Auxiliary door opening device and refrigerator

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of refrigerator accessories, in particular to an auxiliary door opening device and a refrigerator. The auxiliary door opening device comprises a control mechanism and an elastic ejection mechanism. The control mechanism is composed of a mounting seat, a button head and a button core. The mounting seat is internally provided with a sliding channel. The button head and the button core are sequentially arranged in the channel. The elastic ejection mechanism comprises a structure column and an elastic piece. The structure column is arranged on a box body and located at the end of the button core. The elastic piece is abutted between the structure column and the box body. A plurality of guide bosses are arranged on the inner wall of the sliding channel and used for guiding the button core to switch between a locking position and a release position. In the locking state, the button core is abutted against the structure column to store energy in the elastic piece. After triggering, the button core is switched to the release position, the elastic piece releases energy and drives the structure column to open the door body. The application realizes door closing energy storage and light-touch opening through pure mechanical time sequence cooperation, reduces the door opening pulling force, is independent of a traditional handle, does not change the existing habits of users and enriches the door opening mode selection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigerator accessories technology, and in particular to an auxiliary door opening device and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] As refrigerators evolve towards larger capacities and multi-door designs, the size and weight of refrigerator doors have increased. Simultaneously, the increased magnetic area of ​​the door seal and the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the refrigerator have led to a significant increase in the pulling force required to open the door. Currently, most refrigerators on the market still use a traditional single-door handle, requiring users to overcome considerable door seal suction and the door's own weight to open it. To alleviate this difficulty in opening the door, some high-end refrigerators are beginning to be equipped with electric or mechanical auxiliary door opening devices. These include motor-driven push rods to open the door, or the use of electromagnets to generate impact force through instantaneous attraction. These auxiliary devices are usually integrated into the door or refrigerator body and can be triggered by a touch panel or remote control button, reducing the difficulty of opening the door to some extent.

[0003] Existing door opening devices suffer from problems such as inconvenient triggering and difficulty in achieving instant response. Users often need to apply continuous force or force in a specific direction to trigger the door opening action, resulting in a significant delay in response and failing to provide a smooth experience of opening the door with a single press. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an auxiliary door opening device and a refrigerator to solve the problems of existing auxiliary door opening devices, such as inconvenient triggering operation and difficulty in achieving instant response. Users often need to apply continuous force or force in a specific direction to trigger the door opening action, and there is a significant delay in response, making it impossible to obtain a smooth experience of opening with a single press.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides an auxiliary door opening device for a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising a cabinet and a door, including: The control mechanism includes a mounting base, a button head, and a button core. The mounting base is disposed on the door body and has a sliding channel. The button head is slidably disposed in the sliding channel along the axial direction of the mounting base, and the button core is movably disposed in the sliding channel. An elastic ejection mechanism includes a structural column and an elastic element. The structural column is movably disposed in the housing. Both ends of the elastic element abut against the structural column and the housing, respectively. The structural column is located at the end of the button core away from the button head. The inner wall of the sliding channel is provided with multiple guide protrusions, each of which is used to guide the button core to switch between the locked position and the released position; When the button core is in the locked position, the button core abuts against the structural column to keep the elastic element in an energy-storing state; when the button core switches from the locked position to the released position under the drive of the button head, the elastic element releases energy to drive the structural column to open the door, and the button core releases its restriction on the structural column.

[0006] Optionally, the button head has an abutting portion at one end near the button core, and the button core has a mating portion, the mating portion having a first mating section that abuts the abutting portion and a second mating section that slides on the guide boss.

[0007] Optionally, the guide boss has a first sliding surface, the second mating section has a second sliding surface, the first sliding surface abuts against the second sliding surface to allow the button core to slide along the axial direction of the sliding channel, and the second mating section is slidably disposed between two adjacent guide bosses along the axial direction of the sliding channel.

[0008] Optionally, the abutting portion has a first abutting slope, and the first mating section has a second abutting slope. The first abutting slope can abut against the second abutting slope to allow the button core to rotate circumferentially along the sliding channel.

