Hinge for shower door and shower door comprising same

Abstract

The invention discloses a hinge for a shower door and the shower door comprising the same, and belongs to the technical field of shower doors. The hinge comprises a first cover plate (10), a second cover plate (20) and a connecting piece (30), wherein the first cover plate (10) comprises a first hinge part (105); the second cover plate (20) comprises a second hinge part (205); the connecting piece (30) comprises a third hinging part (301) and a fourth hinging part (302); the first hinge part (105) is hinged to the third hinge part (301), so that the first cover plate (10) and the connecting piece (30) can rotate around a first shaft; the second hinge part (205) and the fourth hinge part (302) are hinged, so that the second cover plate (20) and the connecting piece (30) can rotate around a second shaft; the first shaft and the second shaft are parallel to each other. Therefore, the opening and closing angle of the hinge is increased.

Description

Hinges for shower doors and shower doors containing them Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of shower doors, and more specifically, to a hinge for a shower door and a shower door incorporating the hinge. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of the home decoration market, more and more users are choosing shower doors or shower rooms to achieve dry and wet separation in indoor spaces.

[0003] Most shower doors in related technologies are hinged doors. This means that the fixed and movable panels of the shower door are hinged together, allowing the movable panel to rotate around the hinge axis. However, in these technologies, the opening angle of the hinges is limited to a maximum of 180°, which restricts the rotation angle of the movable panel and thus limits the design and application of shower doors.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a hinge with a larger opening angle.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the technical problem of limited opening angle of existing shower door hinges, this application provides a hinge for a shower door and a shower door including the hinge.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a hinge for a shower door, the hinge including a first cover plate, a second cover plate, and a connector;

[0008] Wherein, the first cover plate includes a first hinge portion; the second cover plate includes a second hinge portion; the connecting member includes a third hinge portion and a fourth hinge portion;

[0009] Furthermore, the first hinge portion and the third hinge portion are hinged together, thereby enabling the first cover plate and the connector to rotate relative to each other about the first axis;

[0010] The second hinge and the fourth hinge are hinged together, thereby allowing the second cover plate and the connector to rotate relative to each other about the second axis;

[0011] Furthermore, the first axis and the second axis are parallel to each other;

[0012] At least one of the third hinge portion and the fourth hinge portion further includes a first positioning structure; at least one of the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion further includes a second positioning structure;

[0013] The first positioning structure and the second positioning structure are coaxially arranged along the first axis; the first positioning structure and the second positioning structure form a concave-convex fit, and the contact surface of the first positioning structure and the second positioning structure forms a guide surface, which allows the first positioning structure and the second positioning structure to enter or disengage from the concave-convex fit under the action of a torsional torque around the first axis.

[0014] Optionally, the first positioning structure and the second positioning structure are configured as a one-way locking structure: when the first positioning structure and the second positioning structure form a concave-convex fit, applying a first torque along a first direction around the first axis / second axis can release the concave-convex fit; and when the first positioning structure and the second positioning structure form a concave-convex fit, changing the direction of the first torque cannot release the concave-convex fit.

[0015] Optionally, the third hinge portion and / or the fourth hinge portion are hinge holes; the first hinge portion and the third hinge portion are hinged by a pin; and / or, the second hinge portion and the fourth hinge portion are hinged by a pin.

[0016] Optionally, the inner wall of the hinge hole is formed with a first step and a second step; the first step and the second step sequentially divide the hinge hole into a first receiving cavity, a second receiving cavity and a third receiving cavity distributed along the axial direction of the hinge hole;

[0017] Wherein, the inner diameter of the first accommodating cavity is larger than the inner diameter of the second accommodating cavity; the inner diameter of the second accommodating cavity is larger than the inner diameter of the third accommodating cavity;

[0018] The first accommodating cavity is used to accommodate the first positioning structure;

[0019] The second accommodating cavity is used for a reset mechanism, which applies an axial force to the first positioning structure;

[0020] The third accommodating cavity is used to constrain the pin, thereby preventing the pin from wobbling.

