Refrigeration appliance assembly

Abstract

The application discloses a refrigeration equipment assembly, which comprises a first refrigeration equipment, a second refrigeration equipment and a connecting device, the first refrigeration equipment is provided with a first connecting groove with a first opening, the second refrigeration equipment is provided with a second connecting groove with a second opening, and the first opening is oppositely arranged with the second opening; the connecting device comprises a connecting body and connecting pieces arranged on both sides of the connecting body respectively, the connecting piece comprises a rotating shaft and an abutting end, and the connecting piece is rotationally connected to the connecting body through the rotating shaft; in a connecting state, both sides of the connecting device extend into the first connecting groove and the second connecting groove respectively, so that the first refrigeration equipment and the second refrigeration equipment are fixedly connected. The connecting device is hidden between the equipment, the connecting piece can be expanded, and the structure of the connecting piece is matched with the opposite connecting groove, so that the quick fixed connection between different refrigeration equipments is realized, the shape size of the two refrigeration equipments is not required, and the mutual fixation and modular combination of various equipments are facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of household appliances, specifically to a refrigeration equipment component. Background Technology

[0002] To meet users' cooling needs for more storage space and storage types, current solutions sell two refrigerators as a combination unit, that is, two regular refrigerators assembled together, opening like a side-by-side refrigerator. This presents some problems:

[0003] (1) It is not possible to easily assemble and disassemble the two refrigerators; it is inconvenient to assemble and disassemble for maintenance. (2) It can only assemble two refrigerators of the same size and shape, and cannot meet the combination of different specifications, or even one refrigerator plus one vertical freezer or refrigerator, and cannot meet more cooling needs of users. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a refrigeration equipment component that facilitates the fixed connection of multiple refrigeration devices.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of this application provides a refrigeration equipment component, comprising: A first refrigeration device, which is provided with a first connecting groove having a first opening; The second refrigeration device is provided with a second connecting groove having a second opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening are disposed opposite to each other. A connecting device includes a connecting body and connecting members respectively disposed on both sides of the connecting body. Each connecting member includes a rotating shaft and a supporting end, and the connecting member is rotatably connected to the connecting body via the rotating shaft. In the connected state, the two sides of the connecting device extend into the first connecting groove and the second connecting groove respectively, and the abutting ends on both sides open outward around the corresponding rotating axis to be confined in the first connecting groove and the second connecting groove respectively, thereby fixing the first refrigeration device and the second refrigeration device together.

[0006] As a further improvement of this application, a step is provided at the first opening, and in the connected state, the abutting end is locked with the step.

[0007] As a further improvement of this application, the connecting device further includes a driving member that abuts against the connecting member and has a tendency to drive the abutting end away from the connecting body, so as to maintain the connecting device in the connected state.

[0008] As a further improvement of this application, the connector includes a plurality of connector units arranged in a circumferential array around the connector body, and the drive includes a spring piece corresponding to the number of connector units, each spring piece extending along the axis of rotation to the abutting end and abutting the corresponding connector unit.

[0009] As a further improvement of this application, the connecting device also has a release state. When the connecting state is switched to the release state, the abutting end moves toward the connecting body to retract, so that the connecting device can disengage from the first connecting groove and the second connecting groove.

[0010] As a further improvement of this application, in the released state, the area of ​​the first opening covers the area where the abutment end is open in the first connecting groove, and the area of ​​the second opening covers the area where the abutment end is open in the second connecting groove.

[0011] As a further improvement of this application, the connecting device further includes a release portion disposed on the connecting body, the release portion being used to drive the abutment end to move toward the connecting body.

[0012] As a further improvement of this application, the release part includes a release member and a pusher member. The release member includes a push block, a push rod, and a connecting block connected in sequence. The connecting member also includes a release end disposed at the other end of the rotating shaft away from the abutting end. The pusher member is used to drive the connecting block to move, so as to drive the release end to move away from the connecting body through the push rod and the push block.

[0013] As a further improvement of this application, the connecting body includes a limiting ring, which limits the maximum displacement of the connector extending into the first connecting groove and the second connecting groove.

[0014] As a further improvement of this application, the first refrigeration device and the second refrigeration device are each independently selected from any one of a refrigerator, a vertical refrigerator, a horizontal freezer, or a wine cabinet.