[0009] Optionally, the guide boss has a first guide slope at one end near the structural column. When the second mating section slides to the end of the guide boss, the first abutting slope can abut against the second abutting slope and drive the button core to move, so that the second abutting slope moves to a position abutting against the first guide slope, thereby realizing the switching from the locked position to the released position.

[0010] Optionally, the guide boss is further provided with a second guide ramp, which is located on the side of the first guide ramp facing away from the structural column. The second guide ramp is used to guide the second abutment ramp to move between two adjacent guide bosses.

[0011] Optionally, the angle between the first abutting inclined surface and the axial direction of the mounting base is equal to the angle between the second abutting inclined surface and the axial direction of the mounting base.

[0012] Optionally, the abutting portion has a plurality of first abutting slopes spaced apart circumferentially along the button head, and the first mating section has a plurality of second abutting slopes spaced apart circumferentially along the button core.

[0013] Optionally, the outer peripheral wall of the button head is provided with guide ribs, which are slidably disposed between two adjacent guide bosses along the axial direction of the sliding channel.

[0014] Optionally, the mounting base is provided with a limiting part at one end away from the structural column, and the limiting part is located on the inner wall of the sliding channel.

[0015] Secondly, this application provides a refrigerator, including a cabinet, a door, and an auxiliary door opening device provided in the first aspect of this application, wherein the auxiliary door opening device is disposed between the cabinet and the door.

[0016] The technical solutions provided in this application have the following advantages compared with the prior art: This application uses a mounting base to be fixedly embedded in a through hole on the edge of the door. Its internal sliding channel provides axial movement guidance for the button head and button core. The button head passes through the sliding channel near the user, with its outer end protruding from the door surface for pressing, and its inner end engaging with the button core. The button core can move axially and rotate under the push of the button head. Simultaneously, an elastic ejection mechanism is independently located on the side of the housing facing the door, with a retractable structural column. The elastic element is connected to the structural column, ensuring it is always subjected to an elastic thrust towards the door. Multiple guide bosses are fixed to the inner wall of the sliding channel and spaced circumferentially to limit the movement path of the button core. When the button core is in the locked position, its end face... The end face of the structural column abuts against the elastic element, compressing and storing energy, but the elastic potential energy is insufficient to push the door open. When the user presses the button head, it drives the button core to slide along the guide boss to the end position. When the button core slides to the end position, the abutting force between the button core and the structural column is released. The accumulated elastic potential energy of the elastic element is greater than the door opening resistance and releases energy instantly, driving the structural column to extend and push the edge of the door. This achieves the separation of the natural energy storage during the closing process and the release of energy after the button is pressed and slides along the track to the end. This allows the user to trigger the door opening with only a small pressing force, greatly reducing the pulling force required to open the door. At the same time, the pure mechanical structure does not rely on electricity and has high reliability. It is especially suitable for refrigerators with large capacity and heavy doors. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an auxiliary door opening device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an auxiliary door opening device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 2 ; Figure 3 for Figure 1 Sectional view along the AA direction; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of an auxiliary door opening device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 3 ; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of an auxiliary door opening device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 4 ; Figure 6 for Figure 4 Sectional view in the BB direction.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Control mechanism; 11. Mounting base; 12. Button head; 13. Button core; 11a. Sliding channel; 111. Guide boss; 121. Abutting part; 131. Mating part; 1311. First mating section; 1312. Second mating section; 1111. First sliding surface; 1313. Second sliding surface; 1211. First abutting slope; 1314. Second abutting slope; 1112. First guide slope; 1113. Second guide slope; 122. Guide rib; 112. Limiting part; 2. Elastic ejection mechanism; 21. Structural column; 22. Elastic component. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed.

[0024] For ease of description, spatial relative terms may be used in the text to describe the relative position or movement of one element or feature relative to another element or feature, as shown in the figure. These relative terms include, for example, "inside," "outside," "middle," "outer," "below," "below," "above," "front," "back," etc. Such spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation, other than those depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure undergoes a positional flip, orientation change, or change of motion, these directional indications will change accordingly. For instance, an element described as "below other elements or features" or "below other elements or features" will subsequently be oriented "above other elements or features" or "above other elements or features." Therefore, the example term "below" can include both upper and lower orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other directions), and the spatial relative descriptors used in the text will be interpreted accordingly.

