Door hinge and shower cubicle using the same

Abstract

This invention discloses a door hinge and a shower room using the same. The door hinge includes: a first connecting seat and a second connecting seat; a connecting shaft is provided with a guide platform, and the end of the guide platform is provided with a guide surface, which includes a first stop, a second stop, and an inclined guide surface; a ball bearing is installed in the second connecting seat, and the relative position of the ball bearing and the second connecting seat along the axial direction of the connecting shaft remains fixed. The ball bearing abuts against the guide surface and can roll relative to the inclined guide surface and be positioned at the first stop or the second stop; the cooperation between the ball bearing and the guide surface allows the first connecting seat and the connecting shaft to rise and fall relative to the second connecting seat when they rotate, and the door automatically closes during the descent process. The rolling friction between the ball bearing and the inclined guide surface reduces the friction experienced by the connecting shaft during rotation, allowing the door to flip smoothly and achieve a purely mechanical reset and closing by the weight of the door itself.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of shower enclosure technology, and in particular to a door hinge and a shower enclosure using the same. Background Technology

[0002] Some existing shower room doors are equipped with an automatic closing function, which achieves automatic reset through hinges with spring or hydraulic structure. However, in the humid working environment of the shower room, these hinge structures are prone to problems such as corrosion, loss of elasticity, hydraulic oil leakage or damping failure, which cause the automatic closing function to fail. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least partially solve one of the aforementioned technical problems in the related art. To this end, the present invention proposes a door hinge.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0005] The present invention also proposes a shower room having the above-mentioned door hinge.

[0006] A door hinge according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention comprises:

[0007] First connecting seat and second connecting seat;

[0008] A connecting shaft is provided with a guide platform. The end of the guide platform is provided with a guide surface. The guide surface includes a first stop, a second stop, and an inclined guide surface. The inclined guide surface extends obliquely around the central axis of the connecting shaft. The first stop and the second stop are provided at both ends of the inclined guide surface. The connecting shaft is fixedly connected to the first connecting seat, and the connecting shaft is rotatably connected to the second connecting seat.

[0009] The ball bearing is installed in the second connecting seat. The relative position of the ball bearing and the second connecting seat along the axial direction of the connecting shaft remains fixed. The ball bearing abuts against the guide surface. The ball bearing can roll relative to the inclined guide surface and can be positioned at the first stop or the second stop.

[0010] The door hinge according to the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: the cooperation between the ball bearing and the guide surface enables the first connecting seat and the connecting shaft to rise and fall relative to the second connecting seat when they rotate, and realizes automatic closing of the door body during the descent process; the rolling friction between the ball bearing and the inclined guide surface reduces the friction experienced by the connecting shaft when rotating, so that the door body can be smoothly flipped over, and the door body can achieve pure mechanical reset and closing by relying on its own weight.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least two of the balls are installed in the second connecting seat, and the balls are distributed at equal intervals along the circumference of the connecting shaft. The guide table is provided with at least two sets of guide surfaces, and each ball is paired with and abuts against the guide surface.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, each of the balls is in the same axial position relative to the connecting shaft, and the second connecting seat is provided with at least two sets of adjusting components. Each set of adjusting components is positioned opposite to each of the balls. The adjusting components are capable of moving radially along the connecting shaft and applying a force to the balls to push them against the side wall of the connecting shaft.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the adjusting assembly includes an adjusting member and a pressing member, the adjusting member being threadedly connected in the second connecting seat and movable relative to the second connecting seat in the radial direction of the connecting shaft, and the pressing member abutting between the adjusting member and the pressing member.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the pressing element is a rubber granule, one end of the pressing element is inserted into the adjusting element, and the other end of the pressing element abuts against the ball bearing.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a locking screw is further included, which is threadedly connected to the second connecting seat and is movable perpendicular to the axial direction of the adjusting member and abuts against the adjusting member.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second connecting seat is provided with a first mounting hole, the interior of the first mounting hole is provided with a step, the step is provided with a recessed position with an arc surface, the ball is placed on the recessed position, and the guide plate is inserted into the first mounting hole.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the connecting shaft is provided with a radially protruding protrusion, the second connecting seat is provided with a second mounting hole, a limiting platform is provided in the second mounting hole, a portion of the shaft of the connecting shaft passes through the second mounting hole, the protrusion is located in the second mounting hole, and when the connecting shaft rotates clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the second connecting seat, the protrusion can abut against the end of the limiting platform to limit the rotational stroke of the connecting shaft.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, both the first stop and the second stop are provided with an arc-shaped groove.