[0015] Compared with commonly used technologies, this application has the following advantages: When the refrigeration equipment assembly is connected, the connecting device extends concealed into the connecting grooves on both sides. Physical locking and restriction on both sides can be achieved solely through the geometric interference of the two abutting ends opening outwards around the corresponding rotation axis, thus firmly fixing the two refrigeration devices together. Since the connecting body is installed between the two refrigeration devices, it does not occupy external space such as the top and back of the equipment. It does not affect the independent installation and alignment of structures such as the hinges on the top of the equipment, facilitating the opening of the door in any direction. Furthermore, it does not require consistency in the external dimensions, height, or type of the two refrigeration devices being spliced ​​together. This overcomes the limitations of traditional modular equipment, such as time-consuming and cumbersome installation, the requirement for identical dimensions, and the constraint of hinges on the opening direction. It significantly improves the structural stability and combination flexibility of heterogeneous modular refrigeration equipment when assembled side-by-side. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a refrigeration equipment component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the connecting device in the released state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a connecting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigeration equipment component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigeration equipment component according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Among them, 10 is a connecting device; 11 is a connecting body; 111 is a support base; 112 is a limiting ring; 113 is a chamber; 114 is an opening; 12 is a connecting piece; 121 is a holding end; 122 is a rotating shaft; 123 is a release end; 124 is a connecting unit; 13 is a driving component; 131 is a spring; 14 is a release component; 141 is a connecting block; 1411 is a second wedge-shaped surface; 142 is a push rod; 143 is a push block; 1431 is a conical surface; 15 is a pushing component; 151 is a first wedge-shaped surface; 152 is an adjusting surface; 16 is a resetting component; 20 is a first refrigeration device; 21 is a first connecting groove; 22 is a first opening; 23 is a step; 30 is a second refrigeration device; 31 is a second connecting groove; 32 is a second opening. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present application will now be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present application, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] It should be understood that terms such as “above,” “over,” “below,” and “under” used herein to indicate spatial relative position are for illustrative purposes to describe the relationship of one unit or feature relative to another unit or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings. The terms “spatial relative position” may be intended to include different orientations of the equipment in use or operation other than those shown in the figures.

[0025] One embodiment of the present invention provides a connecting device and a refrigeration equipment assembly that facilitates the fixed connection of multiple refrigeration devices. The application of this connecting device enables the convenient installation and disassembly of multiple refrigeration devices, and also has the effect of meeting various door opening requirements and the needs of splicing various different types of equipment.

[0026] One type of refrigeration equipment assembly includes multiple refrigeration devices and a connecting device 10, wherein each refrigeration device is connected to other refrigeration devices via the connecting device 10, such as... Figure 1 , 5 As shown in Figure 6, the refrigeration equipment can be a refrigerator, a vertical freezer, a horizontal freezer, a wine cabinet, etc., and the connecting device 10 is connected between two adjacent refrigeration equipment.

[0027] To clearly express the position and direction described in this embodiment, in this embodiment, the opposite direction is defined as up under the definition of gravity direction, the refrigeration equipment is placed on a horizontal plane, the user stands in front of the refrigeration equipment to operate the refrigeration equipment, the opposite direction is defined as the rear, the two sides of the user facing the refrigeration equipment are left and right respectively, that is, adjacent refrigeration equipment is placed in a left-right side by side.

[0028] The connecting device 10 includes a connecting body 11, a connecting member 12, a driving member 13, and a release part. The connecting member 12 includes a rotating shaft 122 and a holding end 121. The connecting member 12 is rotatably connected to the connecting body 11 via the rotating shaft 122. The holding end 121 rotates around the rotating shaft 122 as a fulcrum. The driving member 13 holds against the connecting member 12 and has a tendency to drive the holding end 121 away from the connecting body 11. The release part is used to drive the holding end 121 to move towards the connecting body 11. The connecting device 10 has a connected state and a released state. In the connected state, such as... Figure 2As shown, the supporting end 121 is away from the connecting body 11, that is, the entire connecting part 12 from the rotating shaft 122 to the supporting end 121 is flipped outward, and the flipped supporting end 121 abuts against the refrigeration equipment, so that it cannot be separated from the refrigeration equipment. At this time, the connecting part 12 is fixed to the refrigeration equipment. In addition, after the connecting device 10 is fixed to other refrigeration equipment, the two refrigeration equipment can be put together.

