Household appliance and pipeline assembly for household appliance

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a household appliance and a pipeline assembly for the household appliance. The household appliance comprises a main body (1) with a chamber; a door (2) located in front of the main body; a hinge (3) connecting the main body and the door such that the door is rotatable relative to the main body; a pipeline (4), one part of which is arranged on the main body and one part of which is arranged on the door; and a guide mechanism (5) for guiding the pipeline, the guide mechanism comprising a guide (51), at least one end of which is pivotally connected, the guide rotating as the door is opened or closed. Wherein the pipeline is fixed to the guide part and comprises a first pipeline section (41) located on one side of a fixed position (40) of the pipeline and a second pipeline section (42) located on the other side of the fixed position of the pipeline, and the length of the first pipeline section and the length of the second pipeline section are respectively kept constant in the moving process of the door.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a household appliance and a piping assembly for the household appliance, particularly a household appliance having a piping guiding mechanism, such as a refrigeration appliance. [Background Technology]

[0002] In some scenarios, it is necessary to run conduits, such as electrical wires or pipes for transporting liquids, between the main body of a household appliance and the door. For solutions where the door is rotatably connected to the main body, a common practice is to insert the conduit into the hinge hole of the door, so that the conduit can be coaxial with the rotation of the door. The advantage of this arrangement is that the conduit does not move relative to the door and the main body during the movement of the door.

[0003] However, under certain constraints, the pipeline cannot rotate coaxially with the door, which causes the pipeline to move relative to the door and the main body.

[0004] WO2023046448A1 discloses a household appliance device including a cable guiding mechanism arranged adjacent to a hinge for guiding a cable from the appliance body to a door unit, and a cable continuation guiding mechanism connected to the cable guiding mechanism and arranged on a narrow side of the appliance door for continuing to guide the cable from the cable guiding mechanism to the appliance door unit. The guiding mechanism includes a cable guiding element pivotally rotatable during the opening and closing of the door, within which the cable extends to be guided onto the door.

[0005] EP2743435A1 discloses a refrigeration appliance including a cabinet, at least one door, and at least one flexible tubular element inserted into one side of the cabinet and the other side of the door. The door is connected to the cabinet by at least one hinge, allowing the door to rotate about a rotation axis for opening and closing. The refrigeration appliance also includes a guide element including a guide fulcrum that defines a guide axis. The flexible element is adapted to be at least partially wound and unwound about the guide axis. A support defines a surface substantially perpendicular to the guide axis and adapted to support the flexible tubular element. [Summary of the Invention]

[0006] One problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an improved household appliance.

[0007] Another problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a household appliance that is more safe and reliable.

[0008] Another problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a piping assembly that is advantageous for the arrangement of household appliances.

[0009] The problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description other problems not mentioned.

[0010] One aspect of this invention relates to a household appliance, particularly a refrigeration appliance. The household appliance includes: a main body having a compartment; a door located at the front of the main body; a hinge connecting the main body and the door to allow the door to rotate relative to the main body; a pipeline, a portion of which is disposed in the main body and a portion in the door; a guiding mechanism for guiding the pipeline, the guiding mechanism including a guide member at least one end of which is pivotally connected, the guide member rotating as the door opens or closes; wherein the pipeline is fixed to the guide member and includes a first pipeline segment located on one side of where the pipeline is fixed and a second pipeline segment located on the other side of where the pipeline is fixed, the lengths of the first pipeline segment and the second pipeline segment remaining constant during door movement.

[0011] In a possible embodiment, during the movement of the door, both the first pipeline segment and the second pipeline segment move relative to the door.

[0012] In a possible embodiment, the conduit is secured to the guide on the door.

[0013] In a possible embodiment, a limiting mechanism is included to restrict the length of the first pipeline segment entering the guide during door movement.

[0014] In possible embodiments, the limiting mechanism is located outside the guide and between the guide and the end of the first pipeline segment opposite to the fixed point; and / or the limiting mechanism is located on the body; and / or the limiting mechanism includes a stop portion and a stop protrusion protruding from the outside of the first pipeline segment, the stop portion defining a stop channel that allows the first pipeline segment to pass through while preventing the stop protrusion from passing through.

[0015] In a possible embodiment, the guide includes a first end pivotally connected and a second end rotatable about the pivot end; wherein: a conduit is fixed to or near the second end; and / or the second end is located above the door; and / or the first end is pivotally connected to a hinge plate of a hinge and / or a connecting plate and / or a hinge cover located above the hinge plate.

[0016] In a possible embodiment, a continuing guide groove is included at the upper end of the door and extends along the width direction of the door. The second end of the guide can move within the continuing guide groove. When the door moves, the second pipeline segment moves relative to the continuing guide groove within the continuing guide groove as the guide is pushed or pulled.