[0019] A shower enclosure according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a door hinge.

[0020] The shower enclosure according to the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: it replaces traditional springs, hydraulic systems and other easily failed reset structures, avoids structural corrosion, elasticity attenuation, hydraulic oil leakage, damping failure and other faults from the root, has a long service life and is suitable for the special working conditions of a humid bathroom.

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a door hinge;

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A structural decomposition diagram;

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A sectional view;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the connecting shaft;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the second connecting seat;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a partial structural breakdown diagram of a shower enclosure.

[0029] Reference numerals: First connecting seat 100; Second connecting seat 200; First mounting hole 210; Step 220; Recess 221; Second mounting hole 230; Limiting platform 231; Connecting shaft 300; Guide platform 310; Guide surface 320; First stop 321; Second stop 322; Inclined guide surface 323; Protrusion 330; Ball bearing 400; Adjusting assembly 500; Adjusting component 510; Pressing component 520; Locking screw 600; Door body 710; Track 720. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0031] The present invention relates to a door hinge, comprising a first connecting seat 100, a second connecting seat 200, a connecting shaft 300, and a ball bearing 400.

[0032] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, the first connecting seat 100 and the second connecting seat 200 are vertically distributed. A connecting shaft 300 connects the first connecting seat 100 and the second connecting seat 200. The axis of the connecting shaft 300 is vertical, i.e., the height direction. The connecting shaft 300 and the first connecting seat 100 are fixedly connected. The upper part of the connecting shaft 300 can be cylindrical, block-shaped, or similar. The upper part of the connecting shaft 300 is inserted upwards into the first connecting seat 100 from the bottom, and then the connecting shaft 300 and the first connecting seat 100 are relatively fixed using locking screws, pins, etc. The lower part of the connecting shaft 300 is inserted downwards into the second connecting seat 200, allowing the first connecting seat 100, along with the connecting shaft 300, to rotate relative to the second connecting seat 200. A guide platform 310 is provided on the connecting shaft 300. The guide platform 310 can be coaxially arranged in a frustum shape in the middle of the connecting shaft 300. The guide platform 310 has a guide surface 320 facing the end face of the second connecting seat 200 (the lower end face of the guide platform 310 in the figure). The guide surface 320 includes a first stop 321, a second stop 322, and an inclined guide surface 323. The inclined guide surface 323 extends obliquely around the central axis of the connecting shaft 300. The first stop 321 is connected to the upper end of the inclined guide surface 323, and the second stop 322 is connected to the lower end of the inclined guide surface 323. In this embodiment, the inclined guide surface 323 extends downward from the first stop 321 around the central axis of the connecting shaft 300 in an arc shape to the second stop 322. The first stop 321 and the second stop 322 can be configured as a groove-shaped structure that is concave upward relative to the guide platform 310 in an arc shape. The ball bearing 400 is installed in the second connecting seat 200. The height position of the ball bearing 400 relative to the second connecting seat 200 does not change axially along the connecting shaft 300; that is, the second connecting seat 200 supports the ball bearing 400. The lower part of the connecting shaft 300 is inserted into the second connecting seat 200, and the guide plate 310 is inserted downwards into the second connecting seat 200, with the guide surface 320 facing downwards and abutting against the ball bearing 400. In actual use, the door