Six-connecting-rod hinge, refrigerator and household appliance

Abstract

The invention provides a six-connecting-rod hinge, a refrigerator and a household appliance, the six-connecting-rod hinge comprises a first fixed connecting rod, a second fixed connecting rod, a first transmission arm, a second transmission arm, a third transmission arm and a fourth transmission arm, one end of the first transmission arm is hinged to the first fixed connecting rod, one end of the third transmission arm is hinged to the first transmission arm, and the other end of the third transmission arm is hinged to the fourth transmission arm; one end, far away from the second fixed connecting rod, of the third transmission arm is hinged to the middle of the first transmission arm, one end of the fourth transmission arm is hinged to the other end of the first transmission arm, and the other end of the fourth transmission arm is hinged to the second fixed connecting rod; one end of the second transmission arm away from the first fixed connecting rod is hinged to the middle of the fourth transmission arm. One end of the third transmission arm is hinged to the first transmission arm, the swing angle is larger when the hinge is completely unfolded, the door opening angle of the refrigerator is larger when the hinge is applied to the refrigerator, and objects cannot be blocked when the objects are taken out.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of electrical appliances, and more specifically, relates to a six-link hinge, a refrigerator, and a household appliance. Background Art

[0002] The hinge technology can be used in industries such as large cabinets and refrigerators. In the refrigerator industry, the hinge technology was first applied to the drive-hanging door panel fully-embedded refrigerator. Subsequently, the technology gradually matured, and the use of hinge technology in the zero-embedded refrigerator cabinets of refrigerators has gradually become a new development trend in the industry. Compared with the traditional fully-embedded refrigerator with hanging cabinet doors, its hinge needs to be lighter and can be hidden in the refrigerator door body. However, the current hinge structure has a small unfolding angle and is easily blocked by the cabinet door when taking items from the refrigerator. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a six-link hinge, a refrigerator, and a household appliance to solve the technical problem of the small unfolding angle of the hinge in the existing technology.

[0004] To achieve the above purpose, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: providing a six-link hinge, including:

[0005] A first fixed link, which is used to be fixed on a first structural member;

[0006] A second fixed link, which is used to be fixed on a second structural member;

[0007] A first driving arm, one end of which is hinged to the first fixed link;

[0008] A second driving arm, one end of which is hinged to the first fixed link, and the other end is hinged to a fourth driving arm;

[0009] A third driving arm, one end of which is hinged to the first driving arm, and the other end is hinged to the second fixed link. The end of the third driving arm far from the second fixed link is hinged to the middle part of the first driving arm;

[0010] A fourth driving arm, one end of which is hinged to the other end of the first driving arm, and the other end is hinged to the second fixed link. The end of the second driving arm far from the first fixed link is hinged to the middle part of the fourth driving arm.

[0011] Optionally, the six-link hinge has a first limit position state and a second limit position state; the first fixed link has a first installation side for connecting with the first structural member, and the second fixed link has a second installation side for connecting with the second structural member; in the first limit position state, the first installation side and the second installation side are parallel to each other; in the second limit position state, the included angle between the first installation side and the second installation side is greater than or equal to 120 degrees.

[0012] Optionally, the hinge point of the first transmission arm and the third transmission arm is the fourth hinge point, the hinge point of the first transmission arm and the fourth transmission arm is the third hinge point, and the distance between the third hinge point and the fourth hinge point is the first distance;

[0013] The sum of the lengths of the third transmission arm and the second fixed link is less than the sum of the first distance and the length of the fourth transmission arm.

[0014] Optionally, the ratio of the sum of the lengths of the third transmission arm and the second fixed link to the sum of the first distance and the length of the fourth transmission arm is greater than 0.42.

[0015] Optionally, in the state of the second limit position, the third transmission arm and the second fixed link are collinear.

[0016] Optionally, the first fixed link has a first mounting side for connecting to the first structural member. The hinge position of the first fixed link and the second transmission arm is the first hinge point, the hinge position of the first fixed link and the first transmission arm is the second hinge point, and the angle between the line connecting the first hinge point and the second hinge point and the first mounting side is α, where 146 ≤ α ≤ 156.

[0017] Optionally, the hinge position of the first fixed link and the first transmission arm is the second hinge point, the hinge position of the first transmission arm and the third transmission arm is the fourth hinge point, and the ratio of the length of the third transmission arm to the distance between the second hinge point and the fourth hinge point is k1, where 0.95 ≤ k1 ≤ 1.05.