[0025] To address the issues of existing door opening assist devices, such as inconvenient triggering and lack of instant response (users often need to apply continuous force or force in a specific direction to trigger the opening action, resulting in a significant response delay and failing to provide a smooth, one-touch opening experience), this application provides a door opening assist device. This device utilizes a purely mechanical button triggering mechanism coupled with the timing of elastic energy storage and release. Energy storage is naturally completed during the closing process using the door's closing motion. When opening, the user only needs to lightly touch the button; once the button core slides along the guide protrusion to the end release position, the elastic element instantly releases energy to open the door, achieving a press-to-open assist door opening effect and reducing the pulling force required for opening. Furthermore, this device is independent of traditional handles, does not affect the user's existing door opening habits, and provides diverse operational options.

[0026] Figures 1 to 6An auxiliary door opening device provided in this application embodiment is applied to a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet and a door. The auxiliary door opening device includes a control mechanism 1 and an elastic ejection mechanism 2. The control mechanism 1 includes a mounting base 11, a button head 12, and a button core 13. The mounting base 11 is disposed on the door and has a sliding channel 11a. The button head 12 is slidably disposed in the sliding channel 11a along the axial direction of the mounting base 11, and the button core 13 is movably disposed in the sliding channel 11a. The elastic ejection mechanism 2 includes a structural column 21 and an elastic element 22. The structural column 21 is movably disposed on the cabinet, and the two ends of the elastic element 22 are... Do not contact the structural column 21 and the box body. The structural column 21 is located at the end of the button core 13 away from the button head 12. The inner wall of the sliding channel 11a is provided with multiple guide protrusions 111. Each guide protrusion 111 is used to guide the button core 13 to switch between the locked position and the released position. When the button core 13 is in the locked position, the button core 13 abuts against the structural column 21 so that the elastic element 22 is kept in an energy-storing state. When the button core 13 switches from the locked position to the released position under the drive of the button head 12, the elastic element 22 releases energy to drive the structural column 21 to open the door body, and the button core 13 releases the restriction on the structural column 21.

[0027] In this embodiment, the mounting base 11 serves as the supporting foundation for the entire control mechanism 1. It is fixedly embedded in the through hole at the edge of the door opening end. The sliding channel 11a inside provides a guiding space for the axial movement of the button head 12 and the button core 13. The button head 12 passes through the sliding channel 11a on the side closer to the user, with its outer end protruding from the door surface for the user to press. The other end of the button head 12 forms a driving engagement with the button core 13. The button core 13 is located within the sliding channel 11a and can move axially and rotate under the push of the button head 12. The elastic ejection mechanism 2 is independently set on the side of the housing facing the door. The structural column 21 is telescopically mounted on the surface of the housing. The elastic element 22 (such as a compression spring) is sleeved on the structural column 21, with its two ends abutting against the flange of the structural column 21 and the bottom wall of the housing mounting groove, respectively, so that the structural column 21 is always subjected to an elastic thrust towards the door. Multiple guide protrusions 111 are fixed to the inner wall of the sliding channel 11a and are distributed circumferentially. Their axial extension length and end profile shape determine the movement path of the button core 13. When the button core 13 closes with the door and presses against the structural column 21, causing the elastic element 22 to be compressed to the locked position, the end face of the button core 13 abuts against the end face of the structural column 21. Under the elastic force of the elastic element 22, the structural column 21 tends to pop outward. However, at this time, the elastic potential energy generated by the compression of the elastic element 22 is insufficient to overcome the door opening resistance. At this time, the refrigerator door is in the closed state. When the button core 13 slides along the guide protrusion 111 to the end position of the guide protrusion 111 (release position) under the drive of the button head 12, the button core 13 releases the restriction on the structural column 21. The energy stored in the elastic element 22 is released instantly, driving the structural column 21 to push open the door. Under the elastic force of the elastic element 22, the structural column 21 extends and pushes the edge of the door to achieve assisted door opening. Through the timing separation of energy storage, pressing trigger, and release at the end of guide boss 111 by the elastic element 22, the user only needs to apply a small pressing force to trigger the door opening, which reduces the pulling force required to open the door. At the same time, the pure mechanical structure does not rely on electricity, has high reliability and strong applicability, and is especially suitable for refrigerators with large capacity and heavy doors.

