Hinge assembly and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model relates to a hinge assembly and a refrigerator, the hinge assembly is used for the refrigerator, the refrigerator comprises a refrigerator body and a door body, and the hinge assembly comprises a hinge base used for being connected to the refrigerator body; the matching seat is used for being connected to the door body, and the matching seat is movably arranged on the hinge seat; the first hinge shaft is fixedly arranged on one of the hinge base and the matching base, a switching structure corresponding to the first hinge shaft is arranged on the other one of the hinge base and the matching base, the switching structure comprises a limiting part and a guiding part which are communicated with each other, and the hinge assembly has a first state and a second state which can be switched mutually; in the first state, the first hinge shaft is rotatably arranged in the limiting part; in the second state, the first hinge shaft is slidably arranged in the guide part. By means of the hinge assembly, the door body is good in smoothness when opened and closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of refrigerators, and more particularly, to a hinge assembly and a refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] In the related art, a hinge assembly is provided between the cabinet and the door of a refrigerator to enable the opening and closing of the door. Currently, the hinge assembly affects the smoothness of the door during opening and closing. Summary of the Utility Model

[0003] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a hinge assembly that enables better smoothness of the door during opening and closing.

[0004] To achieve the above purpose, the present disclosure provides a hinge assembly for a refrigerator, the refrigerator including a cabinet and a door, the hinge assembly including:

[0005] A hinge seat for connecting to the cabinet;

[0006] A mating seat for connecting to the door, the mating seat being movably disposed on the hinge seat; and

[0007] A first hinge shaft fixedly disposed on one of the hinge seat and the mating seat, and a switching structure corresponding to the first hinge shaft is provided on the other of the hinge seat and the mating seat, the switching structure including a limiting portion and a guiding portion that communicate with each other.

[0008] The hinge assembly has a first state and a second state that can be switched with each other. In the first state, the first hinge shaft is rotatably disposed within the limiting portion; in the second state, the first hinge shaft is slidably disposed within the guiding portion.

[0009] Optionally, the first hinge shaft is fixedly disposed on the hinge seat, and the switching structure is formed on the mating seat.

[0010] Optionally, the limiting portion has a communication port that communicates with the guiding portion; when the hinge assembly is switched from the first state to the second state, the first hinge shaft enters the guiding portion through the communication port.

[0011] Optionally, the first hinge shaft has a first surface and a second surface that are connected to each other, and a connecting edge is formed at the junction of the first surface and the second surface; when the hinge assembly is switched from the first state to the second state, the connecting edge can cross the communication port so that the first hinge shaft enters the guiding portion through the communication port.

[0012] Optionally, the first hinge shaft is configured as a D-shaped shaft, the first surface is configured as an arc surface, and the second surface is configured as a flat surface.

[0013] Optionally, the width of the communication port is not greater than the width of the guiding portion.

[0014] Optionally, the limiting portion is configured as a circular hole, the guiding portion is configured as an arc-shaped groove, and a communication port communicating with the arc-shaped groove is formed on one side of the circular hole.

[0015] Optionally, a circular arc-shaped first limiting surface is provided on a side of the guiding portion away from the limiting portion. In the second state, the fitting seat has a maximum door opening position, and at the maximum door opening position, the first hinge shaft abuts against the first limiting surface.

[0016] Optionally, a second limiting surface is provided on the hinge seat, and a limiting bracket is provided on the fitting seat. In the second state, the fitting seat has a maximum door opening position, and at the maximum door opening position, the limiting bracket abuts against the second limiting surface.

[0017] Optionally, the hinge assembly includes a second hinge shaft disposed on the hinge seat. In the second state, the fitting seat rotates about the central axis of the second hinge shaft.

[0018] Optionally, the second hinge shaft is rotatably disposed on the hinge seat about the central axis of the first hinge shaft. In the first state, the second hinge shaft rotates with the fitting seat about the central axis of the first hinge shaft.

[0019] Optionally, a circular fitting hole is provided on the fitting seat, and the second hinge shaft is inserted into the fitting hole. In the second state, the fitting seat rotates about the central axis of the second hinge shaft through the fitting hole.

[0020] Optionally, the hinge assembly includes a connecting rod having a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other. The first end is rotatably sleeved on the first hinge shaft, and the second end is connected to the second hinge shaft.

[0021] Optionally, the connecting rod is spaced apart from the hinge seat.

[0022] Optionally, the second end has a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other. The first side is farther from the hinge seat than the second side, and the second hinge shaft is connected to the first side.

[0023] Optionally, a second limiting post is provided on the hinge seat. In the second state, the connecting rod is spaced from the second limiting post; in the first state, the mating seat further has a door-closed position, and in the door-closed position, the connecting rod abuts against the second limiting post.

[0024] Optionally, a first limiting post is provided on the hinge seat, and the first limiting post is configured to limit the second hinge shaft to rotate around the central axis of the first hinge shaft, so that the hinge assembly is switched from the first state to the second state.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator is provided, including:

[0026] A box body;

[0027] A door body; and

[0028] The hinge assembly as described above, the hinge assembly is respectively connected to the box body and the door body to pivotally mount the door body on the box body.