[0018] Optionally, the hinge position of the third transmission arm and the fourth transmission arm is the fifth hinge point, the hinge position of the second fixed link and the fourth transmission arm is the sixth hinge point, and the ratio of the length of the third transmission arm to the distance between the fifth hinge point and the sixth hinge point is k2, where 0.55 ≤ k2 ≤ 0.65.

[0019] The present invention also provides a refrigerator, including a cabinet body, a cabinet door, and the above six-link hinge. The first fixed link is fixed to the cabinet body, and the second fixed link is fixed to the cabinet door.

[0020] The present invention also provides a household appliance, including the above six-link hinge.

[0021] The beneficial effects of the six-link hinge, refrigerator, and household appliance provided by the present invention are as follows: Compared with the prior art, the six-link hinge of the present invention includes a first fixed link, a second fixed link, a first transmission arm, a second transmission arm, a third transmission arm, and a fourth transmission arm. The first fixed link and the second fixed link are respectively used to be fixed on a first structural member and a second structural member. When the second structural member rotates, the rotation of the second fixed link drives the rotation of each transmission arm, thereby realizing the stable rotation of the second structural member relative to the first structural member. Among them, one end of the third transmission arm is hinged to the first transmission arm, and the other end is hinged to the second fixed link. Compared with the related art where one end of the third transmission arm is hinged to the second transmission arm closer to it, the length of the third transmission arm in the present invention is longer, and the swinging angle when the hinge is fully extended is larger. When applied to a refrigerator, the opening angle of the refrigerator is larger, and it is less likely to block objects when taking items. Moreover, when the six-link hinge rotates from the closed state to the extended state, the second fixed link first translates relative to the first fixed link. When the third transmission arm is longer, the translation distance can be made larger, and it is less likely to interfere with the built-in cabinets around the refrigerator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional structure diagram of the six-link hinge provided by the embodiment of the present invention in the first limit position state;

[0024] Figure 2 It is a simplified structure diagram of the six-link hinge provided by the embodiment of the present invention between the first limit position state and the second limit position state;

[0025] Figure 3 It is a front view of the six-link hinge provided by the embodiment of the present invention in the second limit position state;

[0026] Figure 4 It is a front view of the six-link hinge provided by the embodiment of the present invention in the second limit position state (the first transmission arm is not shown);

[0027] Figure 5 It is an exploded structure diagram of the six-link hinge provided by the embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Among them, the reference numerals in the drawings are as follows:

[0029] 11 - First fixed connecting rod; 111 - First mounting side; 12 - Second fixed connecting rod; 121 - Second mounting side; 13 - First transmission arm; 131 - Sliding groove; 14 - Second transmission arm; 15 - Third transmission arm; 16 - Fourth transmission arm; 21 - First hinge point; 22 - Second hinge point; 23 - Third hinge point; 24 - Fourth hinge point; 25 - Fifth hinge point; 26 - Sixth hinge point; 27 - Seventh hinge point; 30 - Rebound assembly; 31 - Elastic member; 32 - Roller; 33 - Cam; 34 - First limiting member; 35 - Second limiting member. Detailed implementation manner

[0030] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects to be solved by the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0031] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or indirectly connected to the other element.

[0032] It should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus cannot be understood as a limitation to the present invention.

[0033] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality" means two or more unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0034] The hinge technology can be used in industries such as large cabinets and refrigerators. In the refrigerator industry, the hinge technology was first applied to the fully - embedded refrigerator with a transmission hanging door panel. Subsequently, the technology gradually matured, and the use of hinges in zero - embedded refrigerator cabinets has gradually become a new development trend in the industry. Compared with the traditional fully - embedded refrigerator with a hanging cabinet door panel, its hinge needs to be lighter and can be hidden in the refrigerator door body. However, the current hinge structure of the hinge has a small unfolding angle and is easily blocked by the cabinet door when taking items from the refrigerator.

[0035] To alleviate and solve the above technical problems, the present invention proposes a new six-link hinge, which includes a first fixed link 11, a second fixed link 12, a first transmission arm 13, a second transmission arm 14, a third transmission arm 15 and a fourth transmission arm 16. The first fixed link 11 and the second fixed link 12 are respectively fixed to a first structural member and a second structural member. When the second structural member rotates relative to the first structural member, the second fixed link 12 drives each transmission arm to rotate, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the hinge. By hinging one end of the third transmission arm 15 to the first transmission arm 13 instead of hinging it to the second transmission arm 14, the effective length of the third transmission arm 15 is significantly extended, which can make the opening angle of the door larger and it is not easy to block items when taking things from the refrigerator.

[0036] The six-link hinge provided by the embodiments of the present invention will now be described.