[0028] Please see Figures 3 to 6In one embodiment, the button head 12 has an abutment portion 121 at one end near the button core 13, and the button core 13 has a mating portion 131. The mating portion 131 has a first mating section 1311 that abuts against the abutment portion 121 and a second mating section 1312 that slides on the guide boss 111. The abutment portion 121 is an end face structure of the button head 12 facing the button core 13, and may be a plurality of protrusions or protrusions spaced circumferentially on the end face of the button head 12, with the side of each protrusion facing the button core 13 being the abutment working surface. The mating portion 131 is a boss structure on the end face of the button core 13 facing the button head 12. The side or top area of ​​the boss structure on its end face forms the first mating section 1311, which is used to directly contact the abutment portion 121 to receive the driving force of the button head 12; the radially outer peripheral area forms the second mating section 1312, which is used to form a sliding fit with the guide boss 111 in the axial direction of the sliding channel 11a.

[0029] Specifically, the button core 13 can be designed as a stepped disc structure composed of two concentric cylinders. When the user presses the button head 12, the protrusion in the center of the button core 13 extends into the button head 12 for axial positioning and allows the button core 13 to rotate circumferentially relative to the button head 12, preventing the button core 13 from being misaligned under the contact of the button head 12. The side of the protrusion at the bottom of the button core 13 near the contact portion 121 of the button head 12 forms a first mating section 1311, which contacts the contact portion 121. The first mating section 1311 extends from the upper surface of the bottom protrusion of the button core 13 to the outer peripheral wall of the protrusion to form a second mating section 1312. Its outer peripheral contour is adapted to the gap shape between adjacent guide protrusions 111, so that the button core 13 can slide axially along the sliding channel 11a under the guidance of the guide protrusions 111, and can also rotate around its own axis under the push of the contact portion 121 when it reaches the end of the guide protrusions 111. This segmented design separates the drive input and guide output functions. The first mating section 1311 focuses on receiving the pressing pressure and rotational driving force of the button head 12, while the second mating section 1312 focuses on the mechanical mating with the guide boss 111 to achieve circumferential sliding along the sliding channel 11a. The functional division is clear and the structure is compact, which helps to improve the reliability and accuracy of motion transmission, while reducing the difficulty of processing and assembly.

[0030] Please see Figure 6In this embodiment, the sidewall of each guide boss 111 extending axially along the sliding channel 11a constitutes a first sliding surface 1111, which is a plane parallel to the axial direction of the sliding channel 11a. The portion of the outer peripheral wall of the second mating section 1312 that slides in contact with the guide boss 111 constitutes a second sliding surface 1313. In the assembled state, the second sliding surface 1313 is in close contact with the first sliding surface 1111, so that when the button core 13 moves axially, the second mating section 1312 is restricted to the gap between two adjacent guide bosses 111, and can only translate axially and cannot rotate around the axis. In other words, this structure limits the button core 13 to only having axial movement freedom in the non-triggering stage. For example, when a user presses the button head 12, the abutting part 121 of the button head 12 first drives the button core 13 to translate axially towards the structural column 21. At this time, the cooperation between the first sliding surface 1111 and the second sliding surface 1313 ensures that the button core 13 will not deflect, and only transmits the pressing force as an axial thrust, so that the end face of the button core 13 reliably abuts against the structural column 21 and compresses the elastic element 22. This sliding fit structure is simple and has high guiding accuracy, which can prevent the button core 13 from radially moving or deviating during the movement, ensuring the stability and consistency of the movement.

