Hinge assembly and opening and closing equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of household appliances, and discloses a hinge assembly and opening and closing equipment, the hinge assembly comprises a first matching part and a second matching part which are rotatably connected, one end of the first matching part is provided with a first curved surface and a second curved surface, and one end of the second matching part is provided with a third curved surface and a fourth curved surface; the first matching part and the second matching part have a first posture and a second posture, the first matching part and the second matching part can relatively rotate around the first axis so as to be switched between the first posture and the second posture, in the first posture, the first curved surface is matched with the third curved surface in an abutting mode, and in the second posture, the second curved surface is matched with the fourth curved surface in an abutting mode. The hinge assembly can utilize different postures to realize assistance for opening the door body of the opening and closing equipment and back pressure when the door body is closed, so that the customer experience and the sealing performance of the opening and closing equipment in the closed state are improved.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of June 20, 2023, application number 202310746653.3, and name “Hinge assembly and opening and closing device”. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular to a hinge assembly and an opening and closing device. Background Art

[0003] This section merely provides background information related to the present application and is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Freezers are a common type of equipment that opens and closes, typically with a top-opening door. Opening the door requires overcoming the force of gravity, making it difficult to open. When closing, the door can fall rapidly due to gravity, causing a violent collision with the cabinet, impacting the user experience. In some cases, such as when the door seal is insufficiently compensated, the door can easily become loose, leading to air leaks, compromising the refrigerator's refrigeration or freezing performance, and increasing energy consumption, resulting in a poor customer experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to at least alleviate the problem of doors of refrigerators and other opening and closing equipment being difficult to open and difficult to close. This purpose is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0006] A first aspect of the present application provides a hinge assembly, comprising:

[0007] a first matching piece, wherein one end of the first matching piece is provided with a first curved surface and a second curved surface,

[0008] a second matching piece, wherein one end of the second matching piece is provided with a third curved surface and a fourth curved surface;

[0009] The first mating piece and the second mating piece have a first posture and a second posture, and the first mating piece and the second mating piece can rotate relative to each other around a first axis to switch between the first posture and the second posture. In the first posture, the first curved surface abuts and fits with the third curved surface, so that the first mating piece and the second mating piece have a first force of relative rotation under the action of an axial force; in the second posture, the second curved surface abuts and fits with the fourth curved surface, so that the first mating piece and the second mating piece can have a second force of relative rotation under the action of the axial force; the directions of the first force and the second force are opposite.

[0010] According to the hinge assembly of the present application, in the first posture and the second posture, the hinge assembly can have the force to rotate the first fitting part and the second fitting part in opposite directions under the action of the axial force, so that one of the first posture and the second posture can correspond to the closed state or nearly closed state of the door body of the opening and closing device, and the other posture can correspond to the open state of the door body of the opening and closing device. When the door body of the opening and closing device is in the open state, the first fitting part and the second fitting part can provide an upward opening assist to the door body under the action of the axial force, which facilitates the opening operation of the door body. At the same time, it helps the door body to hover in the open state, and when the door body moves from the open state to the closed state, it can also offset part of the gravity and reduce the risk of the door body falling rapidly. When the door body of the opening and closing device is in the closed state, the first fitting part and the second fitting part can provide a downward counter-pressure assist to the door body under the action of the axial force, so that the possibility of the door body not closing tightly is reduced, thereby improving the user experience.

[0011] In addition, the hinge assembly according to the present application may also have the following additional technical features:

[0012] In some embodiments of the present application, the first curved surface, the second curved surface, the third curved surface and the fourth curved surface are spiral surfaces, the first curved surface and the second curved surface have opposite rotation directions, the third curved surface and the fourth curved surface have opposite rotation directions, the first curved surface and the third curved surface have the same rotation direction, and the second curved surface and the fourth curved surface have the same rotation direction.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present application, the first curved surface, the second curved surface, the third curved surface, and the fourth curved surface all extend spirally along the direction of the first axis.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present application, the first curved surface and the second curved surface are arranged in sequence along the circumference of the first mating piece, the third curved surface and the fourth curved surface are arranged in sequence along the circumference of the second mating piece, and the circumference of the first mating piece and the circumference of the second mating piece are both perpendicular to the direction of the first axis.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present application, the first mating member further has a first mating surface, and the first mating surface is disposed between the first curved surface and the second curved surface;

[0016] The second mating member further has a second mating surface, and the second mating surface is arranged between the third curved surface and the fourth curved surface;

[0017] The first mating surface and the second mating surface are both perpendicular to the direction of the first axis. The first mating piece and the second mating piece have a third posture between the first posture and the second posture. In the third posture, the first mating surface and the second mating surface are in abutment with each other.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present application, the first curved surface and the second curved surface are both arranged on the side of the first mating surface away from the second mating piece, and the third curved surface and the fourth curved surface are both arranged on the side of the second mating surface away from the first mating piece.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present application, the first mating member further has a stop surface, and the stop surface is connected to an end of the second curved surface away from the first mating surface;

[0020] And / or, the second matching piece further has a stop surface, and the stop surface is connected to an end of the fourth curved surface away from the second matching surface.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present application, the first mating piece includes a plurality of first protrusions spaced apart along the circumference of the first mating piece, and each of the first protrusions is provided with the first curved surface and the second curved surface;

[0022] The second mating piece includes a plurality of second protrusions arranged at intervals along the circumference of the second mating piece, each of the second protrusions is provided with the third curved surface and the fourth curved surface, and the plurality of first protrusions are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of second protrusions;

[0023] The circumferential direction of the first fitting member and the circumferential direction of the second fitting member are both perpendicular to the direction of the first axis.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present application, the first curved surface and / or the second curved surface and / or the third curved surface and / or the fourth curved surface are provided with an oil storage tank.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present application, the hinge assembly further includes:

[0026] a first hinge seat, the first hinge seat being connected to the first matching piece, and the first hinge seat and the first matching piece rotating synchronously;

[0027] a second hinged seat, the second hinged seat being connected to the second matching piece, and the second hinged seat and the second matching piece rotating synchronously;

[0028] The first hinge seat is rotatably connected to the second hinge seat, the first matching piece is slidably connected to the first hinge seat along the direction of the first axis, and / or the second matching piece is slidably connected to the second hinge seat along the direction of the first axis.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present application, the first articulated seat is provided with a first accommodating cavity extending along the direction of the first axis, and the second articulated seat is provided with a second accommodating cavity extending along the direction of the first axis. The first accommodating cavity is connected to the second accommodating cavity, the first mating piece is arranged in the first accommodating cavity, and the second mating piece is arranged in the second accommodating cavity.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present application, the first hinge seat and the first matching piece are integrally constructed, and the second matching piece can slide in the second accommodating cavity along the direction of the first axis.

[0031] In some embodiments of the present application, the hinge assembly further includes an elastic member, which is disposed in the second accommodating cavity and located on a side of the second mating member away from the first mating member, and the elastic member is used to apply the axial force to the second mating member and the first mating member.

[0032] In some embodiments of the present application, the first hinge seat includes a first clamping plate and a first hinge portion, the first clamping plate and the first hinge portion are integrally constructed, and the first accommodating cavity is provided in the first hinge portion;

[0033] The second hinge seat includes a second clamping plate and a second hinge portion, the second clamping plate and the second hinge portion are integrally constructed, and the second accommodating cavity is provided in the second hinge portion;

[0034] The first hinge part is rotatably connected to the second hinge part.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present application, a pressure relief hole is provided at one end of the first hinge portion away from the second hinge portion, and the pressure relief hole is communicated with the first accommodating cavity;

[0036] And / or, a pressure relief hole is provided at one end of the second hinged portion away from the first hinged portion, and the pressure relief hole is communicated with the second accommodating cavity.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present application, a first positioning portion is provided on the first articulated seat, and a second positioning portion is provided on the second articulated seat. The second positioning portion and the first positioning portion can cooperate with each other to position the first articulated seat and the second articulated seat at an initial installation angle, and the connection between the first positioning portion and the first articulated seat and / or the second positioning portion and the second articulated seat can be released.

[0038] A second aspect of the present application provides an opening and closing device, comprising:

[0039] a box body having an opening;

[0040] The door body is hinged at the opening of the box body through a hinge assembly.