[0017] In a possible embodiment, the second end of the guide is adapted to swing relative to the continuing guide groove and is adapted to have its swing range limited by the inner wall of the continuing guide groove.

[0018] In a possible embodiment, the second conduit segment extends along the width direction of the door, and the second conduit segment is adapted to move along the width direction of the door with the guide when the door moves.

[0019] In a possible embodiment, the second pipeline segment includes a U-shaped portion that moves relative to the door under the influence of a guide when the door moves.

[0020] In a possible embodiment, the door includes a partition structure located between the two legs of the U-shape to separate the second pipeline segment and maintain the U-shaped distribution of the second pipeline segment when the door moves.

[0021] In possible embodiments, the guide is a hollow strip structure; and / or the guide has a guide channel extending through both ends to pass through the pipeline; and / or the components for securing the pipeline to the guide include cable ties, the pipeline being secured to the guide by the cable ties; and / or the components for securing the pipeline to the guide are at least partially located within the guide channel.

[0022] In possible embodiments, the guide includes a fixing hole through which the conduit is secured to the guide by passing through the fixing hole and securing it to the guide with a cable tie; and / or the guide includes an extension piece extending from one end thereto, in which the conduit is exposed at the portion corresponding to the extension piece, and the conduit is secured to the extension piece.

[0023] Another aspect of this invention relates to a conduit assembly for a household appliance, the appliance comprising a body and a door rotatable relative to the body. The conduit assembly includes: a conduit; a guide having a guide channel through which the conduit passes, at least one end of the guide being configured for pivotal connection to the household appliance; wherein the conduit is fixed to the guide and includes a first conduit segment on one side of where the conduit is fixed and a second conduit segment on the other side of where the conduit is fixed, and the conduit is fixed such that the lengths of the first and second conduit segments remain constant during movement of the door.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, the lengths of the first and second pipeline segments remain constant as the guide moves relative to the door. Maintaining constant pipeline length on both sides of the fixed point prevents the pipeline on one side from being pulled or pushed to the other side of the fixed point, or vice versa, thus avoiding disorderly movement of the pipeline within the household appliance and potential damage. Therefore, according to the present invention, the household appliance pipelines can move more orderly with the door, which is beneficial for improving the safety and reliability of the household appliance.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, while retaining a certain amount of movement margin, the pipeline can prevent excessive pipeline from entering the guide unit and causing disorderly crowding and damage within the guide unit, which is beneficial to improving the safety and reliability of household appliances.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, the fixed assembly of the conduit and the guide not only facilitates the assembly of the conduit on the household appliance, but also allows the conduit to be arranged in an orderly manner on the household appliance as the guide moves, even if the conduit moves relative to the door.

[0027] The construction of the embodiments of the present invention, as well as its other inventive objectives and beneficial effects, will become more apparent and understandable through the description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Image Description]

[0028] As part of this specification and to provide a further understanding of the invention, the following accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the invention and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a partial exploded view of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the door is closed;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a partial exploded view of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the door is open;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a partial perspective view of a household appliance from another angle according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the door is open;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a partial perspective view of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the door is opened and the hinge cover and the cover on the top of the door are removed;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a partial perspective view of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the door is closed and the hinge cover and the cover on the top of the door are removed;

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of part A in the middle;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a guide element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the guide element from another angle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a front guide according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the front guide member from another angle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 11This is a perspective view of a hinge cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a pipeline assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 13 This is a partial exploded view of a household appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of a hinge cover according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Detailed Implementation]

[0043] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 For example, a household appliance 100, using a refrigeration appliance as an example, includes a main body 1 having a storage compartment 10 and at least one door 2 arranged in front of the main body 1. The door 2 is rotatably located in front of the main body 1 by means of a hinge 3.

[0044] One end of the hinge 3 is connected to the main body 1, and the other end is connected to the door 2. The hinge 3 may include a hinge plate 31 with one end fixed to the main body 1. The other end of the hinge plate 31 extends to the upper part of the door 2 and is rotatably connected to the door 2.

[0045] In one embodiment, the hinge 3 is arranged such that the rotation axis of the door 2 shifts during opening. In particular, during the opening of the door 2, the side of the door 2 connected to the hinge 3 can be pre-displaced inward to avoid interference between the door 2 and facilities (e.g., cabinets) around the household appliance 100.

[0046] The household appliance 100 may include a pair of double doors 2, each door 2 being connected to the body 1 by a corresponding hinge 3. Figure 1 In the case of the hinge located on one side of the household appliance 100, the hinge cover 6 is covered from above, while the hinge 3 located on the other side of the household appliance 100 is exposed because the hinge cover 6 is removed.