[0031] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 6 In one embodiment, the abutting portion 121 at the end of the button head 12 is provided with a first abutting inclined surface 1211, and the first mating section 1311 at the end of the button core 13 is provided with a corresponding second abutting inclined surface 1314. The two inclined surfaces are arranged opposite each other and abut against each other. When the user presses the button head 12, the button head 12 moves axially toward the housing. The first abutting inclined surface 1211 pushes the second abutting inclined surface 1314. However, since the second mating section 1312 is clamped between two adjacent guide bosses 111 at this time, the first sliding surface 1111 of the guide bosses 111 and the second sliding surface 1313 of the second mating section 1312 slide in cooperation, which limits the circumferential degree of freedom of the button core 13. Therefore, the button core 13 cannot rotate and can only translate axially toward the structural column 21. This axial translational movement causes the end face of the button core 13 to gradually press against the structural column 21, thereby compressing the elastic element 22 to complete energy storage. In other words, before the button core 13 moves to the end of the guide boss 111, the contact between the first abutting inclined surface 1211 and the second abutting inclined surface 1314 is only used to transmit axial thrust, not rotational driving force. This phased motion design, which first translates and then rotates, ensures that the movement direction is singular and the trajectory is determined in the initial stage of pressing, avoiding accidental deflection of the button core 13 during the energy storage stage that could lead to unlocking failure. This ensures the reliability and consistency of energy storage in the elastic element 22, and provides a clear and stable pressing feel for the user.

[0032] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 6In this embodiment, when the button core 13 moves axially under the push of the button head 12 until its second mating section 1312 is completely disengaged from the end of the guide boss 111, the second sliding surface 1313 no longer contacts the first sliding surface 1111, and the circumferential limitation of the guide boss 111 on the button core 13 disappears. At this time, although the button head 12 may have been pressed to the limit position, since the first abutting inclined surface 1211 and the second abutting inclined surface 1314 are still in abutting state, and both inclined surfaces are guide surfaces with the same inclination direction, the circumferential component force generated by the inclined surface mating begins to take effect, and the button core 13 rotates slightly around its own axis under the drive of this circumferential component force. This rotation causes the second abutting inclined surface 1314 to rotate from its original position facing the side wall of the guide boss 111 to its position facing the first guide inclined surface 1112 at the end of the guide boss 111. This process utilizes the moment when the elastic element 22 has completed energy storage and the button core 13 has reached the end of its stroke. At the instant the guide boss 111 is released from its limit, rotation is naturally triggered, realizing the process from the completion of energy storage to the release of elastic potential energy to open the door, and finally to the remaining elastic potential energy pushing the structural column 21 to abut against the button core 13 and move into the sliding channel 11a in the mounting base 11. No additional rotational torque or secondary operation is required from the user, and the motion transition is smooth and seamless.

[0033] Please see Figure 6 In one embodiment, the guide boss 111 has a first guide ramp 1112 at its end near the structural column 21. When the button core 13 completes its rotation and the second abutting ramp 1314 rotates to abut against the first guide ramp 1112, the elastic element 22 is in a compressed and energy-storing state. Subsequently, the elastic element 22 releases energy to drive the structural column 21 to extend and open the door. After the door opens, the user releases the button head 12. At this time, under the restoring force of the elastic element 22, the button core 13 retracts axially away from the structural column 21 (i.e., towards the button head 12). During the retraction process, the second abutting inclined surface 1314 and the first guide inclined surface 1112 form an inclined sliding engagement. Since the first guide inclined surface 1112 is inclined relative to the axial direction, the second abutting inclined surface 1314 is forced to generate further circumferential rotation when sliding along the first guide inclined surface 1112. This rotation guides the second mating section 1312 of the button core 13 to gradually deviate from the blocking area at the end of the guide boss 111, and finally slide into the axial channel between two adjacent guide bosses 111, completing the reset. This solution makes full use of the residual elastic force after the elastic element 22 is released to drive the button core 13 to automatically reset, without the need for an additional reset spring, resulting in a simple structure. At the same time, the first guide inclined surface 1112 converts the axial retraction motion into a rotational reset motion, allowing the button core 13 to automatically find the correct circumferential angle during the reset process, ensuring that the second mating section 1312 can accurately enter the guide channel between adjacent guide bosses 111 when pressed again, thus realizing the return of the button core 13 to its original position.