[0041] In addition, the hinge assembly according to the present application may also have the following additional technical features:

[0042] In some embodiments of the present application, the opening and closing device is a refrigerator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiment below. The accompanying drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not to be considered as limiting the present application. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to denote the same components. In the drawings:

[0044] Figure 1 Schematic diagrams of hinge assemblies according to some embodiments of the present application are schematically shown;

[0045] Figure 2 Schematically shows a split schematic diagram of a hinge assembly of some embodiments of the present application;

[0046] Figure 3 A schematic diagram schematically illustrates a second matching member from one viewing angle in some embodiments of the present application;

[0047] Figure 4 Schematically illustrating a first hinge seat and a first matching member from one perspective in some embodiments of the present application;

[0048] Figure 5 Schematically illustrating another perspective of the first hinge seat and the first matching member in some embodiments of the present application;

[0049] Figure 6 Schematically showing a cross-sectional view of the first matching member and the second matching member in some embodiments of the present application when the door body is in a closed state;

[0050] Figure 7 A schematic diagram schematically illustrates a second hinged seat from one viewing angle in some embodiments of the present application;

[0051] Figure 8 Schematically showing a cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in one direction according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0052] Figure 9Schematically showing a cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in another direction according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0053] Figure 10 Schematically shows Figure 9 Magnified view of the T part;

[0054] Figure 11 Schematic diagrams of gaskets according to some embodiments of the present application are schematically shown;

[0055] Figure 12 Schematically showing a cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in one direction according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0056] Figure 13 Schematically shows Figure 12 Partial cross-sectional view along the AA direction;

[0057] Figure 14 Schematically shows Figure 13 Magnified view of the S part;

[0058] Figure 15 Schematic diagrams of opening and closing devices according to some embodiments of the present application are schematically shown;

[0059] Figure 16 Schematically showing a rear view of an opening and closing device according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0060] Figure 17 Schematically shows Figure 16 Enlarged view of the R part;

[0061] Figure 18 Schematically shows Figure 16 BB cross-sectional view;

[0062] Figure 19 Schematically shows Figure 18 Enlarged view of the Q part;

[0063] Figure 20 A partial schematic diagram of an opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the present application is schematically shown;

[0064] Figure 21 for Figure 20 Schematic diagram of the assembly of the second hinged seat on the box body.

[0065] The reference numerals are as follows:

[0066] 10. Hinge assembly;

[0067] 100, first hinge seat; 110, first hinge portion; 111, second connecting surface; 112, annular step; 113, annular groove; 120, first clamping plate; 121, first mounting hole; 122, first stopper; 130, first accommodating cavity; 140, first mating member; 141, first curved surface; 142, second curved surface; 143, first bottom surface; 144, oil reservoir; 145, first mating surface; 146, first protrusion; 150, first positioning portion; 160, reinforcing rib;

[0068] 200, second hinge seat; 210, second hinge portion; 211, raised strip; 212, extension portion; 213, annular boss; 214, annular protrusion; 215, first connecting surface; 221, first sub-cage; 222, second sub-cage; 223, second mounting hole; 224, second stop portion; 230, second accommodating cavity; 240, second positioning portion; 250, pressure relief hole;

[0069] 300, second mating member; 310, second mating structure; 311, third curved surface; 312, fourth curved surface; 313, second bottom surface; 314, second mating surface; 315, stop surface; 316, second protrusion; 320, first guide structure;

[0070] 400, elastic parts;

[0071] 500, connecting shaft; 510, through hole;

[0072] 600, gasket; 610, notch;

[0073] 20. Box body; 202. Third opening; 203. Fourth opening; 204. Mounting cavity; 105. Card groove; 206. Opening; 207. Card slot;

[0074] 30. Door body;

[0075] X, direction of the first axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] The following describes exemplary embodiments of the present application in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although exemplary embodiments of the present application are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present application can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments described herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the present application and to fully convey the scope of the present application to those skilled in the art.

[0077] It should be understood that the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific example embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one", "an" and "said" as used herein may also be meant to include plural forms. The terms "comprise", "include", "contain" and "have" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order described or illustrated, unless the order of execution is clearly indicated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0078] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used in the text to describe multiple elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence when used in the text. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teaching of the example embodiments.

[0079] For ease of description, spatially relative terms may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to another element or feature as shown in the figures, such as "inside," "outside," "inside," "outside," "below," "beneath," "above," and the like. Such spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "below" or "below" another element or feature would then be oriented as "above" or "above" another element or feature. Thus, the example term "below" can include both above and below orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0080] like Figures 1 to 21 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present application, a hinge assembly 10 is provided, comprising a first mating member 140 and a second mating member 300 that are rotatably connected. One end of the first mating member 140 is provided with a first curved surface 141 and a second curved surface 142, and one end of the second mating member 300 is provided with a third curved surface 311 and a fourth curved surface 312.

[0081] One end of the first mating component 140 provided with the first curved surface 141 and the second curved surface 142 can be brought into contact with one end of the second mating component 300 provided with the third curved surface 311 and the fourth curved surface 312. The first curved surface 141, the second curved surface 142, the third curved surface 311, and the fourth curved surface 312 can all extend along a first axis direction X, where the first axis direction X is the axis direction of relative rotation between the first mating component 140 and the second mating component 300.

[0082] The first mating piece 140 may include a first protrusion 146 protruding toward the second mating piece 300, with the first curved surface 141 and the second curved surface 142 both being disposed on the surface of the first protrusion 146. The second mating piece 300 may include a second protrusion 316 protruding toward the first mating piece 140, with the third curved surface 311 and the fourth curved surface 312 both being disposed on the surface of the second protrusion 316.

[0083] Among them, the first curved surface 141 and the second curved surface 142 can be arranged in sequence along the circumference of the first mating part 140, and the third curved surface 311 and the fourth curved surface 312 can be arranged in sequence along the circumference of the second mating part 300. The circumference of the first mating part 140 and the circumference of the second mating part 300 are both perpendicular to the direction X of the first axis.

[0084] The first mating component 140 and the second mating component 300 have a first posture and a second posture. The first mating component 140 and the second mating component 300 can rotate relative to each other about a first axis to switch between the first and second postures. In the first posture, the first curved surface 141 abuts and mates with the third curved surface 311, thereby generating a first force for relative rotation of the first mating component 140 and the second mating component 300 under the action of an axial force. In the second posture, the second curved surface 142 abuts and mates with the fourth curved surface 312, thereby generating a second force for relative rotation of the first mating component 140 and the second mating component 300 under the action of an axial force. The first force and the second force are directed in opposite directions.

[0085] The direction of the axial force may be the same as the direction of the first axis. The axial force may be applied by an elastic member, such as a spring.

[0086] According to the hinge assembly of the present application, in the first and second positions, the hinge assembly 10 can, under the action of an axial force, have a force that causes the first mating member 140 and the second mating member 300 to rotate in opposite directions. In this way, one of the first and second positions can correspond to the closed state or nearly closed state of the door body 30 of the opening and closing device, and the other position can correspond to the open state of the door body 30 of the opening and closing device. When the door body 30 of the opening and closing device is in the open state, the first mating member 140 and the second mating member 300 can provide an upward opening force to the door body 30 under the action of the axial force, thereby facilitating the opening operation of the door body 30. At the same time, it helps the door body 30 to hover in the open state. When the door body 30 moves from the open state to the closed state, it can also offset part of the gravity and reduce the risk of the door body 30 falling rapidly. When the door body 30 of the opening and closing device is in the closed state, the first mating member 140 and the second mating member 300 can provide a downward counter-pressure force to the door body under the action of the axial force, thereby reducing the possibility of the door body 30 not closing tightly and improving the user experience.

[0087] It should be noted that, for the sake of convenience of description, the embodiments of the present application will subsequently describe the relevant scheme mainly with the first posture corresponding to the open state of the door body 30 of the opening and closing device, and the second posture corresponding to the closed state or the nearly closed state of the door body 30 of the opening and closing device.

[0088] In one implementation, the first curved surface 141, the second curved surface 142, the third curved surface 311 and the fourth curved surface 312 are spiral surfaces, the first curved surface 141 and the second curved surface 142 have opposite rotation directions, the third curved surface 311 and the fourth curved surface 312 have opposite rotation directions, the first curved surface 141 and the third curved surface 311 have the same rotation direction, and the second curved surface 142 and the fourth curved surface 312 have the same rotation direction.

[0089] The first curved surface 141 , the second curved surface 142 , the third curved surface 311 and the fourth curved surface 312 all extend spirally along the direction X of the first axis.

[0090] Since the spiral directions of the first curved surface 141 and the second curved surface 142 are opposite, and the spiral directions of the third curved surface 311 and the fourth curved surface 312 are opposite, in this way, in the first posture and the second posture, the first mating part 140 and the second mating part 300 can generate a force that causes the first mating part 140 and the second mating part 300 to rotate in opposite directions relative to each other under the action of the same axial force.

[0091] It should be noted that the force acting on the first mating member 140 and the second mating member 300 along their relative rotational axis can be provided by an elastic member 400, such as a spring. The spring can be provided outside the hinge structure or integrated within the hinge structure as part of the hinge structure. This embodiment will later provide a detailed description of a method for integrating the elastic member 400 into the hinge assembly 10.

[0092] Optional, see Figures 3 to 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the first mating component 140 further has a first mating surface 145, which is disposed between the first curved surface 141 and the second curved surface 142. The second mating component 300 further has a second mating surface 314, which is disposed between the third curved surface 311 and the fourth curved surface 312. The first mating surface 145 and the second mating surface 314 are both perpendicular to the direction X of the first axis. The first mating component 140 and the second mating component 300 have a third posture between the first and second postures. In the third posture, the first mating surface 145 and the second mating surface 314 are in abutment with each other. The direction X of the first axis is the direction of the axis of relative rotation of the first mating component 140 and the second mating component 300.