[0029] When switching from the connected state to the released state, such as Figure 3 As shown, the supporting end 121 moves toward the connecting body 11. That is, the release part drives the supporting end 121 to retract. After retraction, the supporting end 121 is insufficient to support the refrigeration device, thereby separating the refrigeration device from the connecting device 10.

[0030] Furthermore, the refrigeration equipment assembly also includes a first refrigeration device 20 and a second refrigeration device 30 arranged in parallel, with a connecting device 10 connected between the first refrigeration device 20 and the second refrigeration device 30.

[0031] Conventional modular refrigerators are typically fixed at the top and back between two refrigerators, which presents several problems. Firstly, assembly is difficult, requiring multiple screws from top to back, making installation time-consuming. Secondly, the hinges at the top restrict the doors to opening to either side, limiting opening to other directions and failing to meet diverse user needs. Furthermore, the two refrigerators must be identical in size for proper top and back mounting. In contrast, the connecting body 11 of this application is installed between the two refrigerators without occupying space in other structures, thus not affecting the hinge installation at the top. This allows for hinge installation in any position and doors to open in any direction. Moreover, since it connects between two refrigeration units, identical dimensions are not required; it can be positioned in the middle, enabling the connection and installation of various sizes and types of refrigeration units, with convenient installation and disassembly.

[0032] The first refrigeration device 20 has a first connecting groove 21 with a first opening 22 on the side facing the second refrigeration device 30, and the second refrigeration device 30 has a second connecting groove 31 with a second opening 32 on the side facing the first refrigeration device 20. The first opening 22 and the second opening 32 are arranged opposite to each other. A set of connectors 12 is provided on each side of the connecting body 11. Both the first connecting groove 21 and the second connecting groove 31 may be provided with a structure to prevent detachment. The first connecting groove 21 and the second connecting groove 31 may be exactly the same size or different. The first opening 22 and the second opening 32 are arranged opposite to each other. The opening 32 can also be the same or different in shape. Taking all of them as the same as an example, the first connecting groove 21 and the first opening 22 are used as an example: the cross-sectional area of ​​the first connecting groove 21 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first opening 22. A step 23 is set at the first opening 22 so that after the connector 12 opens, that is, after the abutting end 121 moves away from the connecting body 11, it is stuck at the position of the step 23. The connector 12 cannot be separated from the first opening 22. Only when the abutting end 121 moves towards the connecting body 11 to a certain position and meets the requirement that the overall size is smaller than the first opening 22 can it be separated.

[0033] In the connected state, such as Figure 2 As shown, one connector 12 is disposed in the first connecting groove 21 and the abutting end 121 of the connector 12 is restricted in the first connecting groove 21. The other connector 12 is disposed in the second connecting groove 31 and the abutting end 121 of the connector 12 is restricted in the second connecting groove 31. Since the abutting end 121 abuts against the first connecting groove 21 and the second connecting groove 31, the connector 12 cannot be disengaged from either connecting groove, thereby fixing the two refrigeration devices.

[0034] In the released state, such as Figure 3 As shown, the area of ​​the first opening 22 covers the area where the abutment end 121 in the first connecting groove 21 is open, and the area of ​​the second opening 32 covers the area where the abutment end 121 in the second connecting groove 31 is open. When the connector 12 is parallel to the connecting body 11, the overall size is minimized, and it is sufficient to ensure that the minimum size is less than the area of ​​the opening.

[0035] Using the connecting device 10 of this embodiment, only a first connecting groove 21 and a second connecting groove 31 need to be provided between two adjacent refrigeration devices, regardless of the height and size of the two refrigeration devices, thereby forming a... Figure 5 , Figure 6 The technical effect of interconnecting multiple refrigeration devices is shown.

[0036] In this embodiment, two sets of connectors 12 are provided, with the two sets of connectors 12 arranged on the left and right sides of the connecting body 11. When the connection state is switched to the release state, the abutting ends 121 of the two sets of connectors 12 move toward the connecting body 11, so that the connecting device 10 can be connected or separated from the refrigeration equipment on the left and right sides.