[0047] Household appliance 100 includes a conduit 4. The conduit 4 can be an electrical wire or harness for transmitting electricity, or a water pipe for conveying liquids such as water. A portion of the conduit 4 is located in the body 1, and a portion is located in the door 2, so that the conduit 4 extends between the body 1 and the door 2. The conduit 4 is typically a flexible conduit element.

[0048] The two ends of the conduit 4 may each have a connector 45 for mating with the body 1 and the door 2, respectively. It should be understood that, in other embodiments, the conduit 4 may also include one or more connectors located between the two connectors 45, if necessary.

[0049] Pipeline 4 extends across the main body 1 and door 2 along the guide mechanism 5. Pipeline 4 is constrained and covered to a certain extent by the guide mechanism 5, which helps to arrange pipeline 4 more stably on the household appliance 100.

[0050] The guiding mechanism 5 includes at least one guide 51 that rotates during the movement of the door 2. The guide 51 is strip-shaped and has a guide channel 510 extending along the length of the guide 51, along which the conduit 4 extends. At least one end of the guide 51 is pivotally connected, thereby allowing rotational movement during the opening or closing of the door 2. In this embodiment, the guide 51 is a single-injection-molded, hollow, elongated plastic component.

[0051] The axis of rotation of guide 51 extends vertically but is not coaxial with the axis of rotation of door 2. The axis of rotation of guide 51 intersects with guide channel 510, so pipeline 4 is arranged inside guide 51 intersecting with the axis of rotation of guide 51.

[0052] In one exemplary embodiment, the guide 51 is rotatably connected at a first end 511 near the body 1, and at a second end 512 near the door 2, the guide 51 is located above the door 2 and is rotatable relative to the first end 511 of the guide 51.

[0053] like Figure 5 As shown, when the door 2 is closed, the guide 51 is approximately parallel to the front surface of the body 1. When the door 2 is open, the second end 512 of the guide 51 rotates about the first end 511 and is located further away from the hinge 3 than the first end 511.

[0054] The guide 51 is rotatably connected to and supported on the hinge plate 31. The guide 51 is connected to the hinge plate 31 at a position extending in front of the body 1, such that the axis of rotation of the guide 51 is located in front of the body 1. In one embodiment, one of the hinge plate 31 and the guide 51 has a shaft hole, while the other has a pivot for insertion into the shaft hole, so that the guide 51 rotates relative to the hinge plate 31 during door opening.

[0055] The upper side of the guide 51 can also be pivotally connected. In one embodiment, the household appliance 100 includes a connecting plate 525 located above the hinge plate 31, and the first end 511 of the guide 51 is located vertically between the connecting plate 525 and the hinge plate 31 and is axially connected to the connecting plate 525 and the hinge plate 31, respectively.

[0056] like Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the hinge plate 31 has a first shaft hole 32, the guide 51 has a first shaft portion 513 on its lower side for inserting into the first shaft hole 32, and the guide 51 has a second shaft hole 514 on its upper side for receiving a second shaft portion 526 extending downward from the connecting plate 525. The first shaft hole 32 and the second shaft hole 514 are coaxial.

[0057] The guide member 51 may have annular bosses 516 and 517 on its upper and lower sides at the first end 511, respectively. When the guide member 51 rotates, the annular bosses 516 and 517 make frictional contact with the connecting plate 525 and the hinge plate 31, respectively. The annular bosses 516 and 517 have thin-walled structures, which can reduce the friction between the guide member 51 and the hinge plate 31 and the connecting plate 525. In addition, friction can also be reduced by forming a set of small protrusions on the upper and lower end faces of the first end 511.

[0058] The upper end of door 2 has a groove 23 to receive hinge 3 and guide 51. The upper surface of hinge plate 31 is higher than the bottom wall of groove 23. The first end 511 and the second end 512 of guide 51 have a height difference and are not on the same horizontal plane. This allows the first end 511 to engage with hinge plate 31 and the second end 512 to engage with door 2. The height difference between the first end 511 and the second end 512 of guide 51 can be transitioned by an arc located in the middle region of guide 51.

[0059] Door 2 also has a continuing guide groove 22 adjacent to and communicating with the recess 23. The continuing guide groove 22 extends along the width direction of door 2 at the top of door 2. The second end 512 of guide 51 is located within the continuing guide groove 22. As door 2 opens and closes, the second end 512 extends wholly or partially into the continuing guide groove 22 of door 2 to guide the movement of conduit 4 within door 2.

[0060] The continuing guide groove 22 can be formed within the end cap 21 of the door 2. The end cap 21 can be integrally bonded to the insulation material of the door 2 during the foaming process. The end of the continuing guide groove 22 facing the door 2 and connected to the hinge 3 is set as an opening, and the end away from the hinge 3 is set as a closed opening.