[0093] When the first and second mating components 140, 300 are subjected to an axial force, in the third position, the first and second mating components 140, 300 are typically unable to convert the axial force into a force that causes relative rotation of the first and second mating components 140, 300. In other words, the third position is a transitional state between the first and second positions. The first mating surface 145 and the second mating surface 314 can be configured as needed. Typically, within the rotational travel of the first and second mating components 140, 300, the travel occupied by the third position, in which the first and second mating surfaces 145, 314 abut, is shorter than the travel occupied by the first position, in which the first curved surface 141 abuts the third curved surface 311, and shorter than the travel occupied by the second position, in which the second curved surface 142 abuts the fourth curved surface 312. The travel occupied by each position can be referenced by the corresponding rotational angle of the first and second mating components 140, 300. The shorter the travel, the smaller the corresponding rotational angle of the first and second mating components 140, 300 in that position. The rotation angle corresponding to the first mating part 140 and the second mating part 300 can be understood as the angle that the first mating part 140 and the second mating part 300 rotate to relative to each other to this posture as the starting point, and the angle that the first mating part 140 and the second mating part 300 rotate out of this posture as the end point between the starting point and the end point.

[0094] Optionally, the first curved surface 141 and the second curved surface 142 are both arranged on the side of the first mating surface 145 away from the second mating piece 300 , and the third curved surface 311 and the fourth curved surface 312 are both arranged on the side of the second mating surface 314 away from the first mating piece 140 .

[0095] Reference Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the first mating surface 145 convexly projects toward the second mating component 300 relative to the first curved surface 141 and the second curved surface 142. In other words, the first curved surface 141 and the second curved surface 142 are recessed relative to the first mating surface 145 away from the second mating component 300, and the first mating surface 145 functions as a convex point. The second mating surface 314 convexly projects toward the first mating component 140 relative to the third curved surface 311 and the fourth curved surface 312. In other words, the third curved surface 311 and the fourth curved surface 312 are recessed relative to the second mating surface 314 away from the first mating component 140, and the second mating surface 314 functions as a convex point.

[0096] Optionally, the first mating member 140 may further be provided with a stop surface connected to an end of the second curved surface 142 away from the first mating surface 145. When the first mating member 140 and the second mating member 300 rotate to a desired limit angle (for example, when the door body 30 rotates to the lowest point, or when the door body 30 rotates to the highest point), the stop surface can function as a stop against a corresponding structure or surface of the second mating member 300.

[0097] It is understandable that the second mating piece 300 may also be provided with a stop surface 315, which is connected to the end of the fourth curved surface 312 away from the second mating surface 314. The stop surface 315 may also limit the rotation angle range of the first mating piece 140 and the second mating piece 300.

[0098] like Figure 6 and Figure 16 As shown, in one embodiment, the first posture is the open state of the door body 30, and the second posture is the closed or nearly closed state of the door body 30. The first mating part 140 is used to connect with the door body 30 and rotate with the door body 30, and the second mating part 300 is used to connect with the box body 20. A stop surface 315 can be provided on the second mating part 300. When the door body 30 is rotated to make the first mating part 140 and the second mating part 300 in the second posture, the stop surface 315 can cooperate with the first curved surface 141 to limit the first mating part 140 and the second mating part 300 from continuing to rotate in the direction of closing the door body 30.

[0099] In some embodiments, reference Figures 3 to 5As shown, the first mating part 140 includes a plurality of first protrusions 146 arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction, and each first protrusion 146 is provided with a first curved surface 141 and a second curved surface 142; the second mating part 300 includes a plurality of second protrusions 316 arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction, and each second protrusion 316 is provided with a third curved surface 311 and a fourth curved surface 312, and the plurality of first protrusions 146 and the plurality of second protrusions 316 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence; the circumferential direction is perpendicular to the direction X of the first axis.

[0100] In one embodiment, the hinge structure further includes a first hinge seat 100 and a second hinge seat 200. The first hinge seat 100 is connected to the first mating member 140, and the first hinge seat 100 rotates synchronously with the first mating member 140. The second hinge seat 200 is connected to the second mating member 300, and the second hinge seat 200 rotates synchronously with the second mating member 300. The first mating member 140 and the first hinge seat 100 are slidably connected along the direction X of the first axis, and / or the second mating member 300 and the second hinge seat 200 are slidably connected along the direction X of the first axis.

[0101] In practical applications, the first hinge seat 100 can be connected to the door body 30 of the opening and closing device, and the second hinge seat 200 can be connected to the box body 20 of the opening and closing device.

[0102] Optionally, the first articulated seat 100 is provided with a first accommodating cavity 130 extending along the direction X of the first axis, and the second articulated seat 200 is provided with a second accommodating cavity 230 extending along the direction X of the first axis. The first accommodating cavity 130 is connected to the second accommodating cavity 230, the first mating piece 140 is arranged in the first accommodating cavity 130, and the second mating piece 300 is arranged in the second accommodating cavity 230.

[0103] Specifically, the first hinge seat 100 and the first matching member 140 may be integrally constructed, and the second matching member 300 may be configured to be able to slide in the second accommodating cavity 230 along the direction X of the first axis.

[0104] Furthermore, the hinge assembly 10 includes an elastic member 400 disposed within the second accommodating cavity 230 and located on a side of the second mating member 300 away from the first mating member 140. The elastic member 400 is compressible to apply an axial force, or thrust, to the second mating member 300 and the first mating member 140. In a first position, the force applied by the elastic member 400 to the second mating member 300 causes the first mating member 140 to rotate relative to the second mating member 300 in a first rotational direction. In a second position, the force applied by the elastic member 400 to the second mating member 300 causes the first mating member 140 to rotate relative to the second mating member 300 in a direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

[0105] In one embodiment, the hinge assembly 10 includes a first hinge seat 100, a second hinge seat 200, a second mating member 300, and an elastic member 400. The first hinge seat 100 includes a first mating member 140 having a first curved surface 141 and a second curved surface 142. The second hinge seat 200 includes a second accommodating cavity 230 extending along a first axis direction X, with a first opening at one end of the second accommodating cavity 230. The second mating member 300 is disposed within the second accommodating cavity 230. The second mating member 300 and the second hinge seat 200 are relatively fixed in the circumferential direction of the second accommodating cavity 230 and are capable of sliding within the second accommodating cavity 230 along the first axis direction X. The second mating member 300 includes a second mating structure 310 having a third curved surface 311 and a fourth curved surface 312. The second mating structure 310 abuts against the first mating member 140 through the first opening. The elastic member 400 is disposed in the second accommodating cavity 230 and located at an end of the second fitting member 300 away from the first fitting member 140 . The elastic member 400 applies a thrust to the second fitting member 300 to move the second fitting member 300 toward the first fitting member 140 .

[0106] The hinge assembly 10 has a first posture and a second posture. The first hinge seat 100 can rotate back and forth within a preset angle range relative to the second hinge seat 200 around an axis extending in the direction X along the first axis, so that the first mating member 140 and the second mating structure 310 slide relative to each other to switch the hinge assembly 10 between the first posture and the second posture. In the second posture, the second curved surface 142 abuts against the fourth curved surface 312, and the elastic member 400 causes the first hinge seat 100 to have a torque for rotating in the opposite direction of the first rotation direction relative to the second hinge seat 200; in the first posture, the first curved surface 141 abuts against the third curved surface 311, and the elastic member 400 causes the first hinge seat 100 to have a torque for rotating in the first rotation direction relative to the second hinge seat 200. The first rotation direction is the same as the rotation direction of the first hinge seat 100 relative to the second hinge seat 200 from the second posture to the first posture.

[0107] Among them, the first hinge seat 100 can be connected to the door body 30 of the opening and closing device, and the second hinge seat 200 can be connected to the box body 20 of the opening and closing device. During the opening and closing process of the door body 30, the second hinge seat 200 is fixedly set, and the first hinge seat 100 rotates synchronously with the door body 30.

[0108] When the hinge assembly 10 is mounted on an opening and closing device, the direction X of the first axis can be configured to be parallel to the opening of the opening and closing device. When the opening and closing device is placed on a relatively flat surface, the direction X of the first axis can be understood as referring to the horizontal direction. If the opening and closing device is a top-opening door, with the opening and closing side of the door body 30 facing forward, and the hinge assembly 10 is positioned at the rear of the opening and closing device, the direction X of the first axis can be the left-right direction of the opening and closing device.