[0034] Please see Figure 6 In this embodiment, in addition to a first guide ramp 1112 at the end of the guide boss 111 near the structural post 21, a second guide ramp 1113 is also provided at the end away from the structural post 21 (i.e., the side facing away from the structural post 21, the end near the button head 12). That is, the ends of the same guide boss 111 are respectively provided with a first guide ramp 1112 and a second guide ramp 1113. It should be noted that the first guide ramp 1112 is used to guide the button core 13 to rotate back from the end of the guide boss 111 into the channel between adjacent bosses, while the second guide ramp 1113 further provides guidance at the entrance of the channel, ensuring that the second abutting ramp 1314 can smoothly enter the axial channel between two adjacent guide bosses 111. Specifically, when the button core 13 retracts axially towards the button head 12 under the reset force of the elastic element 22, the second abutting inclined surface 1314 slides along the first guide inclined surface 1112 and rotates, then slides into the gap between two adjacent guide bosses 111. During the sliding process, the second guide inclined surface 1113, as a guide slope at the entrance of the gap, corresponds to and cooperates with the second abutting inclined surface 1314, further correcting the circumferential angle of the button core 13, ensuring that the second mating section 1312 accurately enters the axial channel between the two adjacent guide bosses 111, and avoiding jamming or sticking between the second mating section 1312 and the end face of the guide boss 111 due to rotation angle deviation. By setting the second guide inclined surface 1113 at the end of the first guide inclined surface 1112 away from the structural column 21, the button core 13 can receive smooth guidance from the inclined surface throughout the entire reset process, from disengaging from the end of the guide boss 111, to rotating and sliding into the gap, and then fully entering the axial channel, with a continuous and uninterrupted movement trajectory. After the user releases the button, the button core 13 can automatically and smoothly reset and accurately enter the locked position, preparing for the next press to open the door, further improving the smoothness of operation and long-term reliability of the device.

[0035] Please see Figure 3In this embodiment, the inclination angle of the first abutting inclined surface 1211 relative to the axial direction of the mounting base 11 and the inclination angle of the second abutting inclined surface 1314 relative to the axial direction of the mounting base 11 are configured to be equal. Equal angles ensure that the two inclined surfaces form a surface contact fit when they abut against each other, maximizing the contact area. In the initial pressing stage, this angle configuration allows the axial force applied by the button head 12 to be uniformly transmitted as the axial thrust of the button core 13, avoiding unnecessary relative sliding or uneven wear between the two inclined surfaces due to angle deviation. In the later pressing stage (after the circumferential limit is released), this angle configuration ensures that the axial thrust can be efficiently converted into rotational driving force, resulting in smooth and unhindered motion transitions. This equal angle design also gives the button core 13 symmetrical motion characteristics during forward rotation (pressing stage) and reverse rotation (reset stage), which helps simplify the kinematic analysis of the mechanism and improves long-term stability.

[0036] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6 In one embodiment, the abutting portion 121 of the button head 12 is provided with a plurality of first abutting inclined surfaces 1211 (e.g., 12, spaced at 30° intervals) evenly spaced along the circumference. The first mating section 1311 of the button core 13 is provided with the same number of second abutting inclined surfaces 1314 (e.g., 12) with matching circumferential positions. The simultaneous contact of multiple inclined surfaces disperses the concentrated load into multiple transmission paths, reducing the contact stress of each inclined surface, lowering the wear rate, and extending the device's lifespan. During the rotation triggering process of the button core 13, multiple sets of inclined surfaces act synchronously. Even if a set of inclined surfaces has a small gap due to processing errors, the remaining inclined surfaces can still ensure reliable drive transmission, improving fault tolerance. During the reset phase, the button core 13 may be at various circumferential angles after rotation. At least one of the multiple second abutting inclined surfaces 1314 can always align with the first guide inclined surface 1112 of the guide boss 111 and slide smoothly in, avoiding reset failure due to a single inclined surface not rotating into position. In mass production, multi-sloping structures can be formed in one step using standardized molds or tools, with mature processing technology and controllable costs.