hinge can be applied to the door 710 of a shower room or other products such as the door 710 of a cabinet. In this embodiment, as... Figure 6As shown, door hinges are used on the shower enclosure door 710. Door hinges are installed on both the top and bottom sides of the door 710. Taking the hinge installed on the bottom side of the door 710 as an example, the first connecting seat 100 is fixedly installed on the bottom side of the door 710, and the second connecting seat 200 is fixedly installed on the bottom track 720 of the shower enclosure. When the shower enclosure is in the closed position, the ball bearing 400 abuts against the first stop 321. The cooperation between the ball bearing 400 and the first stop 321 keeps the connecting shaft 300 in a constant position relative to the second connecting seat 200 in the rotational direction, thus keeping the door 710 in the closed position. When an external force pushes the door 710 to flip forward towards the open position, the door 710, the first connecting seat 100, and the connecting shaft 300 rotate synchronously relative to the second connecting seat 200. At this time, the first stop 321 disengages from the ball bearing 400, and the ball bearing 400 abuts against the inclined guide surface 323. As the connecting shaft 300 rotates, the ball bearing 400 rolls relative to the inclined guide surface 323. The inclined guide surface 323 is supported by the ball bearing 400, causing the connecting shaft 300 to rise axially during rotation, thereby lifting the first connecting seat 100 and the door 710 to a certain height while opening. After the door 710 flips to the normal open position, the connecting shaft 300 rotates to the second stop 322 and abuts against the ball bearing 400. At this time, the door 710, the first connecting seat 100, and the connecting shaft 300 are positioned in their current positions, and the door 710 remains in the open position. When closing the door is required, simply push the door body 710 with external force to rotate the connecting shaft 300, causing the second stop 322 to separate from the ball bearing 400. The ball bearing 400 then slides onto the inclined guide surface 323. At this point, under the weight of the door body 710, the first connecting seat 100, and the connecting shaft 300, the inclined guide surface 323 can slide relative to the ball bearing 400, causing the door body 710 to gradually rotate in the closing direction. Simultaneously, the door body 710, the first connecting seat 100, and the connecting shaft 300 gradually descend relative to the second connecting seat 200 until the ball bearing 400 slides back onto the first stop 321. The door body 710 then completes the closing action and remains in the closed position. Generally, the angle between the opening and closing of the door body 710 is within the range of 90°. Therefore, the spiral angle of the inclined guide surface 323 extending from the first stop 321 to the second stop 322 around the central axis of the connecting shaft 300 is set to 90°. If it is necessary to coordinate with the door body 710 to have an angle greater than 90° between closing and opening, and to set a range of up to 180°, then the corresponding setting is to set the spiral angle of the inclined guide surface 323 extending from the first stop 321 to the second stop 322 around the central axis of the connecting shaft 300 to be less than or equal to 180°.The cooperation between the ball bearing 400 and the guide surface 320 allows the first connecting seat 100 and the connecting shaft 300 to rise and fall relative to the second connecting seat 200 when they rotate. During the descent, the door 710 automatically closes. The rolling friction between the ball bearing 400 and the inclined guide surface 323 reduces the friction on the connecting shaft 300 during rotation, allowing the door 710 to rotate smoothly. The door 710 achieves a purely mechanical reset and closes by its own weight, replacing traditional springs, hydraulic systems, and other easily failed reset structures. This avoids structural corrosion, elasticity attenuation, hydraulic oil leakage, damping failure, and other faults from the root, resulting in a long service life and suitability for the humid conditions of bathrooms.