[0109] When the hinge assembly 10 is assembled, the first posture of the hinge assembly 10 can correspond to the maximum opening state of the door body 30 of the opening and closing device and the state in which the door body 30 is opened at a larger angle, and the second posture can correspond to the closed state of the door body 30 of the opening and closing device and the state in which the door body 30 is opened at a smaller angle. In this way, the first rotation direction is also the opening direction of the door body 30. Specifically, the maximum opening angle of the door body 30 corresponding to the second posture can be a range of 10 to 45 degrees from the closed state to the opening direction of the door body 30. For example, the opening angle of the door body 30 corresponding to the second posture is 0 to 15 degrees, 0 to 20 degrees, or 0 to 21 degrees, or 0 to 25 degrees, 0 to 30 degrees, 0 to 35 degrees, 0 to 40 degrees, or 0 to 45 degrees when the door body 30 is opened. Among them, the maximum opening angle of the door body 30 corresponding to the second posture is the maximum opening angle when the hinge assembly 10 cannot buffer the closing of the door body 30 or assist the opening of the door body 30. In other words, after the door body 30 is opened from the closed state to a maximum opening angle of the door body 30 corresponding to the second posture, the first curved surface 141 abuts against the third curved surface 311, and the hinge assembly 10 can assist in the opening of the door body 30; before the door body 30 rotates from the maximum opening state to the maximum opening angle of the door body 30 corresponding to the second posture, the first curved surface 141 abuts against the third curved surface 311, and the hinge assembly 10 can buffer the closing of the door body 30.

[0110] During actual assembly, the elastic member 400 can be reasonably set according to the gravity of the door body 30, so that the torque generated by the hinge assembly 10 in the first posture can be greater than the torque generated by the gravity of the door body 30, so that the door body 30 can hover in the first posture. When the door body 30 can hover in the first posture, the opening angle of the door body 30 corresponding to the first posture is also the hovering angle of the door body 30. The lower limit of the hovering angle range is consistent with the angle of the door body opening corresponding to the third posture, that is, the opening angle of the door body 30 corresponding to the third posture can be the critical point between hovering and not hovering. When it is greater than the maximum opening angle of the door body 30 corresponding to the third posture, the door body 30 can hover. When it is less than the maximum opening angle of the door body 30 corresponding to the third posture, the door body 30 cannot hover. The upper limit of the hovering angle range can be consistent with the angle of the door body 30 opened to the maximum state.

[0111] The preset angular range of rotation of the first hinge seat 100 relative to the second hinge seat 200 corresponds to the opening of the door body 30. That is, when the door body 30 is closed and fully opened, the angular range of rotation of the door body 30 can serve as the preset angular range of rotation of the first hinge seat 100 relative to the second hinge seat 200. In this embodiment, the angle of the door body 30 to be fully opened can be 70 to 90 degrees. For example, the angular range of rotation of the door body 30 can be 0 to 90 degrees, 0 to 85 degrees, 0 to 80 degrees, 0 to 75 degrees, or 0 to 70 degrees. In some technologies, the angular range of rotation of the door body 30 can be specifically set to 0 to 80 degrees, wherein at 0 degrees, the door body 30 is closed, and at 80 degrees, the door body 30 is fully opened.

[0112] The second accommodating chamber 230 may be cylindrical with a circular cross-section.

[0113] The first mating piece 140 and the second mating structure 310 can be ratchet-like structures. Specifically, the first hinge seat 100 can be provided with a ratchet-like structure at one end facing the second mating piece 300, including a plurality of first grooves (specifically, two, three, or more, generally two based on reasonable consideration of occupied space and strength) arranged at intervals along the circumference, the sidewall of the first groove forming a first protrusion 146, and the corresponding sidewall forming a first curved surface 141, a first mating surface 145, and a second curved surface 142; the second mating piece 300 is generally cylindrical, and the second mating piece 300 can be provided with a ratchet-like structure at one end facing the first mating piece 140, including a plurality of second grooves arranged at intervals along the circumference, the second grooves corresponding to the first grooves, the sidewall of the second groove forming a second protrusion 316, and the corresponding wall of the second groove forming a third curved surface 311, a fourth curved surface 312, and a second mating surface 314.

[0114] When the first hinge seat 100 rotates relative to the second hinge seat 200, the first mating member 140 and the second mating structure 310 can slide relative to each other, so that different positions of the first mating member 140 are mated with different positions of the second mating structure 310. When the door body 30 is closed, the hinge assembly 10 can be in a second posture, with the second curved surface 142 abutting against the fourth curved surface 312. At this time, the elastic member 400 is in a compressed state. In this way, the thrust applied by the elastic member 400 to the second mating member 300 generates a torque in the radial tangential direction of the abutment position between the second curved surface 142 and the fourth curved surface 312. This torque causes the door body 30 to have a tendency to rotate in the closing direction, thereby assisting the closing of the door body 30. The door body 30 is closed on the box body 20 by gravity and the counter pressure formed by the spring. During the opening process of the door body 30, the second curved surface 142 slides relative to the fourth curved surface 312 and gradually transforms into the first mating surface 145 abutting against the second mating surface 314. At this time, the first mating member 140 and the second mating member 300 do not have relative rotational torque. As the door body 30 continues to open, the first curved surface 141 abuts against the third curved surface 311, and the first curved surface 141 slides relatively on the third curved surface 311. The elastic member 400 gradually returns to its original position, while maintaining the thrust applied to the second mating member 300, the thrust gradually decreases. When the first curved surface 141 abuts against the third curved surface 311, that is, in the first posture, the thrust applied by the elastic member 400 to the second mating member 300 generates a torque in the radial tangential direction of the abutment position between the first curved surface 141 and the third curved surface 311. This torque causes the door body 30 to have a tendency to rotate in the opening direction, thereby balancing the gravity of the door body 30. When the door body 30 is opened to the maximum opening, the first curved surface 141 and the third curved surface 311 can still maintain abutment, and when the door body 30 is opened to the maximum opening, the ratchet-like structure of the first hinge seat 100 and the ratchet-like structure of the second mating part 300 can engage with each other, that is, the side wall of the first groove is inserted into the second groove, and the side wall of the second groove is inserted into the first groove, the first mating surface 145 and the bottom surface of the second groove (the second bottom surface 313) can abut, and the second mating surface 314 and the bottom surface of the first groove (the first bottom surface 143) can abut.

[0115] The elastic member 400 is specifically a spring. After the hinge assembly 10 is assembled, the spring can always be in a compressed state so that the spring can apply a thrust to the second mating member 300 .

[0116] According to the hinge assembly 10 of this embodiment, the hinge assembly 10 can be connected between the cabinet 20 and the door 30 of an opening and closing device (e.g., a refrigerator), so that the door 30 is hinged to the cabinet 20, wherein the door 30 can be connected to the first hinge seat 100, and the cabinet 20 can be connected to the second hinge seat 200. The first hinge seat 100 can be configured to rotate relative to the second hinge seat 200 along a first rotation direction to open the door 30. In this embodiment, the hinge assembly 10 can convert the lateral force of the elastic member 400 (i.e., the spring) into a force consistent with the rotation direction of the first hinge seat 100 through the cooperation of the second mating member 300 and the first mating member 140, ultimately achieving the rotation of the hinge assembly 10 and the opening and closing of the door 30. Specifically, during the opening process of the door body 30, when the hinge assembly 10 rotates to the first posture, the elastic member 400 causes the first hinge seat 100 to have a torque that rotates relative to the second hinge seat 200 along the first rotation direction, that is, the thrust applied by the elastic member 400 to the second matching member 300 can assist the opening of the door body 30 through the first curved surface 141 and the third curved surface 311; in the process of closing the door body 30, the component force of the torque formed by the elastic member 400 on the hinge assembly 10 can at least balance part of the gravity of the door body 30, alleviate the problem of rapid descent of the door body 30, resulting in a violent collision between the door body 30 and the box body 20, and improve the user experience. When the door body is closed, when the hinge assembly 10 rotates to the second posture, the elastic member 400 causes the first hinge seat 100 to have a torque to rotate in the opposite direction of the first rotation direction relative to the second hinge seat 200, that is, the thrust applied by the elastic member 400 to the second matching member 300 can assist the closing of the door body 30 through the second curved surface 142 and the fourth curved surface 312, so that the door body can have better closing sealing, easy assembly, and reduce the space occupied by the hinge assembly 10, so that the number of opening and closing equipment that can be loaded on the transportation vehicle is increased, and the transportation cost of the opening and closing equipment is reduced.

[0117] Furthermore, the elastic member 400 and the second mating member 300 are both arranged in the second accommodating cavity 230 of the second hinge seat 200. The elastic member 400 is built-in, which reduces the risk of the hinge assembly 10 pinching the user's or assembler's fingers and improves safety.