[0021] Optionally, the first positioning structure is a cylindrical structure, and the first positioning structure has pin holes that pass through both ends;

[0022] The first positioning structure is non-rotatably mounted in the first accommodating cavity, and the outer diameter of the first positioning structure matches the inner diameter of the first accommodating cavity;

[0023] Furthermore, at least one first limiting structure is formed on the first end face of the first positioning structure; the at least one first limiting structure is circumferentially distributed around the center of the first end face.

[0024] Optionally, the hinge further includes a second positioning structure;

[0025] The second positioning structure is non-rotatably mounted on the first hinge portion, and at least one second limiting structure is formed on one end face of the second positioning structure; the at least one second limiting structure matches the shape of the at least one first limiting structure and is in a concave-convex fit; and the number and position of the at least one second limiting structure correspond one-to-one with the at least one first limiting structure.

[0026] Optionally, each of the at least one first limiting structure includes a first guide surface and a second guide surface; the angle of the first guide surface relative to the first end face is smaller than the angle of the second guide surface relative to the first end face;

[0027] Each of the at least one second limiting structure includes a third guide surface and a fourth guide surface; the third guide surface has the same oblique angle as the first guide surface; the fourth guide surface has the same oblique angle as the second guide surface.

[0028] Optionally, the reset mechanism includes an elastic element;

[0029] The elastic element is located within the second accommodating cavity; one end of the elastic element abuts against the second step, and the other end of the elastic element abuts against the end of the first positioning structure that is away from the second positioning structure.

[0030] Optionally, along the direction perpendicular to the first cover plate, the size of the main body of the first cover plate is smaller than that of the first hinge portion, thereby avoiding interference when the first cover plate rotates around the first axis;

[0031] And / or,

[0032] Along the direction perpendicular to the second cover plate, the size of the main body of the second cover plate is smaller than that of the second hinge portion, thereby avoiding interference when the second cover plate rotates around the second axis.

[0033] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a shower door, characterized in that the shower door includes a hinge and a screen as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0034] The hinge for a shower door and the shower door including the hinge provided in this application embodiment have at least the following beneficial effects:

[0035] The hinge provided in this application embodiment includes a third hinge portion and a fourth hinge portion as the connecting member. The first cover plate and the second cover plate are respectively hinged to the connecting member, thereby enabling the first cover plate to rotate around the first axis and the second cover plate to rotate around the second axis. This avoids interference between the first cover plate and the second cover plate and increases the opening and closing angle of the hinge. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the background art, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application or the background art will be described below.

[0037] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an optional installation position of the hinge provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 2 shows an optional exploded view of the hinge provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an optional structure of the first cover plate of the hinge provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of an optional structure of the second cover plate of the hinge provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of an optional structure of the hinge connector provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of an optional structure of the first positioning structure of the hinge provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of an optional structure of the second positioning structure of the hinge provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of an optional working state of the hinge provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of an optional structure of the hinge provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of the hinge opening 360° provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of hinge closure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of the hinge opening to 90° according to an embodiment of this application.

[0049] The reference numerals in the figure represent:

[0050] 10-First cover plate; 20-Second cover plate; 30-Connector; 40-First positioning structure; 50-Second positioning structure; 60-Elastic element; 70-Pin;

[0051] 101-Main body of the first cover plate; 102-First contact surface; 103-First non-contact surface; 104-First clamping element; 105-First hinge part; 1051-First upper hinge part; 1052-First lower hinge part; 106-First opening; 107-Top surface of the first lower hinge part; 108-First upper hinge hole; 109-Limiting element; 1010-First threaded hole;

[0052] 201 - Main body of the second cover plate; 202 - Second contact surface; 203 - Second non-contact surface; 204 - Second clamping member; 205 - Second hinge part; 2051 - Second upper hinge part; 2052 - Second lower hinge part; 206 - Second opening; 207 - Top surface of the second lower hinge part; 208 - Second upper hinge hole; 209 - Limiting element; 2010 - Second threaded hole;