[0037] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 , the six-link hinge includes:

[0038] A first fixed link 11, which is used to be fixed to a first structural member;

[0039] A second fixed link 12, which is used to be fixed to a second structural member;

[0040] A first transmission arm 13, one end of which is hinged to the first fixed link 11;

[0041] A second transmission arm 14, one end of which is hinged to the first fixed link 11 and the other end of which is hinged to the fourth transmission arm 16;

[0042] A third transmission arm 15, one end of which is hinged to the first transmission arm 13 and the other end of which is hinged to the second fixed link 12. The end of the third transmission arm 15 far from the second fixed link 12 is hinged to the middle of the first transmission arm 13;

[0043] A fourth transmission arm 16, one end of which is hinged to the other end of the first transmission arm 13 and the other end of which is hinged to the second fixed link 12. The end of the second transmission arm 14 far from the first fixed link 11 is hinged to the middle of the fourth transmission arm 16.

[0044] The six-link hinge includes six links, namely a first fixed link 11, a second fixed link 12, a first transmission arm 13, a second transmission arm 14, a third transmission arm 15, and a fourth transmission arm 16. The first fixed link 11 and the second fixed link 12 are respectively fixed to a first structural member and a second structural member. When the second structural member rotates relative to the first structural member, the six-link hinge unfolds or closes. Thus, when the six-link hinge is applied to a refrigerator, the opening and closing of the refrigerator door can be realized. The rotation angle of the second structural member relative to the first structural member can be referred to as the unfolding angle of the six-link hinge, or the rotation angle of the second fixed link 12 relative to the first fixed link 11.

[0045] Both ends of the first transmission arm 13 are respectively hinged to the first fixed link 11 and the fourth transmission arm 16. Both ends of the second transmission arm 14 are respectively hinged to the first fixed link 11 and the fourth transmission arm 16. The first transmission arm 13 and the second transmission arm 14 are arranged at intervals, and they will never cross each other. It can be understood that the first fixed link 11, the fourth transmission arm 16, the first transmission arm 13, and the second transmission arm 14 form a first four-bar mechanism. In the first four-bar mechanism, the first fixed link 11 and the fourth transmission arm 16 are arranged oppositely, the first transmission arm 13 and the second transmission arm 14 are arranged oppositely, and the first fixed link 11, the first transmission arm 13, the fourth transmission arm 16, and the second transmission arm 14 are sequentially hinged.

[0046] Both ends of the third transmission arm 15 are respectively hinged to the first transmission arm 13 and the second fixed link 12. Both ends of the fourth transmission arm 16 are respectively hinged to the second fixed link 12 and the fourth transmission arm 16. The third transmission arm 15 and the fourth transmission arm 16 are arranged at intervals, and they will never cross each other. It can be understood that the first transmission arm 13, the second fixed link 12, the third transmission arm 15, and the fourth transmission arm 16 form a second four-bar structure. In the second four-bar mechanism, the first transmission arm 13 and the second fixed link 12 are arranged oppositely, the third transmission arm 15 and the fourth transmission arm 16 are arranged oppositely, and the first transmission arm 13, the fourth transmission arm 16, the second fixed link 12, and the third transmission arm 15 are sequentially hinged.

[0047] Among them, the hinged position between the first fixed link 11 and the third transmission arm 15 is the first hinge point 21, the hinged position between the first fixed link 11 and the first transmission arm 13 is the second hinge point 22, the hinged position between the first transmission arm 13 and the fourth transmission arm 16 is the third hinge point 23, the hinged position between the first transmission arm 13 and the third transmission arm 15 is the fourth hinge point 24, the hinged position between the second transmission arm 14 and the fourth transmission arm 16 is the fifth hinge point 25, the hinged position between the fourth transmission arm 16 and the second fixed link 12 is the sixth hinge point 26, and the hinged position between the third transmission arm 15 and the second fixed link 12 is the seventh hinge point 27. The length of the first fixed link 11 can be understood as the distance between the first hinge point 21 and the second hinge point 22, the length of the second fixed link 12 can be understood as the distance between the sixth hinge point 26 and the seventh hinge point 27, the length of the first transmission arm 13 can be understood as the distance between the second hinge point 22 and the third hinge point 23, the length of the second transmission arm 14 can be understood as the distance between the first hinge point 21 and the fifth hinge point 25, the length of the third transmission arm 15 can be understood as the distance between the fourth hinge point 24 and the seventh hinge point 27, and the length of the fourth transmission arm 16 can be understood as the distance between the third hinge point 23 and the sixth hinge point 26.