[0118] In this embodiment, the axial force of the elastic member 400 along the first axis direction X is converted into a relatively large torque for rotating the first hinge seat 100 through the first mating member 140 and the second mating structure 310. This reduces the required elastic force of the elastic member 400. If the elastic member 400 is a spring, the wire diameter of the spring can be approximately 2.5 mm, and the outer diameter of the entire spring can be no greater than 16 mm, specifically 15.8 mm. Due to the reduced size of the elastic member 400, the impact of the hinge assembly 10 on the space utilization of the opening and closing device can be reduced, namely, the protrusion of the rear side of the hinge assembly 10 from the side wall of the housing 20 can be reduced. Combined with the rational design of the housing 20, when the hinge assembly 10 of this embodiment is installed on the opening and closing device, the protrusion of the hinge assembly 10 from the side wall of the housing 20 can be no greater than 10 mm, thereby increasing the overall container loading capacity of the product and saving transportation costs.

[0119] It should be noted that this embodiment is mainly described by taking the example of the first hinge seat 100 being connected to the door body 30 of the opening and closing device and the second hinge seat 200 being connected to the box body 20 of the opening and closing device. However, in actual assembly, the first hinge seat 100 can also be connected to the box body 20 of the opening and closing device, and the second hinge seat 200 can be connected to the door body 30 of the opening and closing device as needed. That is, the first hinge seat 100 and the box body 20 are relatively fixed, and the second hinge seat 200 rotates synchronously with the door body 30. In this case, the first hinge seat 100 is fixed, and due to the relativity of movement, the rotation of the first hinge seat 100 relative to the second hinge seat 200 can be achieved by the rotation of the second hinge seat 200.

[0120] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, in some embodiments, such as Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first hinged seat 100 includes a first clamping plate 120 and a first hinged portion 110. The first clamping plate 120 and the first hinged portion 110 are integrally constructed, and a first mating member 140 is disposed on the first hinged portion 110. The second hinged seat 200 includes a second clamping plate and a second hinged portion 210. The second clamping plate and the second hinged portion 210 are integrally constructed, and the second accommodating cavity 230 is provided with the second hinged portion 210. The first hinged portion 110 and the second hinged portion 210 are rotatably connected. The first clamping plate 120 is used to connect to the door body 30 of the opening and closing device, and the second clamping plate is used to connect to the box body 20 of the opening and closing device.

[0121] The first hinge seat 100 can be integrally formed by injection molding, and the first clamping plate 120 and the first hinge portion 110 are formed by injection molding. The second hinge seat 200 can be integrally formed by injection molding, and the second clamping plate and the second hinge portion 210 are formed by injection molding.

[0122] Optionally, the first clamping plate 120 may be provided with a first mounting hole 121, which is configured to cooperate with a fixing member to secure the first clamping plate 120 to the door body 30. The number of first mounting holes 121 may be one, or multiple first mounting holes 121 may be spaced apart. The fixing member may be a bolt, a screw, or the like. In one specific implementation, the first mounting hole 121 is a mounting hole, and the fixing member is a bolt.

[0123] Optionally, the second card plate includes a first sub-card plate 221 and a second sub-card plate 222, wherein the second sub-card plate 222 is provided with a second mounting hole 223, and the second mounting hole 223 is used to cooperate with a fixing member to fix the second sub-card plate 222 to the box body 20. The number of the second mounting holes 223 can be one, or a plurality of fixing members arranged at intervals. The fixing member can be a bolt, a screw, etc. The first sub-card plate 221 is fixedly connected to the second hinge portion 210 and is located on the side of the second sub-card plate 222 close to the door body 30. The first sub-card plate 221 is used to be plugged and fixed with the box body 20, and specifically can be plugged and cooperated with the card groove 105 arranged horizontally or vertically in the box body 20. The first sub-clip 221 is connected to the housing 20 by plugging. When the door 30 is opened, that is, when the first hinge seat 100 rotates, the first sub-clip 221 is the main component that bears the torque. The second sub-clip 222 is fixed through the second mounting hole 223, which can strengthen the fixation between the second hinge seat 200 and the door 30 and prevent the second hinge seat 200 from moving. The first sub-clip 221 and the second sub-clip 222 can both be integrally constructed with the second hinge portion 210.

[0124] In a specific embodiment, Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, combined with Figure 16 、 Figure 17As shown, the first card plate 120 has a door body mounting surface facing the door body 30, and the door body mounting surface can be a plane. The first card plate 120 is attached to the end face of the door body 30 through the door body mounting surface. Bolts or screws are passed through the first mounting holes 121 to be fixedly connected to the door body 30, so that the first card plate 120 is fixedly connected to the door body 30. The second sub-card plate 222 has a box body mounting surface facing the box body 20, and the box body mounting surface can be a plane. The second sub-card plate 222 is attached to the outer side surface of the box body 20 through the box body mounting surface. Bolts or screws are passed through the second mounting holes 223 to be fixedly connected to the side wall of the box body 20 (when the second sub-card plate 222 is attached to the rear side, the side wall is the rear side wall), so that the second sub-card plate 222 is fastened to the box body 20. Specifically, the hinge assembly 10 can be arranged on the rear side of the opening and closing device, the first card plate 120 can be affixed to and fixedly connected to the rear end surface of the door body 30, and the second sub-card plate 222 can be affixed to and fixedly connected to the rear side surface of the box body 20; when the door body 30 is closed, the first card plate 120 and the second sub-card plate 222 are both arranged approximately in the vertical direction, that is, the angle between the first card plate 120 and the second sub-card plate 222 is 180 degrees or approximately 180 degrees. During the opening process of the door body 30, the first card plate 120 and the first hinge part 110 rotate backward synchronously, and the angle between the first card plate 120 and the second sub-card plate 222 on the side facing the opening and closing device increases, and the angle between the first card plate 120 and the second sub-card plate 222 on the side away from the closing device (this angle and the angle on the side facing the opening and closing device are the mutual circumferential angle) decreases.

[0125] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first card board 120 can be provided with three first mounting holes 121, wherein two first mounting holes 121 are arranged at intervals and aligned along the direction X of the first axis, and another first mounting hole 121 is provided on a side of the above two first mounting holes 121 close to the second sub-card board 222, that is, the three first mounting holes 121 can be arranged in a triangle. The second sub-card board 222 can be provided with two second mounting holes 223, wherein the two second mounting holes 223 are arranged at intervals and aligned along the direction X of the first axis.

[0126] Optionally, the first card plate 120 and the second sub-card plate 222 may be further provided with reinforcing ribs 160. Specifically, in one implementation, one or more reinforcing ribs 160 are provided on the surface of the first card plate 120 opposite the door mounting surface, and one or more reinforcing ribs 160 are provided on the surface of the second sub-card plate 222 opposite the box mounting surface. The reinforcing ribs 160 can increase the strength of the first card plate 120 and / or the second sub-card plate 222, thereby improving the service life of the first card plate 120 and the second sub-card plate 222. The reinforcing ribs 160 can be integrally formed with the corresponding card plate.

[0127] Optionally, in order to limit the wide-open state of the door body 30, that is, to limit the opening degree of the door body 30, corresponding stop structures can be provided on the first clamping plate 120 and the second sub-clamping plate 222. Specifically, in one embodiment, a first stop 122 is provided on a side of the first clamping plate 120 close to the second hinge portion 210, and a second stop 224 is provided on a side of the second sub-clamping plate 222 close to the first hinge portion 110. The first stop 122 and the second stop 224 cooperate to limit the maximum rotation angle of the first hinge seat 100 and the second hinge portion 210 along the first rotation direction.

[0128] The first stopper 122 can be integrally formed with the first card plate 120, and the second stopper 224 can be integrally formed with the second sub-card plate 222. The first stopper 122 can be disposed on the surface of the first card plate 120 opposite to the door mounting surface, and the second stopper 224 can be disposed on the end surface of the second sub-card plate 222 connected to the cabinet connection surface.

[0129] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, the first hinged part 110 is provided with a first accommodating cavity 130, the second opening of the first accommodating cavity 130 is arranged opposite to and in communication with the first opening, the first mating piece 140 is arranged in the first accommodating cavity 130, and the end of the first hinged part 110 provided with the second opening is sealedly connected to the end of the second hinged part 210 provided with the first opening.

[0130] The first accommodating chamber 130 may be cylindrical in shape with a circular cross section.

[0131] The first mating member 140 and the second mating structure 310 need to slide together. To improve the smoothness of the sliding and reduce wear on the first mating member 140 and the second mating structure 310, lubricant can be added between the first mating member 140 and the second mating structure 310. The first hinged portion 110 is provided with a first accommodating cavity 130, which is sealed and connected to the second accommodating cavity 230. This allows the first mating member 140 and the second mating structure 310 to be in a relatively sealed environment, ensuring the effectiveness of lubricant storage and long-term use.

[0132] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, in one implementation, the end surface of the second hinged portion 210 provided with the first opening has an annular first connecting surface 215 and an annular boss 213 protruding relative to the first connecting surface 215. In the radial direction, the annular boss 213 is located on the inner side of the first connecting surface 215. The end surface of the first hinged portion 110 provided with the second opening has an annular second connecting surface 111 and an annular step 112 recessed relative to the second connecting surface 111. In the radial direction, the annular step 112 is located on the inner side of the second connecting surface 111. After the first hinge part 110 is connected to the second hinge part 210, the first connecting surface 215 is arranged opposite to the second connecting surface 111, the annular boss 213 is arranged corresponding to the recessed annular step 112, and the annular boss 213 and the annular step 112 can be provided with mutually matching annular grooves 113 and annular protrusions 214. Specifically, the annular protrusion 214 can be provided on the annular boss 213, and the annular groove 113 can be provided on the annular step 112, and the annular groove 113 and the annular protrusion 214 can be plugged into each other.