[0061] The continuing guide channel 22 remains open upwards, allowing the conduit 4 to be easily installed in the door 2. The door 2 includes a cover 26 for closing the continuing guide channel 22 from above.

[0062] The second end 512 of the guide member 51 extends into the continuing guide groove 22 via the groove 23 and the opening end of the continuing guide groove 22, and the guide line 4 enters the continuing guide groove 22. The line 4 moves relative to the door 2 within the continuing guide groove 22 under the action of the guide member 51.

[0063] During the movement of door 2, guide 51 can be displaced relative to door 2 along the width direction of door 2, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, when the door 2 is in the closed position, the second end 512 of the guide 51 enters the continuing guide groove 22 more deeply. At the same time, since the rotation axes of the guide 51 and the door 2 are different, the guide 51 also has a circumferential displacement relative to the continuing guide groove 22 when it rotates around the first end 511.

[0064] The opposing front groove wall 221 and rear groove wall 222 of the guide groove 22 can limit the second end 512 of the guide member 51.

[0065] The main body 1 has a receiving portion 11, and one end of the pipeline 4 is connected within the receiving portion 11 to another pipeline (not shown) extending from the main body 1. The receiving portion 11 may be located at the top of the main body 1.

[0066] The guiding mechanism 5 may include a front guide 52 for guiding the conduit 4 at least one end between the receiving portion 11 and the guide 51. (Please refer to...) Figures 1 to 6 refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The front guide 52 can be fixed to the main body 2 and has a channel 521 for restraining the conduit 4. In this way, the conduit 4 can be better guided between the main body 1 and the door 2. The conduit 4 is located between the hinge cover 6 and the front guide 52.

[0067] The hinge cover 6 has a protruding structure 62 at its front facing the door 2, which covers the first end 511 of the guide 51 from above.

[0068] The front guide 52 is arranged above the main body 1, covering a portion of the hinge plate 31. The front guide 52 can be fixed to the hinge plate 31 by snap-fit ​​and / or screws. For example, the front guide 52 has multiple snap-fit ​​structures 529, by which the front guide 52 is snapped to the hinge plate 31.

[0069] The front guide 52 may have a clearance hole 528 to avoid components that protrude upward from the hinge plate 31, such as screws used to fix the hinge 3 to the body 1.

[0070] The front guide 52 has an inlet end 522, a pipeline guiding structure 523, and an outlet end 524. The inlet end 522 has a stop portion 811 that restricts the movement path of the pipeline 4 and restricts the movement of the pipeline 4 within a certain length range. The stop protrusion 43 on the pipeline 4 cooperates with the stop portion 811 to limit the length of the pipeline 4 entering the guide mechanism 5.

[0071] The connecting plate 525 can be integrally formed on the front end of the front guide 52. The front guide 52 includes a base plate 520 supported above the hinge plate 31. The connecting plate 525 includes a tongue 5250 that protrudes upward from the front side of the base plate 520 and then extends horizontally forward, being higher than the channel 521, thereby forming a space for receiving the first end of the guide 51.

[0072] The guide 51 and the second shaft portion 526 extending downward from the tongue 5250 are rotatably connected. A connecting structure exists between the hinge cover 6 and the front portion of the front guide 52, allowing the lower surface of the protruding structure 62 to contact the upper surface of the tongue 5250. Supported by the stronger hinge cover 6, even when the upper side of the guide 51 engages with the weaker tongue 5250, the guide 51 can still achieve sufficient stability at its first end 511.

[0073] like Figure 11 As shown, the hinge cover 6 may include multiple snap-fit ​​parts 63, which engage with the front guide 52, thereby allowing the hinge cover 6 and the front of the front guide 52 to be held more tightly.

[0074] The latch 63 is engaged with both sides of the front guide 52 behind the tongue 5250, and the tongue 5250 can be stably attached to the lower surface of the hinge cover 6.

[0075] As described above, the rotation axis of the guide 51 and the rotation axis of the door 2 do not coincide. Therefore, when the door 2 is opened or closed, the pipeline 4 extending between the main body 1 and the door 2 will be subjected to tension or thrust and move relative to the door 2.

[0076] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, compared to the state when door 2 is open, more pipes 4 are pulled onto door 2 when door 2 is closed. In addition to constraining the direction of pipes 4, pipes 4 should have a certain amount of slack to prevent them from becoming too taut during the movement of door 1.

[0077] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the household appliance 100 has a conduit limiting mechanism 8, which is configured to constrain the movement of the conduit 4 along its length direction and limit the maximum compensation length of the conduit 4 relative to the guide mechanism 5. By limiting the maximum compensation length of the conduit 4 relative to the guide mechanism 5, the conduit limiting mechanism 8 limits the maximum length of conduit that can enter the guide member 51, thereby preventing excessive conduit 4 from being squeezed within the guide member 51 and causing damage to the conduit 4 as the guide member 51 rotates.