[0037] In other embodiments, only one set of connectors 12 may be provided. For example, the left connecting body 11 may be fixedly connected to one of its refrigeration devices, and the right connecting body 12 may be movably connected to another refrigeration device.

[0038] In addition, the connecting body 11 also includes a limiting ring 112, which limits the maximum displacement of the connector 12 into the first connecting groove 21 and the second connecting groove 31, so that it will not extend too far in.

[0039] Furthermore, the connector 12 includes a plurality of connector units 124 arranged in a circumferential array around the connector body 11, and the drive unit 13 includes spring pieces 131 corresponding to the number of connector units 124, such as... Figure 4 As shown, there are four connecting units 124 and four spring pieces 131, spaced at 90° intervals, so that the force of the abutment in all directions is uniform. A support base 111 is provided on the connecting body 11. Each connecting unit 124 is rotatably connected to the support base 111. Each spring piece 131 abuts against its corresponding connecting unit 124. Each spring piece 131 extends along the rotating shaft 122 toward the abutting end 121 and has a tendency to drive the abutting end 121 away from the connecting body 11. The spring piece 131 is set as an elastic spring and always has an outward opening force to push the abutting end 121 of the connector 12 away from the connecting body 11.

[0040] Furthermore, the release part includes a release member 14 and a pusher 15. The release member 14 includes a pusher block 143, a pusher rod 142, and a connecting block 141 connected in sequence. The three move synchronously to the left or right. The connecting member 12 also includes a release end 123, which is located at the other end of the rotating shaft 122 away from the supporting end 121. The release end 123 and the supporting end 121 are located at opposite ends of the rotating shaft 122. When the supporting end 121 is upward, the release end 123 is downward, and vice versa. When switching from the connected state to the released state, the pusher 15 abuts against the connecting block 141 and drives the pusher block 143 to abut against the release end 123 in a direction away from the connecting body 11.

[0041] by Figures 2 to 3 Taking the leftward movement as an example, the pusher 143 gradually pushes the release end 123 outward, while the supporting end 121 on the other side moves inward, that is, moves towards the direction of connecting the body 11, until it becomes... Figure 3In this state, the areas opened by the release end 123 and the abutment end 121 are both smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first opening 22, thereby allowing the connecting device 10 to disengage from the first connecting groove 21.

[0042] Furthermore, two sets of release members 14 and connecting members 12 are provided, with each set of release members 14 corresponding to each set of connecting members 12. The end of the pushing member 15 facing the engaging block 141 has a wedge-shaped surface facing both the left and right sides, and the end of the engaging block 141 facing the pushing member 15 also has a wedge-shaped surface. The pushing member 15 simultaneously pushes the left-side release member 14 to the left and the right-side release member 14 to the right. Figure 2 and Figure 3 For example, when the pusher 15 moves upward, it pushes the release member 14 to move laterally. Since both sides of the pusher 15 are provided with wedge-shaped surfaces, which are named the first wedge-shaped surface 151, and the release member 14 is provided with a second wedge-shaped surface 1411 on the side facing it, the release members 14 on both sides are pushed to move to the left and right respectively. The first wedge-shaped surface 151 and the second wedge-shaped surface 1411 can both be set as cones, so that they can be pushed to move at any rotation position.

[0043] Furthermore, the connecting body 11 includes a chamber 113 extending along one of its connecting members 12 to the other, and an opening 114 communicating with the chamber 113. The opening 114 contains a release member 14. The chambers 113 on the left and right sides of the release member 14 are respectively provided with a pusher 15. The opening 114 may be provided with threads, and the surface of the pusher 15 is also provided with threads. The pusher 15 moves spirally within the opening 114. The end of the pusher 15 away from the connecting block 141 is provided with an adjustment surface 152 for adjusting the movement of the pusher 15. The adjustment surface 152 may be provided with a straight groove or an internal hexagonal groove to facilitate the insertion of a tool to drive it to rotate, and move inward or outward while rotating.

[0044] Furthermore, the release section also includes a reset member 16. In the connected state, the reset member 16 has a tendency to drive the push block 143 away from the release end 123, so that when the push member 15 does not push the release member 14, the release member 14 is always in the position of being released. Figure 2 In the initial state shown, the reset member 16 can be configured as a spring that pushes the release member 14 on the left to move to the right. One side of the reset member 16 abuts against a relatively fixed device, such as the support base 111, and the other side abuts against the engagement block 141, and always has the tendency to push the engagement block 141 toward the pusher 15.

