. The door body is pivotally disposed on the box body to open or close the refrigerating space. The hinge assembly 10 connects the box body and the door body.

[0073] Optionally, in combination Figures 3 to 8 As shown, the door body includes a decorative strip 40. The hinge box 20 further includes a plug-in portion 24, and the plug-in portion 24 is connected to the decorative strip 40. The top end of the plug-in portion 24 is provided with a box platform 241, and the surface of the decorative strip 40 facing the box platform 241 is provided with a groove 41. The decorative cover 30 further includes a cover short side 33. When the decorative cover 30 slides to completely cover the opening 21 of the hinge box 20, the cover short side 33 is located above the box platform 241 and abuts against the top wall surface of the groove 41.

[0074] In this way, the cover short side 33 is inserted into the installation space formed by the box platform 241 and the groove 41 to realize the fixation between the decorative cover 30 and the decorative strip 40. Moreover, it can also realize the decoration of the hinge box 20 by the decorative cover 30 without dead angles, making the appearance of the refrigerator cleaner and more beautiful. In addition, the cover short side 33 can also play a role in preliminary positioning, guiding the decorative cover 30 to be preliminarily installed on the hinge box 20 and guiding the decorative cover 30 to completely cover the opening 21 above the hinge box 20.

[0075] In summary, taking the example that the hinge is provided on the left side of the refrigerator, during the process of installing the decorative cover 30 onto the hinge box 20, first, with the short side 33 of the cover facing the direction of the box platform 241, the slider 311 is snapped into the chute 2321 at an angle. Then, the decorative cover 30 is rotated to Figure 2 the position shown, aligning the claw 323 with the bottom end of the second card slot 2331. The decorative cover 30 is slid to the right until the front end of the short side 33 of the cover just touches the box platform 241. Finally, the short side 33 of the cover is slightly lifted upward to guide the decorative cover 30 to partially press above the box platform 241, achieving a dead - angle - free decoration of the hinge box 20 by the decorative cover 30. Meanwhile, the claw 323 abuts against the top wall of the second card slot 2331, and the elastic claw 2311 enters into the first card slot 321 to lock this assembly.

[0076] Taking the example that the hinge is provided on the left side of the refrigerator, when the decorative cover 30 is detached from the hinge box 20, first, a conventional screwdriver is used to pry the elastic claw 2311 away from the first card slot 321 through the notch 2312 of the elastic claw 2311, so that the elastic claw 2311 is separated from the first card slot 321. At this time, the assembly lock fails, and the claw 323 can move relative to the second card slot 2331. Then, the decorative cover 30 is slid to the left to a suitable position. Next, the decorative cover 30 is rotated to Figure 6 the inclined position shown, and finally, the slider 311 is pulled out of the chute 2321 along this inclined angle, and at this time, the decorative cover 30 is separated from the hinge box 20.

[0077] The above description and the drawings fully illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure so that those skilled in the art can practice them. Other embodiments may include structural and other changes. The embodiments only represent possible variations. Unless explicitly required, the individual components and functions are optional, and the order of operations can vary. Parts and features of some embodiments can be included in or replaced by parts and features of other embodiments. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the structures already described and shown in the drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the present disclosure is only limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly for a refrigerator, characterized in that, include: A hinged box with an opening; The decorative cover is arranged at the opening, defines a receiving space together with the hinge box, and is slidably connected to the hinge box; A hinge is disposed in the accommodation space; The decorative cover slides relative to the hinge box to open or close the opening.

2. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: Hinge box includes: The side plate comprises a base and a first extension portion, wherein the base is vertically arranged in front of the accommodation space, the first extension portion is arranged on a side of the base away from the accommodation space and connected to the top of the base, and the first extension portion is provided with a slide groove opening upward; Decorative cover includes: The first cover plate is arranged above the accommodating space, and a slider is arranged on the surface facing the first extension part; wherein the slider can slide left and right along the slide groove, thereby driving the decorative cover to slide left and right relative to the hinge box.

3. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The chute includes: The groove bottom wall comprises a first side and a second side which are opposite to each other, wherein the second side is arranged in front of the first side; A first groove wall section connected to the first side and arranged vertically; A second groove wall section, connecting the first groove wall section and the top wall surface of the outer periphery of the opening of the chute, and the second groove wall section is inclined toward the direction where the chute is located in the direction from top to bottom; When the decorative cover is installed on the hinge box, the first cover plate is inclined relative to the side plate and the angle between the first cover plate and the side plate is an acute angle. The slider fits the second groove wall section, and then the first cover plate is rotated in the direction of increasing the angle, and the slider completely enters the inside of the slide groove.

4. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The decorative cover also includes: A second cover plate, connected to the first cover plate and bent at the connection, and arranged on the front side of the side plate; The first extension also includes: A front wall surface abutting against the second cover plate; The inclined surface connects the front wall surface and the top wall surface of the outer periphery of the chute opening, and the inclined surface is inclined forward along the direction from top to bottom.

5. The hinge assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The surface of the base body facing the second cover plate is provided with an elastic claw; the second cover plate is correspondingly provided with a first slot, and the elastic claw cooperates with the first slot to connect the hinge box with the decorative cover.

6. The hinge assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The first card slot includes: The limiting structure divides the first card slot into a first sub-card slot and a second sub-card slot. The first sub-card slot and the second sub-card slot are arranged in sequence along the length direction of the second cover plate; the elastic claw is located in the second sub-card slot and abuts against the limiting structure.

7. The hinge assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The elastic claw is provided with a notch running through the thickness direction thereof. When the hinge box and the decorative cover are disassembled, the elastic claw is tilted from the notch in a direction away from the first clamping slot to separate the elastic claw from the first clamping slot.

8. The hinge assembly according to claim 5, wherein The second cover plate is provided with a reinforcement surface protruding toward the base body, and the first clamping groove is provided on the reinforcement surface.

9. The hinge assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The side panels also include: The reinforcement structure is arranged on a side of the base body away from the accommodating space and is provided with an avoidance portion, and the avoidance portion is used to avoid the reinforcement surface.

10. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that, The side panels also include: The second extension part is connected to the bottom end of the base body and is arranged opposite to the first extension part; a claw is provided at the bottom end of the second cover plate, and the second extension part is correspondingly provided with a second slot, and the claw cooperates with the second slot to connect the hinge box with the decorative cover.

11. The hinge assembly according to claim 10, wherein There are multiple claws, which are spaced apart along the length direction of the second cover plate; there are multiple second slots, which correspond to the positions of the multiple claws.

12. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The box body defines the refrigeration space; A door body, which is movably provided on a box body to open or close a refrigerating space; The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, connecting the box body and the door body.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 12, characterized in that, The door body includes a decorative strip, and the hinge box further includes: A plug-in part, which is connected to the decorative strip; a box platform is provided at the top of the plug-in part, and a groove is provided on the surface of the decorative strip facing the box platform; The decorative cover further includes: A short cover side, when the decorative cover slides to completely cover the opening of the hinge box, the short cover side is located above the box platform and abuts against the top wall surface of the groove.

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