[0048] One end of the third transmission arm 15 away from the second fixed link 12 is hinged to the middle of the first transmission arm 13. It can be understood that the fourth hinge point 24 is located on the first transmission arm 13 and between the second hinge point 22 and the third hinge point 23. One end of the second transmission arm 14 away from the first fixed link 11 is hinged to the middle of the fourth transmission arm 16. It can be understood that the fifth hinge point 25 is located on the fourth transmission arm 16 and between the third hinge point 23 and the sixth hinge point 26.

[0049] When the six-bar hinge unfolds, the second fixed link 12 rotates relative to the first fixed link 11, and the first four-bar mechanism and the second four-bar mechanism move simultaneously. The second fixed link 12 first translates a certain distance relative to the first fixed link 11 (in combination with Figure 1 , the second fixed link 12 moves downward relative to the first fixed link 11), so that there is a certain space between the first fixed link 11 and the second fixed link 12 to avoid interference and collision between the second fixed link 12 and other surrounding objects. Then the second fixed link 12 continues to rotate to make the six-bar hinge in a fully open state. By hinging one end of the third transmission arm 15 away from the second fixed link 12 to the first transmission arm 13, the six-bar hinge forms a first four-bar mechanism and a second four-bar mechanism, which can increase the translation distance of the second fixed link 12 in the initial stage of hinge unfolding and also increase the unfolding angle of the six-bar hinge, enabling the user to pick up and place items more conveniently without being blocked by the hinge.

[0050] The six-link hinge in the above embodiments includes a first fixed link 11, a second fixed link 12, a first transmission arm 13, a second transmission arm 14, a third transmission arm 15, and a fourth transmission arm 16. The first fixed link 11 and the second fixed link 12 are respectively used to be fixed on the first structural member and the second structural member. When the second structural member rotates, the rotation of the second fixed link 12 drives the rotation of each transmission arm, thereby realizing the stable rotation of the second structural member relative to the first structural member. Among them, one end of the third transmission arm 15 is hinged to the first transmission arm 13, and the other end is hinged to the second fixed link 12. Compared with the related art where one end of the third transmission arm 15 is hinged to the second transmission arm 14 which is closer to it, the length of the third transmission arm 15 in the present invention is longer, and the swinging angle when the hinge is fully extended is larger. When applied to a refrigerator, the opening angle of the refrigerator door is larger, and it is less likely to block objects when taking things. Moreover, when the six-link hinge rotates from the closed state to the extended state, the second fixed link 12 first translates relative to the first fixed link 11. When the third transmission arm 15 is longer, the translation distance can be made larger, and it is less likely to interfere with the embedded cabinets around the refrigerator.

[0051] In some embodiments of the present invention, please refer to Figures 1 to 4 , the six-link hinge has a first limit position state and a second limit position state; the first fixed link 11 has a first installation side 111 for connecting with the first structural member, and the second fixed link 12 has a second installation side 121 for connecting with the second structural member; in the first limit position state, the first installation side 111 and the second installation side 121 are parallel to each other; in the second limit position state, the included angle between the first installation side 111 and the second installation side 121 is greater than or equal to 120 degrees. The first limit position state of the six-link hinge can be understood as the closed state, where the first fixed link 11 and the second fixed link 12 are close to each other, and the two opposite sides of the first structural member and the second structural member are parallel to each other. The second limit position state of the six-link hinge can be understood as the extended state, where the first fixed link 11 and the second fixed link 12 are away from each other. The included angle between the first installation side 111 and the second installation side 121 being greater than or equal to 120 degrees can be understood as the opening angle of the six-link hinge being 120 degrees.

[0052] By hinging one end of the third transmission arm 15 to the first transmission arm 13 and adjusting the positions of the hinge points on the corresponding links, the included angle between the first installation side 111 and the second installation side 121 can be made greater than or equal to 120 degrees, which is much larger than 90 degrees in the related art, making the rotation angle of the second structural member larger and less likely to affect the taking and placing of items.

[0053] In some embodiments, in the state of the second limit position, the included angle between the first mounting side 111 and the second mounting side 121 is less than 150 degrees. When the deployment angle of the six-link hinge is too large in the state of the second limit position, dead points are likely to occur during both the opening and closing processes of the hinge, which may lead to jamming of the hinge, resulting in a poor user experience and also requiring a relatively high strength for the hinge.

[0054] Optionally, in the state of the second limit position, the included angle between the first mounting side 111 and the second mounting side 121 is 120 degrees, 125 degrees, 130 degrees, etc.