[0037] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 4In this embodiment, the outer peripheral wall of the button head 12 is provided with a radially protruding guide rib 122, which extends axially along the button head 12. The inner wall of the sliding channel 11a of the mounting base 11 is provided with a guide boss 111 (which may be the same structure as the guide boss 111 of the guide button core 13), and an axially extending guide groove is formed between two adjacent guide bosses 111, in which the guide rib 122 is slidably embedded. This guide mating structure restricts the button head 12 to only translate axially within the sliding channel 11a and prevents it from rotating around the axis, ensuring that the button head 12 does not deflect when pressed by the user, and that the pressing direction is always perpendicular to the door surface, resulting in a stable operating feel. Since the button head 12 cannot rotate, when the button core 13 rotates under the drive of the inclined plane, the button head 12 remains stationary, thereby forming a relative rotation between the button head 12 and the button core 13. This relative rotation is the power source for driving the state switching of the button core 13. In other words, the guide rib 122 and the guide boss 111 provide a fixed end for the rotation of the button core 13, so that the button head 12 can apply a rotational driving torque to the button core 13 instead of rotating with it, thus realizing the control of linear pressing drive circumferential rotation.

[0038] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 6 In one embodiment, the inner wall of the sliding channel 11a of the mounting base 11 near the exposed end of the button head 12 (i.e., the end away from the structural column 21) is provided with a radially inwardly protruding limiting portion 112. The limiting portion 112 can be a continuous annular flange or a plurality of protrusions spaced circumferentially. The inner diameter of the limiting portion 112 is larger than the outer diameter of the outer end of the button head 12 but smaller than the outer diameter of the end of the button head 12 near the button core 13, thereby forming a mechanical stop when the button head 12 moves outward. The limiting portion 112 prevents the button head 12 from dislodging outward from the sliding channel 11a under the restoring force of the elastic member 22, ensuring that the button head 12 is always constrained within the sliding channel 11a, thus improving the safety of the device. During the reset process of the button core 13, the limiting part 112 also serves as the limit position for the button core 13 to retract towards the button head 12, preventing the button core 13 from retracting excessively and causing disengagement from the first abutting inclined surface 1211. This ensures that the first abutting inclined surface 1211 and the second abutting inclined surface 1314 can accurately align and contact each time it is pressed. The limiting part 112 can be integrally injection molded or machined with the mounting base 11, eliminating the need for additional fasteners, resulting in low cost and high reliability.

[0039] Secondly, in this embodiment, the refrigerator can be a large-capacity refrigerator such as a French door or a multi-door refrigerator, including a cabinet and a door, as well as the auxiliary door opening device provided in the first aspect of this application. The auxiliary door opening device is disposed between the cabinet and the door. Specifically, the mounting base 11 of the control mechanism 1 is embedded in a through hole on the edge of the door, and the outer end face of the button head 12 protrudes from the door surface for the user to press. The structural column 21 and elastic element 22 of the elastic ejection mechanism 2 are installed on the front side frame of the cabinet at positions corresponding to the button head 12. When the user presses the button head 12, the transmission process is as described above: first, the elastic element 22 is compressed to store energy and slightly open the door; then, the elastic element 22 releases energy to push the door open at a certain angle, thus achieving assisted door opening. By integrating this device into the refrigerator, the refrigerator can simultaneously have two independent door opening methods: traditional handle opening and button-assisted door opening. Users can freely choose according to the scenario. When holding items with both hands, the door can be opened by lightly touching the button with the elbow or fingers. People with less strength, such as the elderly and children, can also easily complete the door opening operation, enriching the door opening operation methods of the refrigerator and reducing the difficulty of opening the door.