[0029] Through the above technical solutions, in the hinge assembly provided by the present disclosure, when the mating seat is connected to the door body and the hinge seat is connected to the box body, when the door body is opened, the door body can gradually rotate from the door-closed position to the maximum door-open position. During this process, the hinge assembly can be switched from the first state to the second state, or the hinge assembly can be switched from the second state to the first state; in the second state, by using the relative sliding of the first hinge shaft and the guiding portion, the guiding portion can provide guidance for the mating seat, thereby improving the smoothness of the door body when opening and closing.

[0030] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be described in detail in the subsequent specific implementation part. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the following specific implementation, they are used to explain the present disclosure, but do not constitute a limitation to the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an enlarged view of part A in

[0034] Figure 3 is Figure 1 an enlarged view of part B in

[0035] Figure 4 is Figure 1 an enlarged view of part C in

[0036] Figure 5 is Figure 2 a schematic structural view of the middle hinge assembly;

[0037] Figure 6 is Figure 3 a schematic structural view of the middle hinge assembly;

[0038] Figure 7 is Figure 6 a partial exploded view of the middle hinge assembly;

[0039] Figure 8 is Figure 4 a schematic structural view of the middle hinge assembly;

[0040] Figure 9 is Figure 8 an exploded view of the middle hinge assembly;

[0041] Figure 10 is Figure 8 a partial exploded view of the middle hinge assembly;

[0042] Figure 11 is Figure 8 a schematic structural view of the mating seat in the middle hinge assembly from a bottom view perspective;

[0043] Figure 12 is Figure 8 a partial sectional view of the middle hinge assembly;

[0044] Figure 13 is a simplified schematic view of the hinge assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the hinge assembly is in the first state and the mating seat is in the closed door position;

[0045] Figure 14 is a simplified schematic view of the hinge assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the hinge assembly is switched from the first state to the second state;

[0046] Figure 15 is a simplified schematic view of the hinge assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the hinge assembly is in the second state and the mating seat is in the maximum open door position;

[0047] Figure 16 is a simplified schematic view of the refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the hinge assembly is in the first state and the door body is in the closed door position;

[0048] Figure 17 is a simplified schematic view of the refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the hinge assembly is switched from the first state to the second state;

[0049] Figure 18It is a simplified schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Among them, the hinge assembly is in the second state, and the door body is in the maximum opening position.

[0050] Explanation of reference numerals

[0051] 1 - hinge seat, 11 - first limit post, 12 - second limit post, 13 - second limit surface, 2 - mating seat, 21 - mating hole, 3 - first hinge shaft, 31 - first surface, 32 - second surface, 33 - connecting edge, 4 - second hinge shaft, 5 - switching structure, 51 - limiting part, 511 - communication port, 52 - guiding part, 521 - first limit surface, 6 - limiting bracket, 7 - connecting rod, 71 - first end, 72 - second end, 81 - gasket, 82 - radial flange, 9 - leveling foot, 10 - box body, 20 - door body, 201 - outer end point, 30 - hinge assembly. Detailed implementation manners

[0052] The following will describe in detail the specific implementation manners of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific implementation manners described herein are only used to illustrate and explain the present disclosure, and are not used to limit the present disclosure.

[0053] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise stated, the orientation terms such as "front, rear, upper, lower, left, right" are based on Figure 1 the XYZ coordinate system defined in the figure. Specifically, the X direction refers to the front - rear direction, and the side pointed by the arrow is the upper side, and the opposite is the lower side; the Y direction refers to the left - right direction; the Z direction refers to the up - down direction, and the side pointed by the arrow is the upper side, and the opposite is the lower side. Among them, the up - down direction can also refer to the gravity direction of the refrigerator or the hinge assembly. "Inside and outside" refer to the inside and outside of the self - contour of each component. The terms "first, second" are used to distinguish one element from another, and do not have sequentiality and importance. In addition, when the following description involves the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same or similar elements, and the present disclosure will not repeat them here.

[0054] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator is provided. Refer to Figures 1 to 4As shown, the refrigerator may include a cabinet 10 and a door body 20. Among them, the cabinet 10 may be provided with a receiving space having an opening on one side, and the number of the receiving spaces may be multiple; the door body 20 may cover the opening of the receiving space, and the number of the door bodies 20 may be multiple. In some embodiments, each of the multiple door bodies 20 may respectively cover each opening of the multiple receiving spaces, that is, one door body 20 may cover a corresponding opening, or the multiple door bodies 20 may integrally cover the opening of the receiving space. At this time, the number of the receiving spaces is one, or the door body 20 may cover the openings of multiple receiving spaces. At this time, the number of the door bodies 20 is one. The present disclosure does not limit this. In an alternative embodiment, referring to Figure 1 As shown, two door bodies 20 arranged up and down may be provided on each of the left and right sides of the cabinet 10. That is to say, the refrigerator of the present disclosure may include four door bodies 20. The present disclosure does not limit this.