[0055] In some embodiments of the present invention, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 , the hinge point of the first transmission arm 13 and the third transmission arm 15 is the fourth hinge point 24, the hinge point of the first transmission arm 13 and the fourth transmission arm 16 is the third hinge point 23, and the distance between the third hinge point 23 and the fourth hinge point 24 is the first distance; the sum of the lengths of the third transmission arm 15 and the second fixed link 12 is less than the sum of the first distance and the length of the fourth transmission arm 16. The length of the third transmission arm 15 is the distance between the fourth hinge point 24 and the seventh hinge point 27. The fourth hinge point 24 is D, and the seventh hinge point 27 is G, so the length of the third transmission arm 15 is DG. The length of the second fixed link 12 is the distance between the sixth hinge point 26 and the seventh hinge point 27. The sixth hinge point 26 is F, and the seventh hinge point 27 is G, so the length of the second fixed link 12 is FG. The third hinge point 23 is C, the fourth hinge point 24 is D, and the first distance is CD; the length of the fourth transmission arm 16 is the distance between the third hinge point 23 and the sixth hinge point 26. The third hinge point 23 is C, and the sixth hinge point 26 is F, so the length of the fourth transmission arm 16 is CF. In this embodiment, DG + FG < CD + CF.

[0056] DG, FG, CD, and CF form a second four-bar mechanism. When DG + FG < CD + CF, the six-link hinge rotates to the state of the second limit position, and DF and FG are collinear. DG, FG, CD, and CF form a triangular structure, which can not only increase the deployment angle of the six-link hinge but also make the structure more stable when the six-link hinge is deployed to the state of the second limit position.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present invention, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 , the ratio of the sum of the lengths of the third transmission arm 15 and the second fixed link 12 to the sum of the first distance and the length of the fourth transmission arm 16 is greater than 0.42. The length of the third transmission arm 15 is DG, the length of the second fixed link 12 is FG, the first distance is CD, and the length of the fourth transmission arm 16 is CF. 0.42 < (DG + FG) / (CD + CF) < 1.

[0058] By increasing the length of DG in the present invention, the unfolding angle of the six-link hinge can be increased. The larger the length of DG, the larger DG + FG. Therefore, setting (DG + FG) / (CD + CF) to be greater than 0.42 can ensure that the unfolding angle of the six-link hinge is greater than that in the related art. However, the larger DG + FG is, correspondingly, the larger (CD + CF) is, and the size of the entire hinge will also increase. An overly large hinge makes it impossible to be installed in a narrow space, such as on the wall surface of the cabinet door of a refrigerator. Therefore, in the present invention, (DG + FG) / (CD + CF) is set between 0.42 and 1.

[0059] In some embodiments, the ratio of (DG + FG) / (CD + CF) is 0.45, 0.5, 0.6, etc. The specific value thereof can be any one between 0.42 and 1. The above numerical listings are only for illustrative purposes and do not limit the ratio of (DG + FG) / (CD + CF).

[0060] In some embodiments of the present invention, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 , in the state of the second limit position, the third transmission arm 15 and the second fixed link 12 are collinearly arranged. In the state of the second limit position, the six-link hinge is fully unfolded, and the rotation angle of the second fixed link 12 relative to the first fixed link 11 is the largest at this time. Correspondingly, the third transmission arm 15 and the second fixed link 12 are collinearly arranged, that is, DG + FG are collinearly arranged, and DG + FG, CD, and CF form a stable triangular structure.

[0061] When the third transmission arm 15 and the second fixed link 12 are collinear, under the restrictive action of the first transmission arm 13 and the fourth transmission arm 16, the second fixed link 12 cannot continue to rotate, causing the six-link hinge to reach the state of the second limit position.

[0062] In some embodiments of the present invention, one end of the first transmission arm 13 is hinged to the first fixed link 11, and the hinge point therebetween is the second hinge point 22. The other end of the first transmission arm 13 is hinged to the fourth transmission arm 16, and the hinge point therebetween is the third hinge point 23. The middle part of the first transmission arm 13 is hinged to the third transmission arm 15, and the hinge point is the fourth hinge point 24. The second hinge point 22, the fourth hinge point 24, and the third hinge point 23 are collinearly arranged, that is, B, D, and C are collinearly arranged. When BCD are collinearly arranged, the hinged position of the third transmission arm 15 and the first transmission arm 13 is easier to design, and the movement paths of each link are also easier to design and predict.