[0040] It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” as used herein may also include the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not construed as requiring them to be performed in a particular order described or illustrated unless the order of performance is explicitly indicated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0041] Although terms such as first, second, third, etc., may be used in this document to describe multiple elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0042] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. An auxiliary door opening device, applied to a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising a cabinet and a door, characterized in that, include: The control mechanism (1) includes a mounting base (11), a button head (12), and a button core (13). The mounting base (11) is disposed on the door body. A sliding channel (11a) is provided in the mounting base (11). The button head (12) is slidably disposed in the sliding channel (11a) along the axial direction of the mounting base (11). The button core (13) is movably disposed in the sliding channel (11a). The elastic ejection mechanism (2) includes a structural column (21) and an elastic element (22). The structural column (21) is movably disposed in the housing. The two ends of the elastic element (22) abut against the structural column (21) and the housing, respectively. The structural column (21) is located at the end of the button core (13) away from the button head (12). The inner wall of the sliding channel (11a) is provided with a plurality of guide protrusions (111), each of the guide protrusions (111) being used to guide the button core (13) to switch between the locked position and the released position; When the button core (13) is in the locked position, the button core (13) abuts against the structural column (21) to keep the elastic element (22) in an energy-storing state; when the button core (13) is switched from the locked position to the released position under the drive of the button head (12), the elastic element (22) releases energy to drive the structural column (21) to open the door, and the button core (13) releases the restriction on the structural column (21).

2. The auxiliary door opening device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The button head (12) has an abutting part (121) at one end near the button core (13), and the button core (13) has a mating part (131). The mating part (131) has a first mating section (1311) that abuts against the abutting part (121) and a second mating section (1312) that slides on the guide boss (111).

3. The auxiliary door opening device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guide boss (111) has a first sliding surface (1111), and the second mating section (1312) has a second sliding surface (1313). The first sliding surface (1111) abuts against the second sliding surface (1313) so that the button core (13) slides along the axial direction of the sliding channel (11a). The second mating section (1312) is slidably disposed between two adjacent guide bosses (111) along the axial direction of the sliding channel (11a).

4. The auxiliary door opening device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The abutting part (121) has a first abutting inclined surface (1211), and the first mating section (1311) has a second abutting inclined surface (1314). The first abutting inclined surface (1211) can abut against the second abutting inclined surface (1314) so ​​that the button core (13) can rotate circumferentially along the sliding channel (11a).

5. The auxiliary door opening device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The guide boss (111) has a first guide slope (1112) at one end near the structural column (21). When the second mating section (1312) slides to the end of the guide boss (111), the first abutting slope (1211) can abut against the second abutting slope (1314) and drive the button core (13) to move, so that the second abutting slope (1314) moves to the position abutting against the first guide slope (1112), thereby realizing the switching from the locked position to the released position.

6. The auxiliary door opening device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The guide boss (111) is also provided with a second guide ramp (1113), which is located on the side of the first guide ramp (1112) facing away from the structural column (21). The second guide ramp (1113) is used to guide the second abutment ramp (1314) to move between two adjacent guide bosses (111).

7. The auxiliary door opening device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The angle between the first abutting inclined surface (1211) and the axial direction of the mounting base (11) is equal to the angle between the second abutting inclined surface (1314) and the axial direction of the mounting base (11).

8. The auxiliary door opening device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The abutting portion (121) has a plurality of first abutting slopes (1211) spaced apart circumferentially along the button head (12), and the first mating section (1311) has a plurality of second abutting slopes (1314) spaced apart circumferentially along the button core (13).

9. The auxiliary door opening device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer peripheral wall of the button head (12) is provided with a guide rib (122), which is slidably disposed between two adjacent guide bosses (111) along the axial direction of the sliding channel (11a).

10. The auxiliary door opening device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting base (11) has a limiting part (112) at one end away from the structural column (21), and the limiting part (112) is located on the inner wall of the sliding channel (11a).

11. A refrigerator, characterized in that, It includes a housing, a door, and an auxiliary door opening device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the auxiliary door opening device is disposed between the housing and the door.

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