[0055] In some embodiments, in order to facilitate the opening and closing of the door body 20, the present disclosure designs a hinge assembly 30. The hinge assembly 30 may be respectively connected to the door body 20 and the cabinet 10, that is, it can be understood that the hinge assembly 30 is disposed between the door body 20 and the cabinet 10. The hinge assembly 30 is used to pivotally mount the door body 20 to the cabinet 10. Among them, in some embodiments, referring to Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the refrigerator may include multiple door bodies 20. Hinge assemblies 30 may be provided on both the upper and lower sides of each door body 20. A hinge assembly 30 may be shared between two adjacent upper and lower door bodies 20. That is to say, for two adjacent upper and lower door bodies 20 on the cabinet 10, a hinge assembly 30 may be provided on the upper side of the upper door body 20, and the hinge assembly 30 may be named the first hinge; a hinge assembly 30 may be provided on the lower side of the lower door body 20, and the hinge assembly 30 may be named the second hinge. In some embodiments, the second hinge may include a leveling foot 9 to facilitate the leveling of the refrigerator; a hinge assembly 30 may be shared between two adjacent upper and lower door bodies 20, and the hinge assembly 30 may be named the third hinge.

[0056] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, referring to Figures 1 to 10As shown, the hinge assembly 30 may include a hinge base 1, a mating base 2, a first hinge shaft 3, and a second hinge shaft 4. The first hinge shaft 3 and the second hinge shaft 4 are spaced apart, that is, the central axes of the first hinge shaft 3 and the second hinge shaft 4 are located at different positions. The central axis of the first hinge shaft 3 and the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4 may be parallel to each other. The mating base 2 is movably disposed on the hinge base 1 through the first hinge shaft 3 and the second hinge shaft 4. Different from this, the hinge assembly 30 named the third hinge may include two mating bases 2, and two symmetrically arranged first hinge shafts 3 and two symmetrically arranged second hinge shafts 4 are provided on the hinge base 1 of the hinge assembly 30. The first hinge shaft 3 and the second hinge shaft 4 on the same side may be spaced apart, and each mating base 2 can be movably disposed on the hinge base 1 through the first hinge shaft 3 and the second hinge shaft 4 on the same side. Among them, one of the hinge base 1 and the mating base 2 may be connected to the box body 10, and the other of the hinge base 1 and the mating base 2 may be connected to the door body 20. In this way, when the door body 20 is opened and closed, the mating base 2 and the hinge base 1 move relative to each other. Here, the present disclosure only takes the example of the hinge base 1 being connected to the box body 10 and the mating base 2 being connected to the door body 20 for exemplary introduction.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, with reference to Figures 7 to 18 As shown, the hinge assembly 30 has a first state and a second state that can be switched with each other. In the first state, the mating base 2 rotates around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3; in the second state, the mating base 2 rotates around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4.

[0058] Through the above technical solution, in the hinge assembly 30 provided in the present disclosure, when the mating seat 2 is connected to the door body 20 and the hinge seat 1 is connected to the cabinet body 10, when the door body 20 is opened, the door body 20 can gradually rotate from the closed position to the maximum opening position. During this process, the hinge assembly 30 can be switched from the first state to the second state; in the first state, the door body 20 rotates around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3 with the mating seat 2; in the second state, the door body 20 rotates around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4 with the mating seat 2. Here, when the door body 20 rotates alone around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3, the outer end point 201 of the door body 20 has a first maximum over-cabinet distance; when the door body 20 rotates alone around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4, the outer end point 201 of the door body 20 has a second maximum over-cabinet distance. Among them, the present disclosure can make the over-cabinet distance of the outer end point 201 of the door body 20 less than the maximum of the first maximum over-cabinet distance and the second maximum over-cabinet distance by first rotating the mating seat 2 around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3 and then rotating the mating seat 2 around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4. Thus, when the hinge assembly 30 of the present disclosure is applied to a refrigerator, the over-cabinet phenomenon of the door body 20 can be reduced or even avoided. Similarly, when the door body 20 is opened, the door body 20 can gradually rotate from the closed position to the maximum opening position. During this process, the hinge assembly 30 can be switched from the second state to the first state. Among them, the present disclosure can also make the over-cabinet distance of the outer end point 201 of the door body 20 less than the maximum of the first maximum over-cabinet distance and the second maximum over-cabinet distance by first rotating the mating seat 2 around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4 and then rotating the mating seat 2 around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3.

[0059] It can be understood that during the actual use of the refrigerator, the user can open the door body 20 to any position before the maximum opening position. During this process, the hinge assembly 30 can only be in the first state without switching to the second state, or the hinge assembly 30 can only be in the second state without switching to the first state. The present disclosure takes the former as an example for exemplary introduction.

[0060] Thus, in the embodiment of the refrigerator of the present disclosure including the above hinge assembly 30, the refrigerator can be embedded in the indoor cabinet body. Since the setting of the hinge assembly 30 can reduce or even avoid the over-cabinet phenomenon of the door body 20, a smaller gap can be reserved between the refrigerator and the cabinet board or the wall of the cabinet body. In this way, the user experience can be improved. At this time, the refrigerator of the present disclosure can be configured as a flush-mounted refrigerator. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the over-cabinet distance of the door body 20 of the present disclosure can be no more than 5 mm, for example, it can be 2 mm, 4 mm, etc. The present disclosure does not limit this too much.