[0053] 301-Third hinge part; 302-Fourth hinge part; 303-Third hinge hole; 304-Fourth hinge hole; 305-Third receiving cavity; 306-Second receiving cavity; 307-First receiving cavity; 308-Limiting element;

[0054] 401 - First plane; 402 - First guide surface; 403 - Second guide surface; 404 - First end face; 405 - Limiting element; 406 - First countersunk hole; 407 - First through hole;

[0055] 501 - Second plane; 502 - Fourth guide surface; 503 - Third guide surface; 504 - Second end face; 505 - Limiting element; 506 - Second countersunk hole; 507 - Second through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0056] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more complete description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the application. However, this application may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application will be thorough and complete.

[0057] It should be noted that when a component is considered to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to and integrated with the other component, or there may be an intervening component present. The terms "mounted," "one end," "the other end," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0058] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0059] To address the technical problem of limited hinge opening angle in related technologies, the first aspect of this application provides a hinge for a shower door. The installation position of this hinge is shown in Figure 1.

[0060] Referring to Figure 2, the hinge includes a first cover plate 10, a second cover plate 20, and a connector 30. The first cover plate 10 includes a first hinge portion 105; the second cover plate 20 includes a second hinge portion 205; the connector 30 includes a third hinge portion 301 and a fourth hinge portion 302. The first hinge portion 105 and the third hinge portion 301 are hinged, allowing the first cover plate 10 and the connector 30 to rotate relative to each other about a first axis; the second hinge portion 205 and the fourth hinge portion 302 are hinged, allowing the second cover plate 20 and the connector 30 to rotate relative to each other about a second axis; and the first and second axes are parallel to each other. Furthermore, at least one of the third hinge portion 301 and the fourth hinge portion 302 further includes a first positioning structure 40; the first hinge portion 105 and the second hinge portion 205 further include a second positioning structure 50. The first positioning structure 40 and the second positioning structure 50 are paired together, with each pair of the first positioning structure 40 and the second positioning structure 50 coaxially arranged along the first axis or the second axis, forming a concave-convex fit. Furthermore, the contact surfaces of the first positioning structure 40 and the second positioning structure 50 are constructed with guide surfaces, which allow the first positioning structure 40 and the second positioning structure 50 to enter or disengage the concave-convex fit under the action of torsional torque around the first axis / second axis. It should be noted that the first and second positioning structures can be directly machined into the first to fourth hinge portions, or they can be machined separately and then installed into the first to fourth hinge portions. The first and second positioning structures are non-rotatable when assembled into the first to fourth hinge portions, thereby transmitting the torque on the first / second cover plate to the connecting member 30, so that the connecting member 30 rotates when the first / second cover plate rotates. Moreover, it is easy to understand that the height relationship between the first and second positioning structures does not affect their normal operation.

[0061] Optionally, the distance between the first axis and the second axis is greater than or equal to half the sum of the thicknesses of the first cover plate 10 and the second cover plate 20. It should be understood that the structure of the first to fourth hinge portions provided in this application is not particularly limited, as long as the first cover plate and the connector, and the second cover plate and the connector, respectively form hinges. Optionally, the first / second hinge portion includes a hinge shaft or a hinge hole. Alternatively, the third / fourth hinge portion includes a hinge shaft or a hinge hole.

[0062] In some alternative embodiments, referring to FIG2, the first cover plate 10 and the second cover plate 20 are respectively connected to the connector 30 by a pin. Exemplarily, the third hinge portion 301 and / or the fourth hinge portion 302 include a hinge hole; the first hinge portion 105 is hinged to the third hinge portion 301 by a pin; and / or, the second hinge portion 205 is hinged to the fourth hinge portion 302 by a pin.

[0063] According to some alternative embodiments, referring to FIG3, a first hinge portion 105 is provided at one end of the main body 101 of the first cover plate. The first hinge portion 105 includes an upper hinge portion 1051 and a lower hinge portion 1052. A first opening 106 is formed between the upper hinge portion 1051 and the lower hinge portion 1052. When the first hinge portion 105 is hinged to the connector 30, the end of the connector 30 near the third hinge portion 301 is inserted into the first opening 106.