[0078] The pipeline restriction mechanism 8 includes a first restriction mechanism 81 adapted to restrict the range of movement of the portion of the pipeline 4 located on the body 1 toward the door 2 and / or a second restriction mechanism 82 adapted to restrict the range of movement of the portion of the pipeline 4 located on the door 2 toward the body 2.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first limiting mechanism may be located in the body and the second limiting mechanism may be located in the door.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first limiting mechanism may be located at one end of the guiding mechanism, and the second limiting mechanism may be located at the other end of the guiding mechanism.

[0081] Household appliance 100 supplies electricity or liquid from body 1 to door 2 via conduit 4. Therefore, for ease of description, in the description of this embodiment, the conduit segment located in body 1 is upstream of the conduit segment located in door 2, the first end 511 is upstream of the second end 512, and the front guide 52 is upstream of the guide 51.

[0082] The first limiting mechanism 81 is used to constrain the pipeline segment located upstream of the first end 511 of the guide 51. The first limiting mechanism 81 limits the length of the pipeline 4 entering the guide 51 via the first end 511.

[0083] The first limiting mechanism 81 may be located upstream of the first end 511 of the guide 51.

[0084] The second limiting mechanism 82 may be located downstream of the first end 511 of the guide 51 to limit the length of the conduit 4 entering the guide 51 from the second end 512 of the guide 51.

[0085] In one embodiment, the first limiting mechanism 81 is configured to prevent the pipeline 4 from continuing to move in that direction after the corresponding pipeline segment has moved a certain distance along its length, thereby preventing the pipeline 4 from entering the guide 51 excessively.

[0086] In one embodiment, the second limiting mechanism 82 secures the pipeline 4 to a component adjacent to it in such a way that when the door 2 moves, even though the pipeline 4 moves with the door 2, the fixed portion 40 of the pipeline 4 remains unchanged relative to the adjacent component. Thus, the pipeline 4 is divided relative to the fixed portion 40 into a first pipeline segment 41 located on one side of the fixed portion 40 and a second pipeline segment 42 located on the other side of the fixed portion 40, the lengths of the first pipeline segment 41 and the second pipeline segment 42 remaining constant when the door 2 moves.

[0087] In other words, relative to the second limiting mechanism 82, the pipeline 4 is divided into a first pipeline segment 41 located on one side of the second limiting mechanism 82 and a second pipeline segment 42 located on the other side of the second limiting mechanism 82. Therefore, the pipeline 4 can be divided into two segments whose lengths are not affected by the movement of the door 2 and the pipeline 4. The first pipeline segment and the second pipeline segment are less likely to shift during movement, which can improve the controllability of the movement trajectory of the pipeline 4.

[0088] The first limiting mechanism 81 may include a stop portion 811 and a stop protrusion 43 protruding from the outer side of the pipeline 4. The stop portion 811 has a stop channel 813 that allows the pipeline 4 to move along its length but prevents the stop protrusion 43 from passing through.

[0089] The stop portion 811 may include an arc-shaped resilient hook 814 that defines a stop channel 813. This facilitates the insertion of the conduit 4 into the stop channel 813. The stop protrusion 43 may be integrally formed on the outside of the conduit 4, or in an alternative embodiment, the stop protrusion 43 may be formed by a cable clip or cable tie fastened to the outside of the conduit 4.

[0090] The stop portion 811 is closer to the first end 511 of the guide 51 than the stop protrusion 43. When the pipeline 4 is pulled toward the door 2 during the movement of the door 2, the pipeline 4 moves toward the door 2 with the stop protrusion 43 until the stop protrusion 43 and the stop portion 811 abut against each other, thereby preventing further movement of the pipeline 4 toward the door 2.

[0091] Since the pipeline 4 is fixed downstream of the first end 511 of the guide 51 by the second limiting mechanism 82, the maximum compensating length that the pipeline 4 can move relative to the guide 51 is limited by the pipeline length between the stop protrusion 43 and the stop portion 811 of the first limiting mechanism 81 when they are at their farthest distance.

[0092] When the conduit 4 is pushed towards the main body 1 during the movement of the door 2, the portion of the conduit 4 entering the guide 51 can exit the guide 51. From the open position of the door 2 ( Figure 4 ) to the closed position of door 2 ( Figure 5 A portion of the tubing 4 within the guide 51 can be pulled into the guide 51 through an opening in the guide 51, but the first limiting mechanism 8 can prevent excessive tubing 4 from entering the guide 51 and being squeezed and damaged within the guide 51 as the guide 51 moves.