[0061] It should be noted that in some embodiments, when the door body 20 is opened, when the door body 20 first rotates around the central axis of the first hinge axis 3 and the first maximum over-box distance is greater than the second maximum over-box distance, the mating seat 2 is set such that before the over-box distance of the outer end point 201 of the door body 20 increases to the first maximum over-box distance, the hinge assembly 30 is switched to the second state. In this way, the over-box phenomenon of the door body 20 in this embodiment can be reduced or even avoided. Similarly, in some embodiments, when the door body 20 is opened, when the door body 20 first rotates around the central axis of the second hinge axis 4 and the second maximum over-box distance is greater than the first maximum over-box distance, the mating seat 2 is set such that before the over-box distance of the outer end point 201 of the door body 20 increases to the second maximum over-box distance, the hinge assembly 30 is switched to the first state. In this way, the over-box phenomenon of the door body 20 in this embodiment can also be reduced or even avoided. In some embodiments, the first maximum over-box distance may be less than the second maximum over-box distance, and the door body 20 may first rotate around the central axis of the first hinge axis 3 and then rotate around the central axis of the second hinge axis 4. In addition, the over-box distance can be understood as the distance that the outer end point 201 of the door body 20 exceeds the refrigerator in the left-right direction during the rotation of the door body 20. Here, the over-box distance of the door body 20 of the present disclosure may be less than the minimum of the first maximum over-box distance and the second maximum over-box distance, or may be less than the maximum of the first maximum over-box distance and the second maximum over-box distance. The present disclosure does not impose too many restrictions on this.

[0062] It should also be noted that when the mating seat 2 moves relative to the hinge seat 1, the mating seat 2 rotates around the central axis of the first hinge axis 3 and the central axis of the second hinge axis 4 alternately. That is to say, in the first state, the hinge assembly 30 is configured to limit the rotation of the mating seat 2 around the central axis of the second hinge axis 4; in the second state, the hinge assembly 30 is configured to limit the rotation of the mating seat 2 around the central axis of the first hinge axis 3.

[0063] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, with reference to Figures 6 to 15As shown in the figure, the first hinge shaft 3 can be disposed on one of the mating seat 2 and the hinge seat 1, and the other of the mating seat 2 and the hinge seat 1 is provided with a switching structure 5 corresponding to the first hinge shaft 3. In the first state, the first hinge shaft 3 is rotatably disposed within the switching structure 5 so that the mating seat 2 rotates about the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3. In the second state, the first hinge shaft 3 is slidably disposed within the switching structure 5 so that the mating seat 2 rotates about the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4. In this way, by using the switching structure 5, the mating seat 2 can be selectively rotated about the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3 and about the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4, thereby realizing the mutual switching of the hinge assembly 30 between the first state and the second state. Among them, the first hinge shaft 3 being rotatably disposed within the switching structure 5 can be understood as the first hinge shaft 3 and the switching structure 5 undergoing relative rotation. The first hinge shaft 3 being slidably disposed within the switching structure 5 can be understood as the first hinge shaft 3 and the switching structure 5 undergoing relative sliding. In this way, not only can the mating seat 2 be rotated about the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4, but also interference between the second hinge shaft 4 and the other of the mating seat 2 and the hinge seat 1 can be avoided in the second state.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first hinge shaft 3 can be disposed on the hinge seat 1 to achieve relative rest between the first hinge shaft 3 and the hinge seat 1. For example, the first hinge shaft 3 is fixedly connected to the hinge seat 1. When the hinge seat 1 is connected to the box body 10, the hinge seat 1, the first hinge shaft 3, and the box body 10 remain stationary. Correspondingly, the switching structure 5 can be disposed on the mating seat 2 to achieve relative rest between the switching structure 5 and the mating seat 2. For example, the switching structure 5 can be formed on the mating seat 2. When the mating seat 2 is connected to the door body 20, the mating seat 2, the switching structure 5, and the door body 20 rotate synchronously. Here, the present disclosure only takes the first hinge shaft 3 being fixedly connected to the hinge seat 1 and the switching structure 5 being formed on the mating seat 2 as an example for exemplary introduction.

[0065] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, refer to Figures 6 to 15As shown, the switching structure 5 may include a limiting portion 51 and a guiding portion 52 that communicate with each other. Among them, in the first state, the first hinge shaft 3 is rotatably disposed within the limiting portion 51; in the second state, the first hinge shaft 3 is slidably disposed within the guiding portion 52. Here, through the relative rotation of the first hinge shaft 3 and the limiting portion 51, the mating seat 2 can be rotated about the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3; through the relative sliding of the first hinge shaft 3 and the guiding portion 52, the mating seat 2 can be rotated about the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4. That is to say, in the second state, the center of the circle corresponding to the guiding portion 52 falls on the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4. In this way, by using the relative sliding of the first hinge shaft 3 and the guiding portion 52, the guiding portion 52 can provide guidance for the mating seat 2, thereby improving the smoothness of the door body 20 when it is opened and closed. Here, in some embodiments, the guiding portion 52 may be configured as an arc-shaped groove. At this time, in the second state, the center of the circle corresponding to the arc-shaped groove falls on the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4.

[0066] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 9 to 15 As shown, the limiting portion 51 may have a communication port 511 that communicates with the guiding portion 52; when the hinge assembly 30 is switched from the first state to the second state, the first hinge shaft 3 enters the guiding portion 52 through the communication port 511, so that relative sliding occurs between the first hinge shaft 3 and the guiding portion 52. That is to say, in the first state, the hinge assembly 30 is configured to limit the first hinge shaft 3 to only be able to rotate relative to the limiting portion 51, and the limiting portion 51 restricts the first hinge shaft 3 from entering the guiding portion 52 through the communication port 511. When the hinge assembly 30 is switched from the first state to the second state, that is, when the mating seat 2 rotates a preset angle relative to the hinge shaft, the hinge assembly 30 is configured to allow the first hinge shaft 3 to pass through the communication port 511 and enter the guiding portion 52. Thus, the hinge assembly 30 can be switched from the first state to the second state.