[0064] According to some optional embodiments, as shown in FIG3, the first hinge portion 105 includes a first upper hinge portion 1051 and a first lower hinge portion 1052. Optionally, the first upper hinge portion 1051 includes a first upper hinge hole 108, and the first lower hinge portion 1052 includes a first threaded hole 1010 extending downward from the top surface 107 of the first lower hinge portion. As shown in FIG5, the third hinge portion 301 includes a third hinge hole 303. Referring to FIG1, when the first cover plate 10 is hinged to the connector 30, one end of the connector 30 near the third hinge portion 301 is inserted into the first opening 106, and the first upper hinge hole 108, the third hinge hole 303, and the first threaded hole 1010 are aligned. The pin 70 passes through the first upper hinge hole 108 and the third hinge hole 303 in sequence, and the end of the pin 70 is threadedly connected to the connector 30 through the first threaded hole 1010.

[0065] The side of the first cover plate facing the shower door screen is called the first contact surface 102. The surface facing away from the first contact surface 102 is called the first non-contact surface 103. Optionally, a first clamping member 104 is provided on the first contact surface 102 for clamping the shower door screen. Along the direction from the first contact surface to the first non-contact surface, the size of the first hinge portion is larger than the size (i.e., thickness) of the main body of the first cover plate, so that the first hinge portion is higher than the first contact surface in this direction. The first cover plate can only rotate clockwise (this clockwise direction is consistent with that in Figure 9). If the first cover plate rotates counterclockwise (this counterclockwise direction is consistent with that in Figure 9), the squeezing force generated by the interference between the first hinge portion and the connecting member prevents it from rotating.

[0066] Similarly, in some alternative embodiments, as shown in FIG4, the second hinge portion 205 includes a second upper hinge portion 2051 and a second lower hinge portion 2052. Optionally, the second upper hinge portion 2051 includes a first upper hinge hole 208, and the second lower hinge portion 2052 includes a second threaded hole 2010 extending downward from the top surface 207 of the second lower hinge portion. As shown in FIG5, the fourth hinge portion 302 includes a fourth hinge hole 304. Referring to FIG1, when the second cover plate 20 is hinged to the connector 30, one end of the connector 30 near the fourth hinge portion 302 is inserted into the second opening 206, and the second upper hinge hole 208, the fourth hinge hole 304, and the second threaded hole 2010 are aligned. The pin 70 passes through the second upper hinge hole 208 and the fourth hinge hole 304 in sequence, and the end of the pin 70 is threadedly connected to the connector 30 through the second threaded hole 2010.

[0067] The side of the second cover plate facing the shower door screen is called the second contact surface 202. The side facing away from the second contact surface 202 is called the second non-contact surface 203. Optionally, a second clamping member 204 is provided on the second contact surface 202 for clamping the shower door screen. Along the direction from the second non-contact surface to the second contact surface, the size of the second hinge portion is larger than the size (i.e., thickness) of the main body of the second cover plate, making the second hinge portion higher than the second contact surface, so that the second cover plate can only rotate counterclockwise (this counterclockwise direction is consistent with Figure 9). If the first cover plate rotates counterclockwise (this counterclockwise direction is consistent with Figure 9), the squeezing force generated by the interference between the first hinge portion and the connecting member prevents it from rotating.

[0068] Optionally, the first positioning structure is disposed in the third and / or fourth hinge portion, and the second positioning structure is disposed in the first and / or second hinge portion. Exemplarily, the second positioning structure has a through hole at its center, allowing a pin to pass through, and the first upper hinge hole 108 and / or the second upper hinge hole 208 can accommodate the second positioning structure. The first positioning structure has a through hole at its center, allowing a pin to pass through, and the third and / or fourth hinge hole can accommodate the first positioning structure. It should be noted that the second positioning structure is non-rotatably mounted in the first and / or second upper hinge hole; the first positioning structure is non-rotatably mounted in the third and / or fourth hinge hole.