[0045] Furthermore, the push block 143 has a tapered surface 1431 on its surface. The radius of the tapered surface 1431 gradually increases from the release end 123 to the rotating shaft 122. In the connected state, the connector 12 abuts against the tapered surface 1431. That is, in the connected state, the push block 143 also has the function of maintaining the stability of the connector 12. The surface of the connector 12 is also provided with a surface that matches the tapered surface 1431. All four connecting units 124 abut against the tapered surface 1431 in the connected state.

[0046] Compared with the prior art, this embodiment has the following beneficial effects: When the refrigeration equipment is connected, the connecting device 10 extends concealed into the connecting slots on both sides. Physical locking and restriction on both sides are achieved solely through the geometric interference of the two abutting ends 121 opening outwards around the corresponding pivot 122, thus firmly fixing the two refrigeration devices together. Since the connecting body 11 is installed between the two refrigeration devices, it does not occupy external space such as the top and back of the equipment. It does not affect the independent installation and alignment of structures such as the hinges on the top of the equipment, facilitating the opening of the door in any direction. Furthermore, it does not require consistency in the external dimensions, height, or type of the two refrigeration devices being assembled. This overcomes the limitations of traditional modular equipment, such as time-consuming and cumbersome installation, the requirement for identical dimensions, and the constraint of hinges on the opening direction. It significantly improves the structural stability and combination flexibility of heterogeneous modular refrigeration equipment when assembled side-by-side.

[0047] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0048] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible implementation methods of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. All equivalent implementation methods or modifications made without departing from the specific spirit of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A refrigeration equipment component, characterized in that, include: A first refrigeration device, which is provided with a first connecting groove having a first opening; The second refrigeration device is provided with a second connecting groove having a second opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening are disposed opposite to each other. A connecting device includes a connecting body and connecting members respectively disposed on both sides of the connecting body. Each connecting member includes a rotating shaft and a supporting end, and the connecting member is rotatably connected to the connecting body via the rotating shaft. In the connected state, the two sides of the connecting device extend into the first connecting groove and the second connecting groove respectively, and the abutting ends on both sides open outward around the corresponding rotating axis to be confined in the first connecting groove and the second connecting groove respectively, thereby fixing the first refrigeration device and the second refrigeration device together.

2. The refrigeration equipment component according to claim 1, characterized in that: A step is provided at the first opening, and in the connected state, the abutting end is locked to the step.

3. The refrigeration equipment component according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting device further includes a driving member that abuts against the connecting member and has a tendency to drive the abutting end away from the connecting body, so that the connecting device is maintained in the connected state.

4. The refrigeration equipment component according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connector includes a plurality of connecting units arranged in a circumferential array around the connecting body, and the driving member includes a spring piece corresponding to the number of connecting units. Each spring piece extends along the axis of rotation to the abutting end and abuts against the corresponding connecting unit.

5. The refrigeration equipment component according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting device also has a release state. When the connecting state is switched to the release state, the abutting end moves toward the connecting body to allow the connecting device to disengage from the first connecting groove and the second connecting groove.

6. The refrigeration equipment component according to claim 5, characterized in that: In the released state, the area of ​​the first opening covers the area where the abutment end is open within the first connecting groove, and the area of ​​the second opening covers the area where the abutment end is open within the second connecting groove.

7. The refrigeration equipment component according to claim 5, characterized in that: The connecting device further includes a release part disposed on the connecting body, the release part being used to drive the abutment end to move toward the connecting body.

8. The refrigeration equipment component according to claim 7, characterized in that: The release part includes a release member and a pusher. The release member includes a push block, a push rod, and a connecting block connected in sequence. The connecting member also includes a release end disposed at the other end of the rotating shaft away from the abutting end. The pusher is used to drive the connecting block to move, so as to drive the release end to move away from the connecting body through the push rod and the push block.

9. The refrigeration equipment component according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting body includes a limiting ring, which limits the maximum displacement of the connector extending into the first connecting groove and the second connecting groove.

10. The refrigeration equipment component according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first refrigeration device and the second refrigeration device are each independently selected from any one of a refrigerator, upright refrigerator, horizontal freezer, or wine cabinet.

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