[0067] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 9 to 15 As shown, the first hinge shaft 3 may have a first surface 31 and a second surface 32 that are connected to each other. One of the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 may be configured as an arc-shaped surface so that the first hinge shaft 3 can rotate relative to the limiting portion 51. Among them, a connecting edge 33 is formed at the junction of the first surface 31 and the second surface 32; when the hinge assembly 30 is switched from the first state to the second state, the connecting edge 33 can cross the communication port 511 so that the first hinge shaft 3 enters the guiding portion 52 through the communication port 511. It can be understood that referring to Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown in , in the first state, although the first hinge shaft 3 and the limiting portion 51 rotate relative to each other, the connecting edge 33 is restricted so as not to enter the guide portion 52 through the communicating opening 511, so that the first hinge shaft 3 is restricted in the limiting portion 51 and cannot enter the guide portion 52 through the communicating opening 511; Figure 14 As shown in the figure, when the hinge assembly 30 switches from the first state to the second state, the first hinge shaft 3 and the limiting portion 51 rotate relative to each other until the connecting edge 33 enters the connecting port 511. At this time, continuing to rotate the matching seat 2 can enable the first hinge shaft 3 to enter the guide portion 52 through the connecting port 511. Therefore, through the cooperation between the connecting edge 33 and the connecting port 511, it is possible to avoid the first hinge shaft 3 accidentally entering the guide portion 52 in the first state, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the door body 20 when opening and closing, and ensuring that the hinge shaft assembly switches smoothly from the first state to the second state.

[0068] Optionally, in some embodiments, reference Figures 9 to 15 As shown in the figure, the limiting portion 51 can be constructed as a circular hole, so that the relative rotation of the limiting portion 51 and the first hinge shaft 3 can be realized in the first state. The guide portion 52 can be constructed as an arc groove, and a connecting port 511 connected to the arc groove is formed on one side of the circular hole. Here, in the second state, the center of the circle corresponding to the arc groove falls on the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4.

[0069] Among them, in an optional implementation, reference Figures 11 to 15 As shown in , the arc groove can have a width in its own radial direction, and the width of the arc groove can be smaller than the diameter of the circular hole. In this way, in the first state, the second surface 32 can be set away from the connecting port 511. At this time, when the first hinge shaft 3 and the circular hole rotate relative to each other, the first surface 31 continues to contact with the connecting port 511, and the part of the first hinge shaft 3 between the connecting port 511 and the connecting edge 33 cannot pass through the connecting port 511. This makes the first hinge shaft 3 stuck at the connecting port 511 before the connecting edge 33 reaches the connecting port 511, and can only rotate relative to the circular hole, but cannot enter the arc groove through the connecting port 511. Therefore, setting the width of the arc groove to be smaller than the diameter of the circular hole can further prevent the first hinge shaft 3 from accidentally entering the guide portion 52 in the first state; refer to Figure 14 As shown in the figure, when the hinge assembly 30 switches from the first state to the second state, the first hinge shaft 3 and the circular hole rotate relative to each other until the connecting edge 33 just reaches the connecting port 511. At this time, the second surface 32 is located between the two arc surfaces of the arc groove. Such a setting can enable the entire first hinge shaft 3 to enter the arc groove through the connecting port 511, thereby ensuring that the hinge shaft assembly switches smoothly from the first state to the second state.

[0070] Among them, in another alternative implementation, the hinge assembly 30 may further include a switching member. When the hinge assembly 30 switches from the first state to the second state, the switching member can be moved from restricting the first hinge shaft 3 from entering the guiding portion 52 to allowing the first hinge shaft 3 to enter the guiding portion 52. Thus, it also ensures that the hinge shaft assembly smoothly switches from the first state to the second state. Among them, the switching member can be telescopically arranged on the hinge base 1. In the first state, the switching member extends and stops against the first hinge shaft 3 to restrict the first hinge shaft 3 from entering the guiding portion 52. When the hinge assembly 30 switches from the first state to the second state, the switching member retracts to release the stop against the first hinge shaft 3 to allow the first hinge shaft 3 to enter the guiding portion 52. In this implementation, the width of the arc-shaped groove can be greater than or equal to the width of the circular hole.

[0071] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 9 to 15 as shown, the first hinge shaft 3 can be configured as a D-shaped shaft. Correspondingly, the first surface 31 can be configured as an arc surface, and the second surface 32 can be configured as a flat surface. Of course, the first hinge shaft 3 can also be configured as a special-shaped shaft of other non-circular shafts, and the second surface 32 can be configured as a curved surface, a wavy surface, a stepped surface, etc. The present disclosure can make adaptive designs according to needs.

[0072] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 9 to 15 as shown, the width of the communication port 511 can be not greater than the width of the guiding portion 52, that is, the width of the communication port 511 is less than or equal to the width of the guiding portion 52. In this way, the smoothness of the opening and closing of the door body 20 can be improved, and when the width of the communication port 511 is greater than the width of the guiding portion 52, it can be avoided that the first hinge shaft 3 and the guiding portion 52 have a large friction or even get stuck in the guiding portion 52.