[0093] In one embodiment, the second limiting mechanism 82 secures the conduit 4 to the guide 51. Thus, both the conduit 4 and the guide 51 can move in a bound manner. The conduit 4 can therefore be positioned more restrictively within the guide 51, and it is possible for the conduit 4 near the second limiting mechanism 82 to exhibit less bending.

[0094] The second restraining mechanism 82 is at least partially located within the guide channel 510. The second restraining mechanism 82 may include a cable tie 44 for securing the cable 4 to the guide member 51. The second restraining mechanism 82 may include at least one fixing hole 519 penetrating the wall of the guide member 51, through which the cable tie 44 passes to secure the cable 4 to the guide member 51.

[0095] The second limiting mechanism 82 may be located at the second end 512 of the guide 51. The movement of the first pipeline segment 41 located upstream of the second end 512 of the guide 51 may be carried out substantially within and upstream of the first end 511, and the movement of the second pipeline segment 42 may be carried out substantially within the continuing guide groove 22.

[0096] The second end 512 may include an extension piece 518 extending beyond the guide channel 510, with fixing holes 519 distributed on the extension piece 518. The extension piece 518 may be positioned above the guide channel 510, with the portion of the conduit 4 below the extension piece 518 exposed. A cable tie 44 may extend below the conduit 4, wrap upwards around the conduit 4, and then pass through the fixing holes 519 to secure it, thus facilitating the fixation of the conduit 4 to the guide member 51.

[0097] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second pipeline segment 42 extends from the fixed point 40 toward the side of the continuing guide groove 22 away from the hinge 3 and folds back near the closed end of the continuing guide groove 22, having a U-shaped portion 421.

[0098] The household appliance 100 has a third limiting mechanism 83 for limiting the range of movement of the second pipeline segment 42 toward the hinge side of the door 2.

[0099] In one embodiment, the door 2 has a partition structure 211 located within the continuing guide groove 22 and between the two legs of the U-shaped portion 421, thereby reliably partitioning the second pipeline segment 42 into a U-shape. The partition structure 211 may include a rib protruding from the bottom wall of the continuing guide groove 22.

[0100] Door 2 may also include an upper stop 212 located outside the U-shaped portion 421 and adjacent to the partition structure 211. The upper stop 212 is located above the second pipeline segment 42 to prevent the second pipeline segment 42 from disengaging upward from the continuing guide groove 22. The upper stop 212 is arranged within the continuing guide groove 22 in such a way that it protrudes from one inner wall of the continuing guide groove 22 toward the other inner wall.

[0101] The upper stop 212 and the partition structure 211 may be arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the second pipeline segment 42. A portion of the second pipeline segment 42 extends between the partition structure 211 and the upper stop 212. Specifically, the folding leg 4211 of the U-shaped portion 421 is located between the partition structure 211 and the upper stop 212.

[0102] Thus, the second pipeline segment 42 can move stably with the guide 51 when the door 2 moves.

[0103] When door 2 is in the closed position, such as Figure 5 As shown, the second pipeline segment 42 is closer to the closed end of the continuing guide groove 22. During the opening of the door 2, the guide member 51 pulls the second pipeline segment 42 toward the open end of the continuing guide groove 22. Specifically, the pipeline 4 is pulled toward the main body 1, and the U-shaped portion 421 moves relative to the door 2 in the direction away from the closed end of the continuing guide groove 22.

[0104] When door 2 is opened to its maximum angle, the U-shaped part 421 can move to a position suitable for stopping the partition structure 211, such as Figure 4 As shown.

[0105] During the closing process of door 2, guide 51 pushes the second pipeline segment 42 toward the closed end of the continuing guide groove 22 until it is approximately restored to its original position. Figure 5 The state shown.

[0106] Because the two legs of the U-shaped portion 421 are separated by the partition structure 211, the second pipeline segment 42 can be distributed in an orderly manner within the continuing guide groove 22. Furthermore, with the reversing leg 4211 sandwiched between the partition structure 211 and the upper stop portion 212, the second pipeline segment 42 can maintain its U-shaped shape more orderly. Its movement within the continuing guide groove 22 is mainly reflected in the positional change of the U-shaped portion 421 relative to the door 2, thus making the movement trajectory of the second pipeline segment 42 relative to the door 2 more controllable.

[0107] In one embodiment, before installation on household appliance 100, conduit 4 and guide 51 are assembled into a conduit assembly 7. Figure 12 As shown, the conduit 4 passes through the guide 51 and is secured to the guide 51 by the second limiting mechanism 82. Specifically, the conduit 4 is secured to the guide 51 using cable ties 44. The conduit 4 is secured to the guide 51 in such a way that when a tension within a predetermined range is applied to the fixed point 40 of the conduit 4, the fixed point 40 of the conduit 4 will not displace relative to the guide 51. In this way, the movement of the conduit 4 on both sides of the fixed point 40 can be properly isolated so that the length of the segments on both sides of the conduit 4 will not change with the movement of the door 2.