[0133] It can be understood that the matching structure of the annular boss 213, the annular protrusion 214 on the annular step 112 and the annular groove 113 can form an oil locking structure, that is, a sealing groove structure, on the end face where the first hinge part 110 and the second hinge part 210 are connected, thereby reducing the risk of lubricating oil leaking from the connecting end face between the first hinge part 110 and the second hinge part 210.

[0134] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, as Figure 4 As shown, the second curved surface 142 and / or the fourth curved surface 312 and / or the first curved surface 141 and / or the third curved surface 311 may be provided with an oil storage tank 144 .

[0135] Specifically, the oil storage tank 144 can be set on one of the second curved surface 142, the fourth curved surface 312, the first curved surface 141 and the third curved surface 311, or on two of the four, or on three of the four, or on all four.

[0136] The oil storage groove 144 is a groove formed on the corresponding surface. On the same mating surface or the same curved surface, there can be one or more oil storage grooves 144 .

[0137] like Figure 4 As shown, in a specific embodiment of the present application, an oil storage tank 144 is provided at the sliding structure of the first matching member 140 of the first hinge seat 100 , that is, the oil storage tank 144 can be provided on the first curved surface 141 .

[0138] The oil storage tank 144 can be used to store some lubricating oil. When the first hinge seat 100 rotates relative to the second hinge seat 200 , the lubricating oil can be stored in the oil storage tank 144 to reduce wear on the first matching member 140 and the second matching structure 310 .

[0139] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, a pressure relief hole 250 is provided on the first hinge portion 110 and / or the second hinge portion 210, and the pressure relief hole 250 is in communication with the second accommodating chamber 230. Specifically, when the pressure relief hole 250 is provided on the first hinge portion 110, the pressure relief hole 250 provided on the first hinge portion 110 can be in communication with the first accommodating chamber 130. Since the first accommodating chamber 130 is in communication with the second accommodating chamber 230, the pressure relief hole 250 is also in communication with the second accommodating chamber 230.

[0140] In a specific embodiment, Figure 1 、 Figure 7 As shown, a pressure relief hole 250 may be further provided at one end of the second hinge portion 210 away from the first opening, and the pressure relief hole 250 is communicated with the second accommodating cavity 230 .

[0141] When the hinge assembly 10 rotates, the lubricating oil inside the hinge assembly 10, that is, in the second accommodating cavity 230 and the oil storage tank 144, is squeezed, and the internal space is compressed, resulting in a local pressure increase. By setting the pressure relief hole 250, the oil leakage problem caused by the internal air pressure imbalance can be avoided.

[0142] It should be noted that the pressure relief hole 250 should be set higher than the oil level of the lubricating oil that can be stored in the second accommodating chamber 230 to reduce the risk of the lubricating oil leaking from the pressure relief hole 250 .

[0143] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, a first positioning portion 150 may be provided on the first articulated seat 100, and a second positioning portion 240 may be provided on the second articulated seat 200. The second positioning portion 240 and the first positioning portion 150 can cooperate to position the first articulated seat 100 and the second articulated seat 200 at an initial installation angle, and the connection between the first positioning portion 150 and the first articulated seat 100 and / or the second positioning portion 240 and the second articulated seat 200 can be disconnected.

[0144] The initial installation angle is the positioning angle during the assembly process of the first hinge seat 100 and the second hinge seat 200. Typically, the hinge assembly 10 is connected to the opening and closing device only after the first hinge seat 100 and the second hinge seat 200 are assembled. To facilitate the connection of the hinge assembly 10 with the door body 30 and the housing 20 of the opening and closing device, the angle between the first hinge seat 100 and the second hinge seat 200, which facilitates the installation of the first hinge seat 100 with the door body 30 and the second hinge seat 200 with the housing 20, can be used as the initial installation angle. In this embodiment, the door body 30 is in the closed state, which is most convenient for assembly of the hinge seats with the opening and closing device. Furthermore, there is no torque between the first hinge seat 100 and the second hinge seat 200. Therefore, the initial installation angle can be set so that the first clamping plate 120 of the first hinge seat 100 and the second sub-clamping plate 222 of the second hinge seat 200 are approximately 180 degrees.

[0145] The first positioning portion 150 and the second positioning portion 240 cooperate to form a self-locking structure of the hinge assembly 10, so that the first hinge seat 100 and the second hinge seat 200 are temporarily fixed, the first hinge seat 100 cannot rotate relative to the second hinge seat 200, and the relative installation position between the first hinge seat 100 and the second hinge seat 200 can be positioned, reducing the risk of incorrect installation of the first hinge seat 100 and the second hinge seat 200.

[0146] The first positioning portion 150 and the first hinge seat 100 are releasable, which can be understood as the connection between the first positioning portion 150 and the first hinge seat 100 being releasable. This releasable connection can be an irreversible, destructive connection or a detachable connection. Similarly, the second positioning portion 240 and the second hinge seat 200 are releasable, which can be understood as the connection between the second positioning portion 240 and the second hinge seat 200 being releasable. This releasable connection can be an irreversible, destructive connection or a detachable connection.

[0147] In one specific embodiment, one of the first positioning portion 150 and the second positioning portion 240 is a groove structure, and the other is a protrusion. Taking the example of the first positioning portion 150 being a protrusion and the second positioning portion 240 being a groove, when assembling the hinge assembly 10, the protrusion structure of the first hinge seat 100 is assembled into the groove structure of the second hinge seat 200, thereby preventing the hinge assembly 10 from rotating. Furthermore, the base of the protrusion structure is thinned. When the hinge assembly 10 is first installed, as the door body 30 opens, the protrusion structure becomes stuck in the groove structure, and the protrusion structure then breaks at the base, achieving circumferential limited separation of the first hinge seat 100 and the second hinge seat 200, thereby enabling rotation of the hinge assembly 10.

[0148] Furthermore, the groove structure may be designed with an inclined surface so that the broken protruding structure can flow out of the groove structure along the inclined surface, thereby preventing the protruding structure from remaining on the hinge assembly 10 .

[0149] According to some embodiments of the present application, optionally, a first guide structure 320 extending along the direction X of the first axis may be provided on the outer peripheral wall of the second mating component 300, and a second guide structure extending along the direction X of the first axis may be provided in the second articulated seat 200 in the second accommodating cavity 230. The first guide structure 320 cooperates with the second guide structure to relatively fix the second mating component 300 and the second articulated seat 200 in the circumferential direction of the second accommodating cavity 230, and to enable the second mating component 300 to move along the direction X of the first axis.

[0150] Specifically, the first guide structure 320 and the second guide structure can be a combination of a convex strip and a concave groove. Specifically, in this embodiment, a concave groove is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the second matching component 300, and a convex strip is provided on the inner wall of the second accommodating cavity 230. The convex strip is disposed within the concave groove, and the convex strip and the concave groove can slide relative to each other in the direction X of the first axis. There can be multiple convex strips and concave grooves corresponding to each other, specifically 2-8. In this embodiment, there are four convex strips and four concave grooves, respectively. The four protrusions are evenly spaced along the circumference of the second accommodating cavity 230, and the corresponding four concave grooves are evenly spaced along the circumference of the second matching component 300.

[0151] The first guide structure 320 and the second guide structure can enable the second matching member 300 to move along the expansion and contraction direction of the elastic member 400 (i.e., the spring), i.e., the direction X of the first axis, and can limit the rotation of the second matching member 300, so that the second matching member 300 can only slide along the compression and extension direction of the elastic member 400 (i.e., the spring).

[0152] Optionally, in this embodiment, the first hinge seat 100, the second hinge seat 200 and the second matching member 300 are all hard plastic parts, specifically, they can be POM (POM, Polyformaldehyde, polyoxymethylene resin) material, nylon and other wear-resistant materials.

[0153] The hinge assembly 10 of this embodiment can be assembled using a connecting shaft 500. Specifically, a through hole 510 is provided on each of the first hinge portion 110, the second hinge portion 210, the second mating member 300, and the elastic member 400. The through hole 510 can be coaxial with the second accommodating cavity 230 and the first accommodating cavity 130. If the elastic member 400 is a spring, the through hole 510 of the elastic member 400 is the internal space of the spring's helical line. The connecting shaft 500 sequentially passes through the first hinge portion 110 (including the first mating member 140), the second mating member 300 (including the second mating structure 310), the elastic member 400, and the second hinge portion 210, thereby fixing the first hinge base 100, the second hinge base 200, the elastic member 400, and the second hinge base 200 together. The connecting shaft 500 can be fixed by riveting or by fitting nuts on one or both ends of the connecting shaft 500.