[0033] The second connecting seat 200 is equipped with at least two balls 400, which are evenly spaced along the circumference of the connecting shaft 300 and are all at the same height within the second connecting seat 200. The guide table 310 has at least two sets of guide surfaces 320, with the first stop 321 and the second stop 322 of each guide surface 320 at the same height. The number of guide surfaces 320 is the same as the number of balls 400, and each ball 400 is paired with a guide surface 320 in a one-to-one manner. The cooperation between at least two balls 400 and the guide surfaces 320 improves the stability of the cooperation between the balls 400 and the guide table 310. Furthermore, each ball 400 is at the same axial position relative to the connecting shaft 300, meaning each ball 400 is at the same height relative to the connecting shaft 300. The second connecting seat 200 is provided with at least two sets of adjusting components 500, each set of adjusting components 500 being positioned opposite each of the aforementioned balls 400. The adjusting components 500 are capable of radial movement along the connecting shaft 300, applying a radial force to the balls 400, which pushes the balls 400 against the sidewall of the connecting shaft 300. At least two balls 400 cooperate to clamp the connecting shaft 300 radially, creating a preload. The magnitude of the preload can be changed by altering the position of the adjusting components 500. Correspondingly, the greater the pressure exerted by the adjusting components 500 on the balls 400, the greater the preload, and the greater the friction between the adjusting components 500 and the balls 400, as well as the friction between the balls 400 and the connecting shaft 300. The heavier the door body 710, the greater its inertia as it slides down the first connecting seat 100 and the connecting shaft 300 towards the closed position, resulting in a faster closing speed. Based on the weight of the door body 710, the preload of the ball bearing 400 on the connecting shaft 300 is adjusted via the adjusting component 500. For heavier door bodies 710, the preload is increased; for lighter door bodies 710, the preload is decreased. This ensures that the door body 710 closes gently during automatic closing, effectively preventing problems such as pinching fingers or damaging the door body 710's rubber strips due to excessive speed. This design is suitable for door bodies 710 of varying weights. Users can also adjust the preload according to their usage habits.

[0034] Specifically, the adjusting assembly 500 includes an adjusting member 510 and a pressing member 520. The adjusting member 510 has external threads and is installed in the second connecting seat 200, with the adjusting member 510 threadedly connected to the second connecting seat 200. When the adjusting member 510 is rotated, it can move radially relative to the second connecting seat 200 along the connecting shaft 300, with the pressing member 520 abutting between the adjusting member 510 and the pressing member 520. The adjusting member 510 applies pressure to the ball bearing 400 using the pressing member 520. After prolonged use, friction between the pressing member 520 and the ball bearing 400 will cause wear and gaps in the pressing member 520, resulting in changes in the preload. At this point, the position of the adjusting member 510 can be readjusted to compensate for the gaps. The pressing member 520 can be made of materials such as POM, nylon, rubber, or silicone. One end of the pressure piece 520 is inserted into the adjusting piece 510, and the other end of the pressure piece 520 abuts against the ball bearing 400. The rubber granules are easy to install, low in cost, and easy to maintain. Simultaneously, the rubber granules buffer and reduce noise from the ball bearing 400, ensuring smooth and quiet opening and closing of the door 710 without jamming or abnormal noise. The rubber granules have no easily corroded or aged parts and possess excellent waterproof, moisture-proof, scale-proof, and rust-proof properties, making them suitable for long-term use in the high-temperature, high-humidity, and high-moisture corrosive conditions of bathrooms, thus extending product lifespan. Furthermore, a locking screw 600 is installed on the second connecting seat 200, and the locking screw 600 is threaded to the second connecting seat 200. When the locking screw 600 rotates, it moves relative to the adjusting piece 510 perpendicular to its axial direction. After the position of the adjusting piece 510 is adjusted, the locking screw 600 abuts against the adjusting piece 510, locking the adjusting piece 510 in its current position and preventing it from loosening during use.

[0035] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the second connecting seat 200 is provided with a first mounting hole 210, and the interior of the first mounting hole 210 is provided with a step 220. The upper end surface of the step 220 is provided with a recessed position 221 with a downward-curved arc. The ball bearing 400 is placed on the recessed position 221, and the guide table 310 is inserted into the first mounting hole 210. The guide table 310 presses down on the ball bearing 400, and the recessed position 221 supports the ball bearing 400, so that the ball bearing 400 is kept at the current height position and rolls.