[0108] To ensure precise distribution of the pipeline 4 on the main body 1 and the door 2, the length of the pipeline 4 relative to the rotatable guide 52 can be allocated during the assembly of the pipeline 4 and the guide 51. For example, the length of the pipeline 4 can be measured so that a first pipeline segment 41 of a first predetermined length is distributed on one side of the fixed part 40 of the pipeline 4, and a second pipeline segment 42 of a second predetermined length is distributed on the other side of the fixed part 40 of the pipeline 4.

[0109] Thus, when the pipeline assembly 7 is assembled onto the household appliance 100, the length of the pipeline 4 on the main body 1 and the door 2 can be precisely allocated.

[0110] The second limiting unit 82 is assembled with the pipeline assembly 7 into the household appliance 100, and it is possible that the distribution of the pipeline 4 relative to the door 2 during the movement of the door 2 can be more precise and controllable.

[0111] Alternatively, the stop protrusion 43 can be pre-formed / assembled onto the pipeline assembly 7. The stop protrusion 43 can be a cable tie that is bundled around the outside of the pipeline 4. Thus, when the pipeline assembly 7 is assembled onto the household appliance 100, a pipeline limiting mechanism 8 is obtained to limit the maximum compensated length of the pipeline 4 that can enter the guide mechanism 5.

[0112] Figure 13 A partially exploded schematic diagram of a refrigeration appliance 100A according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 14 Show Figure 13 A perspective view of the hinge cover. The main difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiment lies in the construction of the hinge cover and the guide mechanism; therefore, for simplicity and ease of understanding, Figure 13 and Figure 14 The reference numerals for the same elements as in the embodiments above are the same as those in the figures above. Figures 1 to 12 The same or different components are labeled differently in the attached drawings.

[0113] and Figures 1 to 12 The difference lies in the fact that, in this embodiment, the additional front guide 52 is used to limit the range of motion of the pipeline 4. Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the hinge cover 6A used to cover the hinge 3 has a stop portion 61A on its lower side to restrict the continued movement of the pipeline 4 on the main body 1 side toward the guide member 51. The stop portion 61A defines a stop channel 611A that allows the pipeline 4 to pass through but prevents the stop protrusion 43 located outside the pipeline 4 from passing through. Along the length direction of the pipeline 4, the stop portion 61A is located between the stop protrusion 43 and the guide member 51, so that the first limiting mechanism 81A formed by the stop portion 61A and the stop protrusion 43 can limit the length of the pipeline 4 entering the guide member 51.

[0114] In this embodiment, the stop portion 61A includes a pair of elastic hooks 612A, which together define the stop channel 611A.

[0115] When the conduit 4 is assembled into the household appliance 100, the stop portion 61A is closer to the first end 511 of the guide member 51 than the stop protrusion 43. When the conduit 4 is pulled toward the door 2 during the movement of the door 2, the conduit 4 moves toward the door 2 with the stop protrusion 43 until the stop protrusion 43 and the stop portion 61A abut against each other, thereby preventing further movement of the conduit 4 toward the door 2.

[0116] Unlike the previous embodiment where the rotatable guide 51 is rotatably connected to the tongue 5250 of the front guide 52, in this embodiment, the first end 511 of the rotatable guide 51 is sandwiched between the hinge plate 31 and the hinge cover 6A, and the guide 51 is rotatably connected to the hinge cover 6A. Specifically, the hinge cover 6A has a connecting plate 62A that covers the first end 511 of the guide 51 above. The connecting plate 62A has a shaft portion 621A protruding downward from its lower surface. The shaft portion 621A can be inserted into the shaft hole located at the first end 511 of the guide 51, thereby realizing the rotatable connection of the guide 51 to the hinge cover 6A.

[0117] The lower side of the guide 51 can still be pivotally connected to the hinge plate 31 as shown in the previous embodiment.

[0118] The lower side of the hinge cover 6A can also form a pipeline guiding structure for guiding the pipeline 4.

[0119] Thus, by arranging a stop portion 61A to limit the range of movement of the pipeline 4 toward the door 2, a connecting plate 62A for connecting the rotatable guide 51, and a shaft portion 621A in the hinge cover 6A, it becomes possible to eliminate the need for an additional front guide 52.