[0154] Furthermore, a gasket 600 may be provided at one end of the first hinge portion 110 away from the second hinge portion 210 , and the connecting shaft 500 may pass through the gasket 600 and then be riveted or fixed with a nut.

[0155] The edge of the gasket 600 may be provided with a notch 610 , and the end surface where the first hinge portion 110 cooperates with the gasket 600 may be provided with a protruding structure, which corresponds to the notch 610 and can prevent the gasket 600 from rotating with the first hinge seat 100 .

[0156] It is understandable that a gasket 600 may also be provided at one end of the second hinge portion 210 facing away from the first hinge portion 110 .

[0157] It should be noted that the height difference between the end of the fourth curved surface 312 away from the second mating surface 314 and the second mating surface 314 along the first axis direction X can adjust the hovering angle of the door body 30. Testing and verification found that when the height is 2.2 mm, the door body 30 can hover at a minimum of 30 degrees. In some implementations, the height difference between the end of the fourth curved surface 312 away from the second mating surface 314 and the second mating surface 314 along the first axis direction X can be designed to be between 1.5 and 3.5 mm, preferably 2.2 mm.

[0158] Some embodiments of the present application also provide an opening and closing device, including a box body 20 and a door body 30. The box body 20 has an opening 206 at one end. The door body 30 is hinged at the opening 206 of the box body 20 through the hinge assembly 10 proposed in this application or any embodiment of the present application. The first rotation direction is the same as the rotation direction when the door body 30 is opened.

[0159] The opening and closing device can be a refrigerator, specifically a bedroom refrigerator with an upper door. The opening and closing device can also be other devices that can be opened and closed, such as a dishwasher, a storage cabinet, etc. In the case where the opening and closing device is a bedroom refrigerator, the refrigerator also includes a control component for controlling refrigeration, etc. The first hinge seat 100 is an upper seat connected to the door body 30, and the second hinge seat 200 is a lower seat connected to the box body 20 (i.e., the cabinet body). The hinge assembly 10 can make the product door closing more reliable, reduce the risk of flash gaps, and reduce the waste of cooling capacity of the refrigerator.

[0160] The following two embodiments introduce two opening and closing device structures.

[0161] Example 1

[0162] like Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown in a specific implementation, the outer wall of the box body 20 is provided with a mounting cavity 204 recessed toward the interior of the box body 20, the mounting cavity 204 is provided with a third opening 202 facing the opening 206 and a fourth opening 203 facing the outside of the box body 20, and a card groove 105 is provided on the side of the mounting cavity 204 away from the third opening 202; the door body 30 is connected to the opening 206 of the box body 20 by the hinge assembly 10, and the hinge assembly 10 includes a third opening 202 and a fourth opening 203 facing the outside of the box body 20. The second hinge seat 200 and the first hinge seat 100, the first hinge seat 100 is connected to the side wall of the door body 30, the hinge ends of the second hinge seat 200 and the first hinge seat 100 are both arranged in the installation cavity 204, and the hinge end of the second hinge seat 200 is facing away from the first hinge seat 100. The first sub-card plate 221 is embedded in the card groove 105, and the second sub-card plate 222 is connected to the outer wall of the door body 30.

[0163] The opening and closing device provided in the embodiment of the present application has a hinge assembly 10 for connecting the door body 30 and the box body 20, which includes a second hinge seat 200 and a first hinge seat 100 that are rotatably connected. The first hinge seat 100 is connected to the outer surface of the door body 30, and the hinge ends of the second hinge seat 200 and the first hinge seat 100 are both arranged in the installation cavity 204. Since the installation cavity 204 is recessed from the outer wall of the box body 20 to the interior of the box body 20, the size of the hinge assembly 10 protruding from the outside of the box body 20 can be reduced to a certain extent, so that the gap between the packaging box used for packaging the equipment and the equipment is reduced, thereby increasing the packing volume of the product and reducing the shipping cost of the product, and has good practicality.

[0164] The box body 20 may be provided with only one opening or with multiple openings. In the case of multiple openings, multiple door bodies 30 may also be provided. Some door bodies 30 may be connected to the corresponding openings of the box body 20 using the above-mentioned assembly method. For door bodies 30 that do not affect the packing volume, the assembly method in the relevant technology may also be adopted, and no limitation is made here.

[0165] The opening of the refrigerator is usually located at the top of the product. If the opening is set at other parts, it can be adjusted accordingly. I will not go into details here.

[0166] The first hinge seat 100 may include a first clamping plate 120, and two first mounting holes 121 may be provided on the first clamping plate 120. The first mounting holes 121 may be bolt holes. The first clamping plate 120 is connected to the door body 30 by bolts provided in the corresponding first mounting holes 121 to realize the assembly of the first hinge seat 100 with the door body 30.

[0167] The first mounting holes 121 of the embodiment of the present application can be arranged at intervals along the vertical direction, and only two bolts are needed to assemble the first clamping plate 120 to the door body 30. In other embodiments, the first mounting holes 121 can also be arranged at intervals along the horizontal direction, or more first mounting holes 121 can be provided, which is not limited here.

[0168] Combine Figure 1 、 Figure 3 as well as Figure 7 The hinged end of the first hinged seat 100 can be cylindrical, and it is integrally formed with the first clamping plate 120. The side of the first clamping plate 120 facing the door body 30 is flat, and the side of the first clamping plate 120 facing away from the door body 30 can be provided with multiple reinforcing ribs 160. The reinforcing ribs 160 can be arranged vertically, and the reinforcing ribs 160 can extend from the first clamping plate 120 to the circumferential surface of the hinged end of the first hinged seat 100 to improve the strength of the first hinged seat 100 and improve the service life of the first hinged seat 100.

[0169] The hinged end of the first hinge seat 100 is provided with a first accommodating cavity 130 . The first accommodating cavity 130 may be provided in a cylindrical shape. An axial end of the first accommodating cavity 130 facing the second hinge seat 200 is provided with an opening, ie, a second opening.

[0170] The hinged end of the second hinged base 200 may also be cylindrical. The first and second sub-clip plates 221, 222 may be disposed oppositely on either side of the hinged end of the second hinged base 200. The first and second sub-clip plates 221, 222 may be integrally formed with the hinged end of the second hinged base 200. The vertical dimension of the second sub-clip plate 222 may be larger than that of the first sub-clip plate 221 to facilitate assembly of the first and second sub-clip plates 221, 222 within the mounting cavity 204. The second sub-clip plate 222 is provided with two second mounting holes 223, which may be bolt holes. The second sub-clip plate 222 is connected to the outer surface of the housing 20 via bolts disposed within the corresponding second mounting holes 223. The second mounting holes 223 may be oval in shape, which facilitates adjustment of the mounting position of the second hinged base 200 and facilitates assembly of the hinge assembly 10 on the opening and closing device.

[0171] The second mounting holes 223 of the embodiment of the present application can be arranged at intervals along the horizontal direction, and only two bolts are needed to assemble and connect the second daughter card 222 to the box body 20. In other embodiments, the second mounting holes 223 can also be arranged at intervals along the horizontal direction, or more second mounting holes 223 can be provided, which is not limited here.

[0172] It should be noted that the first mounting hole 121 and the second mounting hole 223 in the embodiment of the present application are both countersunk holes to avoid the corresponding bolts protruding from the surface and affecting the packing volume of the product.

[0173] A plurality of reinforcing ribs 160 are provided on the side of the second sub-cage 222 facing away from the first sub-cage 221 (i.e., on the outside of the second sub-cage 222). The reinforcing ribs 160 may be arranged vertically and extend from the second sub-cage 222 to the circumference of the hinge end of the second hinge base 200 to increase the strength of the second hinge base 200 and thus improve its service life.

[0174] The hinged end of the second hinged seat 200 is provided with a second accommodating cavity 230, and the second accommodating cavity 230 can be arranged in a cylindrical shape. The second accommodating cavity 230 is open toward one axial end of the first hinged seat 100, that is, a first opening is provided. The first accommodating cavity 130 and the second accommodating cavity 230 are arranged opposite to each other, and the opposite ends of the two are open, and the opposite ends of the two are respectively pressed against the two ends of the groove 105.

[0175] Example 2

[0176] like Figures 1 to 19 As shown, the main difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment is that the connection structures of the hinge assembly 10 and the box body 20 and the door body 30 are different.

[0177] Specifically, the first card board 120 can be provided with three first mounting holes 121, wherein two first mounting holes 121 are arranged at intervals and aligned along the direction X of the first axis, and another first mounting hole 121 is arranged on the side of the above two first mounting holes 121 close to the second sub-card board 222, that is, the three first mounting holes 121 can be arranged in a triangle in sequence.