[0069] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative structure of the connector. As shown in Figure 5, optionally, the inner wall of the third and / or fourth hinge hole is formed with a first step and a second step; the first step and the second step sequentially divide the third and / or fourth hinge hole into a first receiving cavity 307, a second receiving cavity 306 and a third receiving cavity 305 distributed along the axial direction of the third and / or fourth hinge hole.

[0070] The inner diameter of the first accommodating cavity 307 is larger than that of the second accommodating cavity 306; the inner diameter of the second accommodating cavity 306 is larger than that of the third accommodating cavity 305; the first accommodating cavity 307 is used to accommodate the first positioning structure 40; the second accommodating cavity 306 is used as a reset mechanism to apply axial force to the first positioning structure 40; and the third accommodating cavity 305 is used to constrain the pin, thereby preventing the pin from swinging.

[0071] It should be understood that the first positioning structure and the second positioning structure rotate relative to each other, causing compression when they enter or contact the convex-concave fit. The axial component of the compression force is opposite to the axial force applied by the reset mechanism. Optionally, during the process of the male and female structures forming the convex-concave fit of the first and second positioning structures gradually aligning (i.e., entering the self-locking state), the axial force applied by the reset element pushes the male structure into the female structure. Alternatively, before or during the process of the male and female structures forming the convex-concave fit of the first and second positioning structures gradually moving away (i.e., before or during the release of self-locking), the male structure is pushed out of the female structure by overcoming the thrust of the reset element. Optionally, the reset mechanism includes an elastic element 60; wherein the elastic element 60 is located within the second accommodating cavity 306; and one end of the elastic element 60 abuts against the second step, and the other end of the elastic element 60 abuts against the end of the first positioning structure 40 away from the second positioning structure 50.

[0072] To address the problem of unstable hinge operation caused by the other of the connecting member 30 rotating with the first cover plate 10 or the second cover plate 20 when the connecting member 30 rotates with the connecting member 30, the first positioning structure 40 and the second positioning structure 50 provided in this application are configured as a one-way locking structure: when the first positioning structure 40 and the second positioning structure 50 form a concave-convex fit, applying a first torque along a first direction around the first axis / second axis can release the concave-convex fit; and when the first positioning structure 40 and the second positioning structure 50 form a concave-convex fit, changing the direction of the first torque cannot release the concave-convex fit.

[0073] For example, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, a positioning tooth is formed on the end face of the first positioning structure 40 facing the second positioning structure 50. A positioning groove matching the shape of the positioning tooth is formed on the end face of the second positioning structure 50 facing the first positioning structure 40. The top of the positioning tooth is flat, and the two sides are sloped, and the angle (i.e., the chamfer angle) between one slope and the end face is smaller than the chamfer angle of the other slope. When the positioning tooth is located in the positioning groove, the first positioning structure 40 and the second positioning structure 50 form a concave-convex fit. Assuming that the first positioning structure 40 is on top and the second positioning structure 50 is on the bottom, and the two are coaxially arranged and form a concave-convex fit, when a first torque along a first direction is applied to the first positioning structure 40, the first positioning structure and the second positioning structure are squeezed together. Guided by a slope with a smaller angle of inclination of the positioning teeth, the component of the compressive force along the rotation axis is greater than the combined force of the thrust of the reset element and the weight of the shower door, which is transmitted through the first or second cover plate to the first and second positioning structures. This causes the positioning teeth of the first positioning structure 40 to slide out of the positioning groove under the guidance of the slope with a smaller angle of inclination, and the first positioning structure 40 and the second positioning structure 50 to disengage from each other. When the direction of the first torque is changed, due to the different angles of the slopes on both sides of the positioning teeth, when the direction of the first torque changes, the component of the compressive force of the first and second positioning structures along the rotation axis is less than or equal to the combined force of the thrust of the reset element and the weight of the shower door, making it impossible for the positioning teeth to move out of the positioning groove along the slope with a larger angle of inclination. This achieves the following technical effects: When the first cover plate rotates clockwise around the first axis (as shown in Figure 9), the first and second positioning structures on the first axis can disengage their interlocking mechanism, while the first and second positioning structures on the second axis cannot disengage their interlocking mechanism; when the first cover plate rotates counterclockwise around the first axis (as shown in Figure 9), the first and second positioning structures on the first axis cannot disengage their interlocking mechanism, while the first positioning structure on the second axis can disengage its interlocking mechanism. In other words, when the first cover plate is subjected to a torque that causes it to rotate clockwise, the first cover plate rotates clockwise around the first axis; when the first cover plate is subjected to a torque that causes it to rotate counterclockwise, the first cover plate and the connecting member are locked together and rotate together around the second axis. In other words, when the hinge is running, through the above-described construction of the first and second positioning structures, the connecting member is always locked to either the first or second cover plate, ensuring that the hinge rotates only around one of the first or second axes each time it operates, thereby improving the stability of the hinge operation.