[0120] In the above embodiment, one of the first limiting mechanism 81 and the second limiting mechanism 82 is configured to restrict the movement of the pipeline 4 in only one direction, while the other is configured to restrict the movement of the pipeline 4 in both directions (the pipeline 4 is fixed by the second limiting mechanism). It can be understood that, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, in order to limit the maximum compensated length of the pipeline 4 entering the guiding mechanism 5, especially the guide member 51, both limiting mechanisms can be used to restrict the movement of the pipeline 4 in one direction. For example, the limiting mechanism located on the main body side is used to prevent the pipeline from continuing to move towards the door, while the limiting mechanism located on the door side is configured to prevent the pipeline from continuing to move towards the main body. Thus, the length of the pipeline segment that can move relative to the guiding mechanism, especially relative to the guide member, can be limited.

[0121] Combination Figures 1 to 14Various embodiments of the individual components described can be combined with each other in any given manner to achieve the advantages of the invention. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments; other means besides those shown can generally be used, as long as they achieve the same effect.

Claims

1. A household appliance, particularly a refrigeration appliance, comprising: The main body (1) has compartments; The door (2) is located in front of the main body; A hinge (3) connects the body and the door so that the door can rotate relative to the body; Pipeline (4), part of the pipeline is arranged in the main body and part is arranged in the door; A guiding mechanism (5) for guiding pipelines, the guiding mechanism including a guide (51) at least one end of which is pivotally connected, the guide rotating as the door is opened or closed; The pipeline is fixed to the guide and includes a first pipeline segment (41) located on one side of the pipeline fixing point (40) and a second pipeline segment (42) located on the other side of the pipeline fixing point. During the movement of the door, the lengths of the first pipeline segment and the second pipeline segment remain constant.

2. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the movement of the door, both the first pipeline segment and the second pipeline segment move relative to the door.

3. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipeline is secured to the guide on the door.

4. The household appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Includes a limiting mechanism (81) for limiting the length of the first pipeline segment entering the guide during door movement.

5. The household appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that, The limiting mechanism is located outside the guide and between the guide and the end of the first pipeline segment opposite to the fixed point; and / or The limiting mechanism is located on the main body; and / or The limiting mechanism includes a stop portion (811, 61A) and a stop protrusion (43) protruding from the outside of the first pipeline segment. The stop portion defines a stop channel (813, 611A) that allows the first pipeline segment to pass through while preventing the stop protrusion from passing through.

6. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide includes a first end (511) pivotally connected and a second end (512) rotatable about the pivot end; wherein: The pipeline is secured at or near the second end; and / or The second end is located above the door; and / or The first end is pivotally connected to the hinge plate (31) of the hinge and / or the connecting plate (525) and / or the hinge cover (6A) located above the hinge plate.

7. The household appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that, Includes a continuing guide groove (22) located at the upper end of the door and extending along the width direction of the door, the second end of the guide can move within the continuing guide groove, and when the door moves, the second pipeline segment moves relative to the continuing guide groove within the continuing guide groove as the guide pushes or pulls.

8. The household appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second end of the guide is adapted to swing relative to the continuing guide groove and is adapted to have its swing range limited by the inner wall of the continuing guide groove.

9. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second pipeline segment extends along the width direction of the door and is adapted to move along the width direction of the door with the guide when the door moves.

10. The household appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second pipeline segment includes a U-shaped portion (421), which moves relative to the door under the influence of the guide when the door moves.

11. The household appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that, The door includes a partition structure (211) located between the two legs of the U-shaped section to separate the second pipeline segment and maintain the U-shaped distribution of the second pipeline segment when the door moves.

12. The household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide element is a hollow strip structure; and / or The guide has guide channels (510) extending through both ends to pass through the pipeline; and / or Includes cable ties (44) for securing the conduit to the guide, the conduit being secured to the guide by the cable ties; and / or The component used to secure the pipeline to the guide is at least partially located within the guide channel (510) of the guide.

13. The household appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that, The guide includes a fixing hole (519) through which the conduit is secured to the guide by passing through the fixing hole and securing it with a cable tie (44); and / or The guide includes an extension piece (518) extending from one end thereto, with a conduit exposed at the portion corresponding to the extension piece, and the conduit is secured to the extension piece.

14. A piping assembly (7) for a household appliance (100), said household appliance comprising a body and a door rotatable relative to the body, characterized in that, Piping components include: Pipeline (4); A guide (51) having a guide channel (501) through which the conduit passes, and at least one end (511) of the guide is configured to be pivotally connected to a household appliance; The pipeline is fixed to the guide and includes a first pipeline segment (41) located on one side of where the pipeline is fixed (40) and a second pipeline segment (42) located on the other side of where the pipeline is fixed, and the pipeline is fixed such that the lengths of the first pipeline segment and the second pipeline segment remain constant during the movement of the door.

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