Hinge assembly and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model relates to a hinge assembly and a refrigerator, the hinge assembly comprises a hinge seat, a matching seat, a first hinge shaft and a second hinge shaft, the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft are arranged at an interval, and the matching seat is movably arranged on the hinge seat through the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft, the hinge assembly has a first state and a second state which can be mutually switched, and in the first state, the matching seat rotates around the central axis of the first hinge shaft; and in the second state, the matching seat rotates around the central axis of the second hinge shaft. The hinge assembly can solve the technical problem that the box exceeding phenomenon of the door body is serious.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of refrigerators, and in particular, 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 for realizing the opening and closing of the door. Currently, most hinge assemblies are of a single-axis structure, which causes the hinged side of the door to extend beyond the size of the refrigerator too much during the opening and closing process of the door, resulting in a serious phenomenon of the door exceeding the cabinet. Summary of the Utility Model

[0003] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a hinge assembly that can solve the technical problem of the serious phenomenon of the door exceeding the cabinet.

[0004] To achieve the above purpose, the present disclosure provides a hinge assembly, including a hinge base, a mating seat, a first hinge shaft and a second hinge shaft. The first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft are arranged at intervals. The mating seat is movably arranged on the hinge base through the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft.

[0005] Wherein, the hinge assembly has a first state and a second state that can be switched with each other. In the first state, the mating seat rotates around the central axis of the first hinge shaft; in the second state, the mating seat rotates around the central axis of the second hinge shaft.

[0006] Optionally, the first hinge shaft is fixedly arranged on the hinge base, and a switching structure corresponding to the first hinge shaft is arranged on the mating seat. The switching structure includes a limiting part and a guiding part that communicate with each other.

[0007] 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 guiding part.

[0008] Optionally, the limiting part has a communication port that communicates with the guiding part; when the hinge assembly is switched from the first state to the second state, the first hinge shaft enters the guiding part through the communication port.

[0009] 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 part through the communication port.

[0010] Optionally, a circular 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] Optionally, the second hinge shaft is rotatably provided on the hinge seat around the central axis of the first hinge shaft; in the first state, the second hinge shaft rotates around the central axis of the first hinge shaft together with the fitting seat.

[0013] 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 around the central axis of the second hinge shaft through the fitting hole.

[0014] Optionally, the hinge assembly includes a connecting rod, the connecting rod has a first end and a second end arranged oppositely, the first end is rotatably sleeved on the first hinge shaft, and the second end is connected to the second hinge shaft.

[0015] Optionally, the connecting rod is arranged at an interval from the hinge seat.

[0016] Optionally, a gasket is provided on the first hinge shaft, the gasket abuts against the hinge seat, and the first end is sleeved on the first hinge shaft and abuts against the gasket.

[0017] Optionally, a radial flange is provided on the first hinge shaft, and the first end is arranged between the radial flange and the gasket.

[0018] Optionally, the second end has a first side and a second side arranged oppositely, the first side is farther from the hinge seat than the second side, and the second hinge shaft is connected to the first side.

[0019] Optionally, the second hinge shaft and the connecting rod are integrally formed.

[0020] 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 fitting seat further has a door closing position, and at the door closing position, the connecting rod abuts against the second limiting post.

[0021] Optionally, a first limiting post is provided on the hinge seat, and the first limiting post is configured to limit the second hinge shaft from rotating around the central axis of the first hinge shaft, so that the hinge assembly is switched from the first state to the second state.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a refrigerator, comprising:

[0023] A box body, provided with a receiving space with an opening on one side;

[0024] A door body for covering the opening of the receiving space; and

[0025] 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 to the box body.