[0073] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 15 and Figure 18 as shown, a circular arc-shaped first limiting surface 521 can be provided on the side of the guiding portion 52 away from the limiting portion 51. In the second state, the mating seat 2 has the maximum door opening position. At the maximum door opening position, the first hinge shaft 3 abuts against the first limiting surface 521. In this way, by the abutment of the first hinge shaft 3 and the first limiting surface 521, the rotation of the mating seat 2 can be restricted. Thus, it can be avoided that the door body 20 is opened excessively. At this time, when the door body 20 is opened, the hinge assembly 30 switches from the first state to the second state in sequence.

[0074] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, a second limiting surface 13 may be provided on the hinge seat 1, and a limiting bracket 6 may be provided on the mating seat 2. In the second state, the mating seat 2 has a maximum door opening position. At the maximum door opening position, the limiting bracket 6 abuts against the second limiting surface 13. In this way, by the abutment of the limiting bracket 6 against the second limiting surface 13, the rotation of the mating seat 2 can be restricted, and thus, the over-opening of the door body 20 can be avoided. At this time, when the door body 20 is opened, the hinge assembly 30 is sequentially switched from the first state to the second state. In some embodiments, at the maximum door opening position, the limiting bracket 6 may abut against the second limiting surface 13, and the first hinge shaft 3 may abut against the first limiting surface 521. In this way, the stability of the door body 20 at the maximum door opening position can be improved. Optionally, the limiting bracket 6 may be detachably connected to the mating seat 2. For example, the limiting bracket 6 may be connected to the mating seat 2 by a fastener, which is beneficial to the disassembly and assembly of the limiting bracket 6 and the mating seat 2. Optionally, the second limiting surface 13 may be configured as an inclined surface, that is, arranged at an angle with the front-rear direction. The present disclosure does not limit this.

[0075] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, referring to Figures 6 to 18 As shown, the second hinge shaft 4 may be rotatably provided on the hinge seat 1 around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3; in the first state, the second hinge shaft 4 rotates with the mating seat 2 around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3. In this way, on the one hand, when the mating seat 2 rotates around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3, the interference between the mating seat 2 and the second hinge shaft 4 can be avoided. On the other hand, by the synchronous rotation of the second hinge shaft 4 and the mating seat 2, the position of the second hinge shaft 4 can be adjusted. Thus, when the hinge assembly 30 is in the second state, since the position of the second hinge shaft 4 is adjusted, it enables the mating seat 2 to further reduce the over-box distance of the door body 20 when rotating around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4, and thus, the over-box phenomenon of the door body 20 can be further alleviated or even avoided.

[0076] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, referring to Figures 8 to 15 As shown, a circular mating hole 21 may be provided on the mating seat 2, and the second hinge shaft 4 is inserted into the mating hole 21; in the second state, the mating seat 2 rotates around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4 through the mating hole 21. In this way, by the cooperation of the second hinge shaft 4 and the mating hole 21, in the first state, the mating seat 2 and the second hinge shaft 4 can rotate synchronously around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3, and in the second state, the mating seat 2 can rotate around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4 through the mating hole 21.

[0077] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 3 to 10 and Figures 13 to 15As shown, the hinge assembly 30 may include a connecting rod 7 having a first end 71 and a second end 72 disposed opposite to each other. The first end 71 is rotatably sleeved on the first hinge shaft 3, and the second end 72 is connected to the second hinge shaft 4. In this way, since the connecting rod 7 is sleeved on the first hinge shaft 3, in the first state, the second hinge shaft 4 can drive the connecting rod 7 to rotate around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3. Thus, the connecting rod 7 can provide guidance for the second hinge shaft 4, enabling the second hinge shaft 4 to accurately rotate around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3. Of course, in some other embodiments, an arc-shaped guiding groove may also be formed on the hinge seat 1, and the second hinge shaft 4 may be partially disposed in the guiding groove. The center of the guiding groove may fall on the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3. In this way, in the first state, the guiding groove can also provide guidance for the second hinge shaft 4. Here, the present disclosure only takes the hinge assembly 30 including the connecting rod 7 as an example for exemplary introduction.

[0078] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 3 to 9 As shown, the connecting rod 7 may be disposed at an interval from the hinge seat 1. In this way, when the mating seat 2 rotates, friction between the connecting rod 7 and the hinge seat 1 can be avoided, thereby improving the smoothness of the rotation of the mating seat 2 and thus the smoothness of the opening and closing of the door body 20.

[0079] Optionally, in some embodiments, referring to Figure 7 and Figure 10 As shown, a gasket 81 may be provided on the first hinge shaft 3. The gasket 81 abuts against the hinge seat 1, and the first end 71 is sleeved on the first hinge shaft 3 and abuts against the gasket 81. In this way, by disposing the gasket 81 between the first end 71 of the connecting rod 7 and the hinge seat 1, the thickness of the gasket 81 can be used to space the connecting rod 7 from the hinge seat 1, with a simple structure and easy operation.