[0074] In some optional embodiments, as shown in FIG6, the first positioning structure 40 is a cylindrical structure, and the first positioning structure 40 has pin holes extending through both ends. The first positioning structure 40 is non-rotatably installed in the first accommodating cavity 307, and the outer diameter of the first positioning structure 40 matches the inner diameter of the first accommodating cavity 307; and the first end face 404 of the first positioning structure 40 has at least one first limiting structure; the at least one first limiting structure is circumferentially distributed around the center of the first end face 404.

[0075] In some alternative configurations, as shown in Figure 7, the second positioning structure 50 is a cylindrical structure, which is non-rotatably mounted on the first hinge portion. At least one second limiting structure is formed on one end face of the second positioning structure 50. The shape of the at least one second limiting structure matches that of the at least one first limiting structure, and they are in a concave-convex fit. Furthermore, the number and position of the at least one second limiting structure correspond one-to-one with those of the at least one first limiting structure.

[0076] It should be understood that the first positioning structure and the second positioning structure are non-rotatably mounted in the first to fourth hinge holes by limiting elements (109, 209, 405, 505). For example, the sidewall of the first positioning structure 40 is formed with a limiting element 405 (post or groove); correspondingly, the inner wall of the first receiving cavity 307 of the third / fourth hinge hole is formed with a limiting element (groove or post).

[0077] Each of the at least one first limiting structure includes a first guide surface 402 and a second guide surface 403; the angle of the first guide surface 402 relative to the first end face 404 is smaller than the angle of the second guide surface 403 relative to the first end face 404; each of the at least one second limiting structure includes a third guide surface 503 and a fourth guide surface 502; the angle of the third guide surface 503 is the same as that of the first guide surface 402; the angle of the fourth guide surface 502 is the same as that of the second guide surface 403. This allows the contact surfaces of the first and second positioning structures to be pressed together when they rotate relative to each other, enabling the first and second limiting structures to enter or disengage from the interlocking fit under the pressure. Optionally, the angle of the first guide surface is smaller than that of the second guide surface, resulting in a greater axial component of the pressure acting on the first guide surface than on the second guide surface. This causes the torque required for the second positioning structure to engage or disengage from the self-locking mechanism to change when the rotation direction relative to the first positioning structure changes. Therefore, the horizontal stability of the hinge is improved.

[0078] Optionally, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the first limiting structure is a toothed structure, and the second limiting structure is a grooved structure that matches the shape of the toothed structure. Figure 8 shows the opening and closing states of the hinge provided in this application. Figures (a) to (e) in Figure 8 correspond to the states where the hinge is opened to 360°, 270°, 180°, 90°, and 0°, respectively.

[0079] Figure 9(a) shows a schematic diagram of the hinge's opening and closing direction. Figures 9(b) and (c) show, in partial cross-section, the engagement relationship between the first positioning structure 40 and the second positioning structure 50 when the hinge is assembled. Figure 10 shows, in partial cross-section, the engagement relationship between the first positioning structure 40 and the second positioning structure 50 when the hinge is opened 360°. Figure 11 shows, in partial cross-section, the engagement relationship between the first positioning structure 40 and the second positioning structure 50 when the hinge is opened 0°. Figure 12 shows, in partial cross-section, the engagement relationship between the first positioning structure 40 and the second positioning structure 50 when the hinge is opened 90°.