[0063] In other embodiments of the present invention, please refer to Figures 2 to 4, the second hinge point 22, the fourth hinge point 24, and the third hinge point 23 are not collinear. The position of the fourth hinge point 24 can be adjusted according to the required unfolding angle, and the position of the fourth hinge point 24 is more flexible, which can make the unfolding angle of the six-link hinge larger.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present invention, one end of the fourth transmission arm 16 is hinged to the first transmission arm 13, and the hinge point between the two is the third hinge point 23. The other end of the fourth transmission arm 16 is hinged to the second fixed link 12, and the hinge point between the two is the sixth hinge point 26. The middle of the fourth transmission arm 16 is hinged to the third transmission arm 15, and the hinge point between the two is the fifth hinge point 25. The third hinge point 23, the sixth hinge point 26, and the fifth hinge point 25 are collinear, that is, C, F, and E are collinear. When C, E, and F are collinear, the hinged position of the fourth transmission arm 16 and the third transmission arm 15 is easier to design, and the movement paths of each link are also easier to design and predict.

[0065] In other embodiments of the present invention, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 , the third hinge point 23, the sixth hinge point 26, and the fifth hinge point 25 are not collinear. The position of the sixth hinge point 26 can be adjusted according to the required unfolding angle, and the position of the sixth hinge point 26 is more flexible, which can make the unfolding angle of the six-link hinge larger.

[0066] In some embodiments of the present invention, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 , the first fixed link 11 has a first installation side 111 for connecting to the first structural member. The hinged position of the first fixed link 11 and the second transmission arm 14 is the first hinge point 21, and the hinged position of the first fixed link 11 and the first transmission arm 13 is the second hinge point 22. The included angle between the line connecting the first hinge point 21 and the second hinge point 22 and the first installation side 111 is α, and 146° ≤ α ≤ 156°. The line connecting the first hinge point 21 and the second hinge point 22 is AB, and the included angle between AB and the first installation side 111 is α.

[0067] The smaller the included angle α between AB and the first installation side 111, the smaller the unfolding angle of the hinge, resulting in a smaller opening angle of the refrigerator door. The larger the included angle α between AB and the first installation side 111, the larger the unfolding angle of the hinge. However, the hinge is more likely to interfere and collide with the surrounding cabinet structure, etc. Moreover, the included angle α between AB and the first installation side 111 should be greater than 90 degrees, so that when the hinge unfolds, it deflects to the right as a whole (combined with Figure 3 's orientation). Therefore, the included angle between AB and the first installation side 111 is set to 146° ≤ α ≤ 156°.

[0068] In some embodiments, the included angle between AB and the first installation side 111 is 146 degrees, 150 degrees, 153 degrees, 155 degrees, 156 degrees, etc.

[0069] In some embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figures 2 to 5 , the hinged position of the first fixed link 11 and the first transmission arm 13 is the second hinge point 22, the hinged position of the first transmission arm 13 and the third transmission arm 15 is the fourth hinge point 24, and the ratio of the length of the third transmission arm 15 to the distance between the second hinge point 22 and the fourth hinge point 24 is k1, where 0.95 ≤ k1 ≤ 1.05. The distance between the second hinge point 22 and the fourth hinge point 24 is the distance between B and D, that is, the length of BD, and the length of the third transmission arm 15 is the distance between the first hinge point 21 and the fifth hinge point 25, that is, the length of DG. That is to say, the ratio of DG / BD is k1.

[0070] When DG is too short, during the unfolding process of the six-link hinge, the translation distance of the second fixed link 12 relative to the first fixed link 11 is too small to avoid the cabinet near the hinge. When DG is too long, point G is too far out after the six-link hinge is closed, resulting in too large a thickness of the hinge in the vertical direction (in combination with Figure 3 the orientation), which is not conducive to the close fit between the refrigerator door and the cabinet body. Therefore, the ratio of DG / BD is set to 0.95 ≤ k1 ≤ 1.05.

[0071] In some embodiments, the ratio of DG / BD is 0.95, 0.99, 1, 1.03, 1.05, etc.

[0072] In some embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figures 2 to 5 , the hinged position of the third transmission arm 15 and the fourth transmission arm 16 is the fifth hinge point 25, the hinged position of the second fixed link 12 and the fourth transmission arm 16 is the sixth hinge point 26, and the ratio of the length of the third transmission arm 15 to the distance between the fifth hinge point 25 and the sixth hinge point 26 is k2, where 0.55 ≤ k2 ≤ 0.65. The distance between the fifth hinge point 25 and the sixth hinge point 26 is the distance between E and F, that is, the length of EF, and the length of the third transmission arm 15 is the distance between the first hinge point 21 and the fifth hinge point 25, that is, the length of DG. That is to say, the ratio of EF / BD is k2.