[0026] Through the above technical solution, 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 closed position to the maximum opening position. During this process, the hinge assembly can be switched from the first state to the second state; in the first state, the door body rotates around the central axis of the first hinge shaft with the mating seat; in the second state, the door body rotates around the central axis of the second hinge shaft with the mating seat. Here, when the door body rotates alone around the central axis of the first hinge shaft, the outer end point of the door body has a first maximum distance beyond the box; when the door body rotates alone around the central axis of the second hinge shaft, the outer end point of the door body has a second maximum distance beyond the box. Among them, the present disclosure can make the distance of the outer end point of the door body beyond the box less than the maximum of the first maximum distance beyond the box and the second maximum distance beyond the box by first rotating the mating seat around the central axis of the first hinge shaft and then rotating the mating seat around the central axis of the second hinge shaft. Thus, when the hinge assembly of the present disclosure is applied to a refrigerator, the phenomenon of the door body exceeding the box can be alleviated or even avoided. Similarly, when the door body is opened, the door body can gradually rotate from the closed position to the maximum opening position. During this process, the hinge assembly can be switched from the second state to the first state. Among them, the present disclosure can also make the distance of the outer end point of the door body beyond the box less than the maximum of the first maximum distance beyond the box and the second maximum distance beyond the box by first rotating the mating seat around the central axis of the second hinge shaft and then rotating the mating seat around the central axis of the first hinge shaft.

[0027] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be described in detail in the subsequent specific implementation part. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and constitute a part of the specification, and are used to explain the present disclosure together with the following specific implementation manners, but do not constitute a limitation to the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic structural view of a refrigerator provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an enlarged view of part A in

[0031] Figure 3 is Figure 1 an enlarged view of part B in

[0032] Figure 4 is Figure 1 an enlarged view of part C in

[0033] Figure 5 is Figure 2 a schematic structural view of the hinge assembly in

[0034] Figure 6 is Figure 3 a schematic structural view of the hinge assembly in

[0035] Figure 7 is Figure 6 a partial exploded view of the hinge assembly in

[0036] Figure 8 is Figure 4 a schematic structural view of the hinge assembly in

[0037] Figure 9 is Figure 8 an exploded view of the hinge assembly in

[0038] Figure 10 is Figure 8 a partial exploded view of the hinge assembly in

[0039] Figure 11 is Figure 8 a schematic structural view of the mating seat in the hinge assembly from a bottom view perspective;

[0040] Figure 12 is Figure 8 a partial cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly in

[0041] Figure 13 is a simplified schematic view of the hinge assembly provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the hinge assembly is in a first state and the mating seat is in a closed door position;

[0042] Figure 14 is a simplified schematic view of the hinge assembly provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the hinge assembly is switched from the first state to the second state;

[0043] Figure 15It is a simplified schematic diagram of a hinge assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Among them, the hinge assembly is in the second state, and the mating seat is in the maximum door opening position;

[0044] Figure 16 It is a simplified schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Among them, the hinge assembly is in the first state, and the door body is in the closed position;

[0045] Figure 17 It is a simplified schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Among them, the hinge assembly is switched from the first state to the second state;

[0046] Figure 18 It 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 door opening position.

[0047] Explanation of reference numerals

[0048] 1 - hinge seat, 11 - first limiting post, 12 - second limiting post, 13 - second limiting 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 limiting 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 description of the specific implementation

[0049] The following will describe the specific implementation of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific implementation described here is only used to illustrate and explain the present disclosure, and is not used to limit the present disclosure.

[0050] 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 []. Specifically, the X direction refers to the front - rear direction, and the side pointed by the arrow is the upper side, and the opposite side 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 side 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 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 refers to 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.

[0051] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator is provided. Refer toFigures 1 to 4 As 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 optional 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.

[0052] 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 arranged 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 this 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 this 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 this hinge assembly 30 may be named the third hinge.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, referring to Figures 1 to 10As shown in the figure, 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 may 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.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, with reference to Figures 7 to 18 As shown in the figure, 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.

[0055] With 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 open 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 axis 3 with the mating seat 2; in the second state, the door body 20 rotates around the central axis of the second hinge axis 4 with the mating seat 2. Here, when the door body 20 rotates alone around the central axis of the first hinge axis 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 axis 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 making the mating seat 2 rotate around the central axis of the first hinge axis 3 and then making the mating seat 2 rotate around the central axis of the second hinge axis 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 alleviated 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 open 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 making the mating seat 2 rotate around the central axis of the second hinge axis 4 and then making the mating seat 2 rotate around the central axis of the first hinge axis 3.

[0056] 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 open 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 only takes the former as an example for exemplary introduction.

[0057] 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 alleviate 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.