[0080] For example, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, when the hinge provided in this application is in its initial position (opened 180°), in the first and third hinge portions, the first inclined surface of the first positioning structure contacts the third inclined surface of the second positioning structure. Since the angle between the first and third inclined surfaces is smaller than the angle between the second and fourth inclined surfaces, the axial force exerted on the second positioning structure by the shower door screen under gravity cannot overcome the elastic force of the elastic element, thus maintaining the positioning structure in its current position. Similarly, in the second and third hinge portions, the axial force exerted on the second positioning structure by the shower door screen under gravity cannot overcome the elastic force of the elastic element, thus maintaining the second positioning structure in its current position.

[0081] A second aspect of this application provides a shower door, as shown in FIG1, which includes the hinge and screen provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0082] In summary, the hinge provided in this application embodiment includes a third hinge portion and a fourth hinge portion in the connecting member. The first cover plate and the second cover plate are respectively hinged to the connecting member, thereby enabling the first cover plate to rotate around a first axis and the second cover plate to rotate around a second axis. This avoids interference between the first and second cover plates and increases the opening and closing angle of the hinge. When the hinge provided in this application is in the initial position (opened 180°), the fixed and movable panels of the shower door are on the same screen. When rotating clockwise, the second cover plate interferes with the connecting member and cannot rotate, while the first cover plate can rotate clockwise. When rotating counterclockwise, the first cover plate interferes with the connecting member and cannot rotate, while the second cover plate can rotate counterclockwise. This allows the first cover plate to rotate 180° clockwise from its initial position, and the second cover plate to rotate 180° counterclockwise from its initial position. When the movable fan rotates counterclockwise, it triggers the hinge around the second axis; when the movable fan rotates clockwise, it triggers the hinge around the first axis, thus enabling the movable fan to rotate 360 ​​degrees, from one side of the fixed fan to the other. By setting the first hinge portion higher than the first contact surface of the first cover plate, and the second hinge portion higher than the second contact surface of the second cover plate, the second hinge self-locks when the first hinge is activated, and the first hinge self-locks when the second hinge is activated. In other words, this cover plate shape ensures that only one of the first and second cover plates in the hinge can rotate at a time, preventing the hinge's connecting parts from rotating around the other axis when the movable fan of the shower door rotates around either the first or second axis, thus improving the hinge's stability. The first and second positioning structures also enable the hinge to self-lock at a preset opening angle, improving the hinge's horizontal stability. By constructing the portion where the first and second positioning structures form a convex-concave fit into a one-way locking structure, the connecting member always rotates around only one of the first or second axes during hinge operation, thus improving the stability of hinge operation. An axial force is applied to the first positioning structure by an elastic element, overcoming the axial force (i.e., compressive force) exerted on the second positioning structure by the shower door screen under gravity, and further improving the stability of the self-locking mechanism.

[0083] The above description is merely a specific implementation of the embodiments of this application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of this application should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A hinge for a shower door, characterized in that, The hinge includes a first cover plate (10), a second cover plate (20), and a connector (30); The first cover plate (10) includes a first hinge portion (105); the second cover plate (20) includes a second hinge portion (205); and the connector (30) includes a third hinge portion (301) and a fourth hinge portion (302). Furthermore, the first hinge (105) and the third hinge (301) are hinged together, thereby enabling the first cover plate (10) and the connector (30) to rotate relative to each other about the first axis; The second hinge (205) and the fourth hinge (302) are hinged together, thereby enabling the second cover plate (20) and the connector (30) to rotate relative to each other about the second axis; Furthermore, the first axis and the second axis are parallel to each other; At least one of the third hinge portion and the fourth hinge portion further includes a first positioning structure (40); at least one of the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion further includes a second positioning structure (50); The first positioning structure (40) and the second positioning structure (50) are coaxially arranged along the first axis / second axis; the first positioning structure (40) and the second positioning structure (50) form a concave-convex fit, and the contact surface of the first positioning structure (40) and the second positioning structure (50) is constructed with a guide surface, which enables the first positioning structure (40) and the second positioning structure (50) to enter or disengage under the action of a torsional torque around the first axis / second axis.