[0178] The door body 30 is provided with slots 207 at both ends of the groove 105. A raised strip 211 protrudes from the end surface of the second hinge portion 210 facing away from the first hinge seat 100. The slots 207 are provided at both ends of the groove 105. The first hinge seat 100 and the second hinge seat 200 are disposed within the mounting cavity 204, and the raised strips 211 are inserted into the slots 207 at the corresponding ends. The slots 207 and raised strips 211 cooperate to embed and secure the first sub-cage 221 to the box body 20.

[0179] Furthermore, an extension portion 212 is provided on the end face of the second hinge portion 210 facing away from the first hinge seat 100, which is integrally formed with the raised strip 211. During rotation of the first hinge seat 100 relative to the second hinge seat 200, the torque between the second hinge seat 200 and the housing 20 in this embodiment is primarily concentrated on the raised strip 211 and the sidewalls of the slot 207. Therefore, the raised strip 211 is susceptible to damage due to stress concentration. The provision of the extension portion 212 effectively extends the length of the raised strip 211, thereby increasing the strength of the raised strip 211. Actual testing has shown that the likelihood of damage to the raised strip 211 is significantly reduced.

[0180] It should be noted that a raised strip 211 may also be provided on the end surface of the first hinge portion 110 away from the second hinge portion 210 , and the raised strip 211 may also cooperate with the slot 207 at the corresponding end.

[0181] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly, characterized in that: include: a first matching piece, wherein one end of the first matching piece is provided with a first curved surface and a second curved surface, a second matching piece, wherein one end of the second matching piece is provided with a third curved surface and a fourth curved surface; The first mating piece and the second mating piece have a first posture and a second posture, and the first mating piece and the second mating piece can rotate relative to each other around a first axis to switch between the first posture and the second posture. In the first posture, the first curved surface abuts and fits with the third curved surface, so that the first mating piece and the second mating piece have a first force of relative rotation under the action of an axial force; in the second posture, the second curved surface abuts and fits with the fourth curved surface, so that the first mating piece and the second mating piece can have a second force of relative rotation under the action of the axial force; the directions of the first force and the second force are opposite.

2. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first curved surface, the second curved surface, the third curved surface and the fourth curved surface are spiral surfaces, the first curved surface and the second curved surface have opposite rotation directions, the third curved surface and the fourth curved surface have opposite rotation directions, the first curved surface and the third curved surface have the same rotation direction, and the second curved surface and the fourth curved surface have the same rotation direction.

3. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The first curved surface, the second curved surface, the third curved surface, and the fourth curved surface all extend spirally along the direction of the first axis.

4. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first curved surface and the second curved surface are sequentially arranged along the circumference of the first mating piece, the third curved surface and the fourth curved surface are sequentially arranged along the circumference of the second mating piece, and the circumference of the first mating piece and the circumference of the second mating piece are both perpendicular to the direction of the first axis.

5. The hinge assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The first mating member further has a first mating surface, and the first mating surface is arranged between the first curved surface and the second curved surface; The second mating member further has a second mating surface, and the second mating surface is arranged between the third curved surface and the fourth curved surface; The first mating surface and the second mating surface are both perpendicular to the direction of the first axis. The first mating piece and the second mating piece have a third posture between the first posture and the second posture. In the third posture, the first mating surface and the second mating surface are in abutment with each other.

6. The hinge assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The first curved surface and the second curved surface are both arranged on a side of the first mating surface away from the second mating piece, and the third curved surface and the fourth curved surface are both arranged on a side of the second mating surface away from the first mating piece.

7. The hinge assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The first matching member further has a stop surface, and the stop surface is connected to an end of the second curved surface away from the first curved surface; And / or, the second fitting member further has a stop surface, and the stop surface is connected to an end of the fourth curved surface away from the third curved surface.

8. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The first matching piece includes a plurality of first protrusions spaced apart along the circumference of the first matching piece, and each of the first protrusions is provided with the first curved surface and the second curved surface; The second mating piece includes a plurality of second protrusions arranged at intervals along the circumference of the second mating piece, each of the second protrusions is provided with the third curved surface and the fourth curved surface, and the plurality of first protrusions are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of second protrusions; The circumferential direction of the first fitting member and the circumferential direction of the second fitting member are both perpendicular to the direction of the first axis.

9. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The first curved surface and / or the second curved surface and / or the third curved surface and / or the fourth curved surface are provided with an oil storage tank.

10. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The hinge assembly further comprises: a first hinge seat, the first hinge seat being connected to the first matching piece, and the first hinge seat and the first matching piece rotating synchronously; a second hinged seat, the second hinged seat being connected to the second matching piece, and the second hinged seat and the second matching piece rotating synchronously; The first hinge seat is rotatably connected to the second hinge seat, the first matching piece is slidably connected to the first hinge seat along the direction of the first axis, and / or the second matching piece is slidably connected to the second hinge seat along the direction of the first axis.

11. The hinge assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The first hinge seat is provided with a first accommodating cavity extending along the direction of the first axis, and the second hinge seat is provided with a second accommodating cavity extending along the direction of the first axis. The first accommodating cavity is connected to the second accommodating cavity, and the first matching piece is arranged in the first accommodating cavity, and the second matching piece is arranged in the second accommodating cavity.

12. The hinge assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The first hinge seat and the first matching piece are integrally constructed, and the second matching piece can slide in the second accommodating cavity along the direction of the first axis.

13. The hinge assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The hinge assembly further includes an elastic member, which is disposed in the second accommodating cavity and located on a side of the second mating member away from the first mating member, and is used to apply the axial force to the second mating member and the first mating member.

14. The hinge assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The hinge assembly further includes a connecting shaft passing through the first hinge seat and the second hinge seat so as to relatively fix the first hinge seat and the second hinge seat in the direction of the first axis; And / or, the first articulated seat is arranged at a second opening toward the second articulated seat, the second articulated seat is provided with a first opening toward the first articulated seat, and the first articulated seat and the second articulated seat are connected through the first opening and the second opening so that the first articulated seat and the second articulated seat are relatively fixed in the direction of the first axis.

15. The hinge assembly according to claim 14, wherein: One of the first fitting member and the second fitting member is configured to be slidable along the direction of the first axis; In the case where the first mating member is configured to be slidable along the direction of the first axis: the first hinge seat is used to connect with the door body of the opening and closing device, and the second hinge seat is used to connect with the box body of the opening and closing device; or, the first hinge seat is used to connect with the box body of the opening and closing device, and the second hinge seat is used to connect with the door body of the opening and closing device; When the second mating part is configured to be slidable along the direction of the first axis: the second hinged seat is used to connect to the door body of the opening and closing device, and the first hinged seat is used to connect to the box body of the opening and closing device; or, the second hinged seat is used to connect to the box body of the opening and closing device, and the first hinged seat is used to connect to the door body of the opening and closing device.

16. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The hinge assembly further includes an articulated seat and a connecting shaft, wherein the connecting shaft is connected to the first mating piece, the articulated seat is connected to the second mating piece and rotates synchronously, and the second mating piece is slidably connected to the articulated seat along the direction of the first axis; The hinged seat is used to connect with the box body of the opening and closing device, and the connecting shaft is used to connect with the door body of the opening and closing device, and the opening and closing of the door body of the opening and closing device drives the first matching part and the connecting shaft to rotate synchronously; or, the hinged seat is used to connect with the door body of the opening and closing device, and the connecting shaft is used to connect with the box body of the opening and closing device, and the opening and closing of the door body of the opening and closing device drives the second matching part and the hinged seat to rotate synchronously.

17. The hinge assembly according to claim 16, wherein: The hinge seat includes a first hinge seat and a second hinge seat connected to each other, the first matching piece is arranged in the first hinge seat, and the second matching piece is arranged in the second hinge seat.

18. The hinge assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The first hinge seat includes a first clamping plate and a first hinge portion, the first clamping plate and the first hinge portion are integrally constructed, and the first accommodating cavity is provided in the first hinge portion; The second hinge seat includes a second clamping plate and a second hinge portion, the second clamping plate and the second hinge portion are integrally constructed, and the second accommodating cavity is provided in the second hinge portion; The first hinge part is rotatably connected to the second hinge part.

19. The hinge assembly according to claim 18, wherein: A pressure relief hole is provided at one end of the first hinge portion away from the second hinge portion, and the pressure relief hole is communicated with the first accommodating cavity; And / or, a pressure relief hole is provided at one end of the second hinged portion away from the first hinged portion, and the pressure relief hole is communicated with the second accommodating cavity.

20. The hinge assembly according to claim 10, wherein: A first positioning portion is provided on the first articulated seat, and a second positioning portion is provided on the second articulated seat. The second positioning portion and the first positioning portion can cooperate with each other to position the first articulated seat and the second articulated seat at an initial installation angle, and the connection between the first positioning portion and the first articulated seat and / or the second positioning portion and the second articulated seat can be released.

21. An opening and closing device, characterized in that: include: a box body having an opening; A door body is hinged at the opening of the box body through the hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. The opening and closing device according to claim 21, characterized in that The opening and closing device is a refrigerator.

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