[0080] Optionally, in some embodiments, referring to Figure 7 and Figure 10 As shown, a radial flange 82 may be provided on the first hinge shaft 3, and the first end 71 is disposed between the radial flange 82 and the gasket 81. In this way, the first end 71 of the connecting rod 7 can be prevented from moving axially away from the gasket 81, thereby improving the reliability of the hinge assembly 30. Here, the radial flange 82 may be integrally formed with the first hinge shaft 3. Of course, the radial flange 82 may also be detachably connected to the first hinge shaft 3. The present disclosure does not limit this.

[0081] Optionally, referring to Figures 7 to 10As shown, in an embodiment where the connecting rod 7 is spaced from the hinge seat 1, the second end 72 may have a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other. The first side is farther from the hinge seat 1 than the second side, and the second hinge shaft 4 may be connected to the first side. In this way, the spacing between the second hinge shaft 4 and the hinge seat 1 can be achieved. Thus, when the mating seat 2 rotates, friction between the second hinge shaft 4 and the hinge seat 1 can be avoided. Thus, the smoothness of the rotation of the mating seat 2 can be improved, and thereby the smoothness of the opening and closing of the door body 20 can be improved.

[0082] In some embodiments, the second hinge shaft 4 may be integrally formed with the connecting rod 7. In this way, the connection step between the second hinge shaft 4 and the connecting rod 7 can be omitted, the number of components of the hinge assembly 30 can be reduced, and it is beneficial to the assembly of the hinge assembly 30. In other embodiments, the second hinge shaft 4 may also be welded or detachably connected to the connecting rod 7, and the present disclosure does not limit this too much.

[0083] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figures 6 to 10 and Figures 12 to 15 as shown, the hinge seat 1 may be provided with a second limiting post 12. In the second state, the connecting rod 7 is spaced from the second limiting post 12; in the first state, the mating seat 2 further has a closed position, and in the closed position, the connecting rod 7 abuts against the second limiting post 12. In this way, by using the abutment between the connecting rod 7 and the second limiting post 12, a closing stop can be provided for the door body 20 to prevent the door body 20 from entering the accommodating space.

[0084] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figures 13 to 15 as shown, the hinge seat 1 is provided with a first limiting post 11, and the first limiting post 11 is configured to limit the rotation of the second hinge shaft 4 about the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3, so that the hinge assembly 30 is switched from the first state to the second state. That is to say, when the hinge assembly 30 is switched from the first state to the second state, the first limiting post 11 restricts the second hinge shaft 4 from continuing to rotate about the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3. In this way, when the mating seat 2 continues to rotate, it rotates about the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4. Thus, the hinge assembly 30 can be switched from the first state to the second state. In some embodiments, when a connecting rod 7 is connected between the first hinge shaft 3 and the second hinge shaft 4, referring to Figure 14 as shown, when the hinge assembly 30 is switched from the first state to the second state, the first limiting post 11 abuts against the second hinge shaft 4. At this time, the first limiting post 11 restricts the connecting rod 7 from continuing to rotate about the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3. Thus, the hinge assembly 30 can be switched from the first state to the second state.

[0085] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, referring to Figures 13 to 18As shown, in the first state, the included angle between the door body 20 and the box body 10 can be 0° to 50°; in the second state, the included angle between the door body 20 and the box body 10 can be 50° to 120°. In this way, the door body 20 of the present disclosure can achieve large-angle opening and closing of itself. Of course, the present disclosure can adaptively design the included angle between the door body 20 and the box body 10 according to needs, and the present disclosure does not limit this.

[0086] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, referring to Figures 13 to 18 As shown, the door body 20 can be arranged on the front side of the box body 10, and the first hinge shaft 3 can be arranged on the front side of the second hinge shaft 4. In this way, since the door body 20 rotates around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3 when it is opened, such an arrangement is beneficial to reducing the distance of the door body 20 exceeding the box.

[0087] Next, the present disclosure will introduce the opening and closing process of the door body 20 in detail in combination with the above specific embodiments. Referring to Figures 13 to 18 As shown, when the door body 20 is opened, the hinge assembly 30 first switches to the first state. Then, the mating seat 2 rotates around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3, the connecting rod 7 disengages from the abutment with the second limiting post 12, and the connecting rod 7 drives the second hinge shaft 4 to rotate synchronously with the mating seat 2. During this process, the first hinge shaft 3 is stuck in the limiting portion 51. The limiting portion 51 configured as a circular hole can only rotate relative to the first hinge shaft 3. When the door body 20 rotates 50° relative to the box body 10, the first hinge shaft 3 and the circular hole rotate relative to each other until the connecting edge 33 just reaches the communication port 511. At this time, the first hinge shaft 3 can enter the guiding portion 52 configured as an arc-shaped groove through the communication port 511, and the connecting rod 7 abuts against the first limiting post 11, restricting the second hinge shaft 4 from continuing to rotate around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3. Subsequently, the door body 20 continues to rotate, and the hinge assembly 30 switches from the first state to the second state. The arc-shaped groove slides relative to the first hinge shaft 3, causing the mating seat 2 to rotate around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4. When the door body 20 rotates 120° relative to the box body 10, the limiting bracket 6 abuts against the second limiting surface 13, and the first hinge shaft 3 abuts against the first limiting surface 521. At this time, the door body 20 is in the maximum opening position.