2. The hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first positioning structure (40) and the second positioning structure (50) are configured as a one-way locking structure: when the first positioning structure (40) and the second positioning structure (50) form a concave-convex fit, applying a first torque along a first direction around the first axis / second axis can release the concave-convex fit; and when the first positioning structure (40) and the second positioning structure (50) form a concave-convex fit, changing the direction of the first torque cannot release the concave-convex fit.

3. The hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third hinge portion (301) and / or the fourth hinge portion (302) include a third and / or a fourth hinge hole; the first hinge portion (105) is hinged to the third hinge portion (301) by a pin; and / or, the second hinge portion (205) is hinged to the fourth hinge portion (302) by a pin.

4. The hinge according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The inner walls of the third hinge hole and / or the fourth hinge hole are formed with a first step and a second step; the first step and the second step sequentially divide the hinge hole into a first receiving cavity (307), a second receiving cavity (306) and a third receiving cavity (305) distributed along the axial direction of the hinge hole; Wherein, the inner diameter of the first accommodating cavity (307) is larger than the inner diameter of the second accommodating cavity (306); the inner diameter of the second accommodating cavity (306) is larger than the inner diameter of the third accommodating cavity (305); The first accommodating cavity (307) is used to accommodate the first positioning structure (40); The second accommodating cavity (306) is used for a reset mechanism, which is used to apply an axial force to the first positioning structure (40); The third accommodating cavity (305) is used to constrain the pin, thereby preventing the pin from swinging.

5. The hinge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first positioning structure (40) is a cylindrical structure, and the first positioning structure (40) has a pin hole that passes through both ends; The first positioning structure (40) is non-rotatably mounted in the first accommodating cavity (307), and the outer diameter of the first positioning structure (40) matches the inner diameter of the first accommodating cavity (307); Furthermore, the first end face (404) of the first positioning structure (40) is formed with at least one first limiting structure; the at least one first limiting structure is circumferentially distributed around the center of the first end face.

6. The hinge according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second positioning structure (50) is a cylindrical structure; The second positioning structure (50) is non-rotatably mounted on the first hinge portion, and at least one second limiting structure is formed on one end face of the second positioning structure (50); the at least one second limiting structure matches the shape of the at least one first limiting structure and is in a concave-convex fit; and the number and position of the at least one second limiting structure correspond one-to-one with the at least one first limiting structure.

7. The hinge according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the at least one first limiting structure includes a first guide surface (402) and a second guide surface (403); the angle of the first guide surface (402) relative to the first end face (404) is smaller than the angle of the second guide surface (403) relative to the first end face (404); Each of the at least one second limiting structure includes a third guide surface (503) and a fourth guide surface (502); the third guide surface (503) has the same oblique angle as the first guide surface (402); the fourth guide surface (502) has the same oblique angle as the second guide surface (403).

8. The hinge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The reset mechanism includes an elastic element (60); The elastic element (60) is located in the second accommodating cavity (306); and one end of the elastic element (60) abuts against the second step, and the other end of the elastic element (60) abuts against the end of the first positioning structure (40) away from the second positioning structure (50).

9. The hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the direction perpendicular to the first cover plate (10), the size of the main body of the first cover plate (10) is smaller than that of the first hinge portion, thereby avoiding interference when the first cover plate (10) rotates around the first axis; And / or, Along a direction perpendicular to the second cover plate (20), the size of the main body of the second cover plate (20) is smaller than that of the second hinge portion, thereby preventing the second cover plate (20) from surrounding the... Interference during the rotation of the second axis.

10. A shower door, characterized in that, The shower door includes a hinge and a screen as described in any one of claims 1-10.

Images