[0073] When EF is too short, during the unfolding process of the six-link hinge, the translation distance of the second fixed link 12 relative to the first fixed link 11 is too small to avoid the cabinet near the hinge. When EF is too long, point G is too far out after the six-link hinge is closed, resulting in too large a thickness of the hinge in the vertical direction (in combination with Figure 3 the orientation), which is not conducive to the close fit between the refrigerator door and the cabinet body. Therefore, the ratio of EF / BD is set to 0.55 ≤ k1 ≤ 0.65.

[0074] In some embodiments, the ratio of EF / BD is 0.55, 0.58, 0.6, 0.62, 0.65, etc.

[0075] In some embodiments of the present invention, please refer to Figure 5 , the six-link hinge further includes a resilient member 30, the resilient member 30 includes an elastic member 31, a roller 32 and a cam 33. One end of the elastic member 31 is connected to a first position of the first transmission arm 13, and the other end of the elastic member 31 is slidably connected to a second position of the first transmission arm 13. The center point of the roller 32 moves synchronously with the other end of the elastic member 31, and the roller 32 can rotate. The cam 33 is disposed on the fourth transmission arm 16, and the cam 33 is used to abut against the roller 32.

[0076] When the six-link hinge gradually unfolds from the closed state, the second fixed link 12 first translates relative to the first fixed link 11. During this process, the cam 33 abuts against the roller 32, and the elastic member 31 is compressed, so that the unfolding of the hinge is in a stable state until the hinge reaches the second limit position state. When the six-link hinge gradually retracts from the unfolded state to the closed state, the cam 33 and the roller 32 are in an abutting state, and the hinge closes smoothly and rebounds elastically, so that the six-link hinge has a closing tendency.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first transmission arm 13 is provided with a sliding groove 131 at the second position, and one end of the elastic member 31 and the roller 32 both slide under the guidance of the sliding groove 131.

[0078] Optionally, the rotating shaft of the roller 32 extends into the sliding groove 131, and the rotating shaft of the roller 32 drives the roller 32 to move along the sliding groove 131.

[0079] Optionally, the resilient member 30 further includes a first limiting member 34 and a second limiting member 35. The first limiting member 34 is hinged to the first position of the first transmission arm 13, the second limiting member 35 moves synchronously with the central axis of the roller 32, and both ends of the elastic member 31 are respectively connected to the first limiting member 34 and the second limiting member 35.

[0080] The present invention also provides a refrigerator, which includes the six-link hinge structure in any of the above embodiments, and further includes a cabinet body and a cabinet door. The first fixed link 11 is fixed to the cabinet body, and the second fixed link 12 is fixed to the cabinet door. That is to say, the cabinet body is the above-mentioned first structural member, and the cabinet door is the above-mentioned second structural member. When the cabinet door is opened, the second fixed link 12 first translates relative to the first fixed link 11, and then gradually opens actively; when the cabinet door is closed, the second fixed link 12 rotates relative to the first fixed link 11 to a predetermined angle, and then the second fixed link 12 translates relative to the first fixed link 11 until the hinge is closed.

[0081] The refrigerator provided by the present invention adopts the above six-link hinge structure. The six-link hinge includes a first fixed link 11, a second fixed link 12, a first driving arm 13, a second driving arm 14, a third driving arm 15, and a fourth driving arm 16. The first fixed link 11 and the second fixed link 12 are respectively used to be fixed on a first structural member and a second structural member. When the second structural member rotates, the rotation of the second fixed link 12 drives the rotation of each driving arm, thereby realizing the stable rotation of the second structural member relative to the first structural member. Among them, one end of the third driving arm 15 is hinged to the first driving arm 13, and the other end is hinged to the second fixed link 12. Compared with the related art where one end of the third driving arm 15 is hinged to the second driving arm 14 which is closer to it, the third driving arm 15 in the present invention is longer, and the swinging angle when the hinge is fully unfolded is larger. When applied to a refrigerator, the opening angle of the refrigerator is larger, and it is less likely to block objects when taking items. Moreover, when the six-link hinge rotates from the closed state to the unfolded state, the second fixed link 12 first translates relative to the first fixed link 11. When the third driving arm 15 is longer, the translation distance can be made larger, and it is less likely to interfere with the built-in cabinets around the refrigerator, etc.

[0082] The present invention also provides a household appliance, which includes the six-link hinge structure in any of the above embodiments. The household appliance can be a refrigerator, a microwave oven, a washing machine, etc. The above six-link hinge structure can be used wherever there is a rotating structure in the household appliance.