[0088] When the door body 20 is closed, the steps opposite to the above steps are executed. Specifically, the hinge assembly 30 first switches to the second state. After that, the mating seat 2 rotates around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4. The limit bracket 6 disengages from the abutment with the second limiting surface 13, and the first hinge shaft 3 disengages from the abutment with the first limiting surface 521. The arc-shaped groove and the first hinge shaft 3 slide relative to each other. When the included angle between the door body 20 and the box body 10 is 50°, the connecting edge 33 just reaches and then crosses the communication port 511 and enters the limiting portion 51. Subsequently, the door body 20 continues to rotate, and the hinge assembly 30 switches to the first state. The connecting rod 7 drives the second hinge shaft 4 to rotate synchronously with the mating seat 2 around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3. During this process, the first hinge shaft 3 is stuck in the limiting portion 51. The limiting portion 51 constructed as a circular hole can only rotate relative to the first hinge shaft 3, and the connecting rod 7 disengages from the abutment with the first limiting post 11. When the included angle between the door body 20 and the box body 10 is 0°, the connecting rod 7 abuts against the second limiting post 12. At this time, the door body 20 is in the closed position.

[0089] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific details in the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of the present disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0090] In addition, it should be noted that, among the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments, they can be combined in any suitable manner without conflict. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the present disclosure will not separately describe various possible combination methods.

[0091] In addition, any combination can be made between various different embodiments of the present disclosure as long as it does not violate the idea of the present disclosure, and it should also be regarded as the content disclosed by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly for a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising a cabinet and a door body, characterized in that, The hinge assembly includes: a hinge base for connecting to the box body; a mating base for connecting to the door body, the mating base being movably disposed on the hinge base; and a first hinge shaft fixedly disposed on one of the hinge base and the mating base, and a switching structure corresponding to the first hinge shaft being provided on the other of the hinge base and the mating base, the switching structure including a limiting portion and a guiding portion that communicate with each other, the hinge assembly having a first state and a second state that can be switched with each other. In the first state, the first hinge shaft is rotatably disposed within the limiting portion; in the second state, the first hinge shaft is slidably disposed within the guiding portion.

2. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first hinge shaft is fixedly disposed on the hinge base, and the switching structure is formed on the mating base.

3. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting portion has a communication port that communicates with the guiding portion; when the hinge assembly is switched from the first state to the second state, the first hinge shaft enters the guiding portion through the communication port.

4. The hinge assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The first hinge shaft has a first surface and a second surface that are connected to each other, and a connecting edge is formed at the junction of the first surface and the second surface; when the hinge assembly is switched from the first state to the second state, the connecting edge can cross the communication port so that the first hinge shaft enters the guiding portion through the communication port.

5. The hinge assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first hinge shaft is configured as a D-shaped shaft, the first surface is configured as an arc surface, and the second surface is configured as a flat surface.

6. The hinge assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The width of the communication port is not greater than the width of the guiding portion.

7. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The limiting portion is configured as a circular hole, the guiding portion is configured as an arc-shaped groove, and a communication port communicating with the arc-shaped groove is formed on one side of the circular hole.

8. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, A circular arc-shaped first limiting surface is provided on the side of the guiding portion away from the limiting portion. In the second state, the mating base has a maximum door opening position, and at the maximum door opening position, the first hinge shaft abuts against the first limiting surface.

9. The hinge assembly according to claim 1 or 8, characterized in that, A second limiting surface is provided on the hinge base, and a limiting bracket is provided on the mating base. In the second state, the mating base has a maximum door opening position, and at the maximum door opening position, the limiting bracket abuts against the second limiting surface.

10. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The hinge assembly includes a second hinge shaft disposed on the hinge base. In the second state, the mating base rotates about the central axis of the second hinge shaft.

11. The hinge assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second hinge shaft is rotatably disposed on the hinge base about the central axis of the first hinge shaft; in the first state, the second hinge shaft rotates about the central axis of the first hinge shaft together with the mating base.

12. The hinge assembly according to claim 11, wherein, A circular mating hole is provided on the mating base, and the second hinge shaft is inserted into the mating hole; in the second state, the mating base rotates about the central axis of the second hinge shaft through the mating hole.

13. The hinge assembly according to claim 12, wherein, The hinge assembly includes a connecting rod having a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other. The first end is rotatably sleeved on the first hinge shaft, and the second end is connected to the second hinge shaft.

14. The hinge assembly according to claim 13, wherein, The connecting rod is spaced apart from the hinge base.

15. The hinge assembly according to claim 14, wherein, The second end has a first side and a second side which are oppositely arranged. The first side is farther from the hinge seat than the second side, and the second hinge shaft is connected to the first side.

16. The hinge assembly according to claim 13, wherein, The hinge seat is provided with a second limiting post. In the second state, the connecting rod is spaced from the second limiting post. In the first state, the fitting seat further has a door-closed position. At the door-closed position, the connecting rod abuts against the second limiting post.

17. The hinge assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The hinge seat is provided with a first limiting post which is configured to limit the rotation of the second hinge shaft around the central axis of the first hinge shaft, so that the hinge assembly is switched from the first state to the second state.

18. A refrigerator, characterized in that, Comprising: A box body; A door body; And The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein the hinge assembly is respectively connected to the box body and the door body to pivotally mount the door body to the box body.

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