[0036] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, the connecting shaft 300 has a radially protruding protrusion 330, which can be fan-shaped. The second connecting seat 200 has a second mounting hole 230, in which a limiting platform 231 is provided. A portion of the connecting shaft 300 passes through the second mounting hole 230. With the protrusion 330 located in the second mounting hole 230, when the connecting shaft 300 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the second connecting seat 200, the protrusion 330 abuts against the end of the limiting platform 231. Through the cooperation of the limiting platform 231 and the protrusion 330, the rotational stroke of the connecting shaft 300 is further restricted.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0038] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0039] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0040] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0041] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "some specific embodiments" indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0042] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A door hinge, characterized in that, include: First connecting seat (100) and second connecting seat (200); A connecting shaft (300) is provided with a guide platform (310). The end of the guide platform (310) is provided with a guide surface (320). The guide surface (320) includes a first stop (321), a second stop (322), and an inclined guide surface (323). The inclined guide surface (323) extends obliquely around the central axis of the connecting shaft (300). The first stop (321) and the second stop (322) are provided at both ends of the inclined guide surface (323). The connecting shaft (300) is fixedly connected to the first connecting seat (100). The connecting shaft (300) is rotatably connected to the second connecting seat (200). A ball (400) is installed in the second connecting seat (200). The relative position of the ball (400) and the second connecting seat (200) along the axial direction of the connecting shaft (300) remains fixed. The ball (400) abuts against the guide surface (320). The ball (400) can roll relative to the inclined guide surface (323) and can be positioned at the first stop (321) or the second stop (322).

2. The door hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second connecting seat (200) is equipped with at least two of the ball bearings (400), and each of the ball bearings (400) is distributed at equal intervals along the circumference of the connecting shaft (300). The guide table (310) is provided with at least two sets of guide surfaces (320), and each of the ball bearings (400) is paired with and abuts against the guide surface (320).

3. The door hinge according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each ball (400) is positioned in the same axial direction relative to the connecting shaft (300). The second connecting seat (200) is provided with at least two sets of adjusting components (500). Each set of adjusting components (500) is positioned opposite to each ball (400). The adjusting components (500) can move radially along the connecting shaft (300) and apply a force to the ball (400) to push it against the side wall of the connecting shaft (300).

4. The door hinge according to claim 3, characterized in that: The adjustment assembly (500) includes an adjustment member (510) and a pressure member (520). The adjustment member (510) is threadedly connected to the second connecting seat (200) and is movable relative to the second connecting seat (200) in the radial direction of the connecting shaft (300). The pressure member (520) abuts between the adjustment member (510) and the pressure member (520).

5. The door hinge according to claim 4, characterized in that: The pressing element (520) is a rubber pellet. One end of the pressing element (520) is inserted into the adjusting element (510), and the other end of the pressing element (520) abuts against the ball (400).

6. The door hinge according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a locking screw (600) which is threaded onto the second connecting seat (200) and is capable of moving perpendicular to the axial direction of the adjusting member (510) and abutting against the adjusting member (510).

7. The door hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second connecting seat (200) is provided with a first mounting hole (210), and the interior of the first mounting hole (210) is provided with a step (220). The step (220) is provided with a recessed position (221) with an arc surface. The ball (400) is placed on the recessed position (221), and the guide plate (310) is inserted into the first mounting hole (210).

8. The door hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting shaft (300) is provided with a radially protruding protrusion (330), the second connecting seat (200) is provided with a second mounting hole (230), and a limiting platform (231) is provided in the second mounting hole (230). A portion of the shaft of the connecting shaft (300) passes through the second mounting hole (230), and the protrusion (330) is located in the second mounting hole (230). When the connecting shaft (300) rotates forward or backward relative to the second connecting seat (200), the protrusion (330) can abut against the end of the limiting platform (231) to limit the rotation stroke of the connecting shaft (300).

9. The door hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first stop (321) and the second stop (322) are provided with arc-shaped grooves.

10. A shower enclosure, characterized in that, Includes the door hinge as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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