[0083] The household appliance provided by the present invention adopts the above six-link hinge structure. The six-link hinge includes a first fixed link 11, a second fixed link 12, a first driving arm 13, a second driving arm 14, a third driving arm 15, and a fourth driving arm 16. The first fixed link 11 and the second fixed link 12 are respectively used to be fixed on a first structural member and a second structural member. When the second structural member rotates, the rotation of the second fixed link 12 drives the rotation of each driving arm, thereby realizing the stable rotation of the second structural member relative to the first structural member. Among them, one end of the third driving arm 15 is hinged to the first driving arm 13, and the other end is hinged to the second fixed link 12. Compared with the related art where one end of the third driving arm 15 is hinged to the second driving arm 14 which is closer to it, the third driving arm 15 in the present invention is longer, and the swinging angle when the hinge is fully unfolded is larger. When applied to a refrigerator, the opening angle of the refrigerator is larger, and it is less likely to block objects when taking items. Moreover, when the six-link hinge rotates from the closed state to the unfolded state, the second fixed link 12 first translates relative to the first fixed link 11. When the third driving arm 15 is longer, the translation distance can be made larger, and it is less likely to interfere with the built-in cabinets around the refrigerator, etc.

[0084] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A six-link hinge, characterized in that, Comprising: A first fixed connecting rod for fixing to a first structural member; A second fixed connecting rod for fixing to a second structural member; A first transmission arm, one end of which is hinged to the first fixed connecting rod; A second transmission arm, one end of which is hinged to the first fixed connecting rod and the other end of which is hinged to a fourth transmission arm; A third transmission arm, one end of which is hinged to the first transmission arm and the other end of which is hinged to the second fixed connecting rod, and the end of the third transmission arm far from the second fixed connecting rod is hinged to the middle of the first transmission arm; A fourth transmission arm, one end of which is hinged to the other end of the first transmission arm and the other end of which is hinged to the second fixed connecting rod, and the end of the second transmission arm far from the first fixed connecting rod is hinged to the middle of the fourth transmission arm.

2. The six-link hinge according to claim 1, wherein The six-link hinge has a first limit position state and a second limit position state; the first fixed connecting rod has a first mounting side for connecting to the first structural member, and the second fixed connecting rod has a second mounting side for connecting to the second structural member; in the first limit position state, the first mounting side and the second mounting side are parallel to each other; in the second limit position state, the included angle between the first mounting side and the second mounting side is greater than or equal to 120 degrees.

3. The six-link hinge according to claim 2, wherein The hinge point of the first transmission arm and the third transmission arm is the fourth hinge point, the hinge point of the first transmission arm and the fourth transmission arm is the third hinge point, and the distance between the third hinge point and the fourth hinge point is the first distance; The sum of the lengths of the third transmission arm and the second fixed connecting rod is less than the sum of the first distance and the length of the fourth transmission arm.

4. The six-link hinge according to claim 3, wherein The ratio of the sum of the lengths of the third transmission arm and the second fixed connecting rod to the sum of the first distance and the length of the fourth transmission arm is greater than 0.

42.

5. The six-link hinge according to claim 2, wherein In the second limit position state, the third transmission arm and the second fixed connecting rod are arranged collinearly.

6. The six-link hinge according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first fixed connecting rod has a first mounting side for connecting to the first structural member, the hinged position of the first fixed connecting rod and the second transmission arm is the first hinge point, the hinged position of the first fixed connecting rod and the first transmission arm is the second hinge point, and the included angle between the line connecting the first hinge point and the second hinge point and the first mounting side is α, 146 ≤ α ≤ 156.

7. The six-link hinge according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The hinged position of the first fixed connecting rod and the first transmission arm is the second hinge point, the hinged position of the first transmission arm and the third transmission arm is the fourth hinge point, and the ratio of the length of the third transmission arm to the distance between the second hinge point and the fourth hinge point is k1, 0.95 ≤ k1 ≤ 1.

05.

8. The six-link hinge according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The hinged position of the third transmission arm and the fourth transmission arm is the fifth hinge point, the hinged position of the second fixed connecting rod and the fourth transmission arm is the sixth hinge point, and the ratio of the length of the third transmission arm to the distance between the fifth hinge point and the sixth hinge point is k2, 0.55 ≤ k2 ≤ 0.

65.

9. A refrigerator, characterized in that, Comprising a cabinet body, a cabinet door and the six-link hinge according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the first fixed connecting rod is fixed to the cabinet body and the second fixed connecting rod is fixed to the cabinet door.

10. A household appliance, characterized in that: Comprising the six-link hinge according to any one of claims 1-8.

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