[0058] It should be noted that in some embodiments, when the door body 20 is opened, if the door body 20 first rotates around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 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 alleviated or even avoided. Similarly, in some embodiments, when the door body 20 is opened, if the door body 20 first rotates around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 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 alleviated 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 shaft 3 and then rotate around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4. In addition, the over-box distance can be understood as the distance that the outer end point 201 of the door body 20 extends beyond 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.

[0059] 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 shaft 3 and the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4 alternatively. That is to say, in the first state, the hinge assembly 30 is configured to restrict the mating seat 2 from rotating around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4; in the second state, the hinge assembly 30 is configured to restrict the mating seat 2 from rotating around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3.

[0060] 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 performing 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 performing relative sliding. In this way, not only can the mating seat 2 rotate 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 when the door body 20 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.

[0063] 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 the first hinge shaft 3 and the guiding portion 52 undergo relative sliding. 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.

[0064] 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 [the figure], in the first state, although the first hinge shaft 3 rotates relative to the limiting part 51, the connecting edge 33 is restricted from entering the guiding part 52 through the communication port 511. This restricts the first hinge shaft 3 within the limiting part 51 and prevents it from entering the guiding part 52 through the communication port 511; 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 rotates relative to the limiting part 51 until the connecting edge 33 enters the communication port 511. At this time, continuously rotating the mating seat 2 enables the first hinge shaft 3 to enter the guiding part 52 through the communication port 511. Thus, through the cooperation between the connecting edge 33 and the communication port 511, it can be avoided that the first hinge shaft 3 accidentally enters the guiding part 52 in the first state, improving the smoothness and reliability when the door body 20 is opened and closed, and ensuring that the hinge shaft assembly smoothly switches from the first state to the second state.

[0065] Optionally, in some embodiments, refer to Figures 9 to 15 As shown in [the figure], the limiting part 51 can be configured as a circular hole, so that the relative rotation between the limiting part 51 and the first hinge shaft 3 can be achieved in the first state. The guiding part 52 can be configured as an arc-shaped groove, and a communication port 511 communicating with the arc-shaped groove is formed on one side of the circular hole. Here, 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] Among them, in an optional implementation manner, refer to Figures 11 to 15 As shown in [the figure], the arc-shaped groove can have a width in its own radial direction, and the width of the arc-shaped groove can be smaller than the diameter of the circular hole. In this way, in the first state, the second surface 32 can be arranged away from the communication port 511. At this time, when the first hinge shaft 3 rotates relative to the circular hole, the first surface 31 continuously contacts the communication port 511, and the part of the first hinge shaft 3 between the communication port 511 and the connecting edge 33 cannot pass through the communication port 511. This causes the first hinge shaft 3 to be stuck at the communication port 511 before the connecting edge 33 reaches the communication port 511, and it can only rotate relative to the circular hole and cannot enter the arc-shaped groove through the communication port 511. Therefore, setting the width of the arc-shaped groove to be smaller than the diameter of the circular hole can further prevent the first hinge shaft 3 from accidentally entering the guiding part 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 rotates relative to the circular hole until the connecting edge 33 just reaches the communication port 511. At this time, the second surface 32 is located between the two arc-shaped surfaces of the arc-shaped groove. Such a setting enables the entire first hinge shaft 3 to enter the arc-shaped groove through the communication port 511. Thus, it can be ensured that the hinge shaft assembly smoothly switches from the first state to the second state.

[0067] 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 change 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 on 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 and releases the stop on 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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 it can be avoided that when the width of the communication port 511 is greater than the width of the guiding portion 52, the first hinge shaft 3 and the guiding portion 52 have a large friction or even get stuck in the guiding portion 52.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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 door body 20 can be prevented from being opened excessively. 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 fasteners, which is conducive 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.

[0072] 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, 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, when the mating seat 2 rotates around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4, the over-box distance of the door body 20 can be further reduced, and thus, the over-box phenomenon of the door body 20 can be further alleviated or even avoided.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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. The connecting rod 7 has a first end 71 and a second end 72 which are oppositely arranged. 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 arranged 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.

[0075] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 3 to 9 As shown, the connecting rod 7 may be arranged 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.

[0076] Optionally, in some embodiments, referring to Figure 7 and Figure 10 As shown, a gasket 81 may be arranged on the first hinge shaft 3. The gasket 81 abuts against the hinge seat 1. The first end 71 is sleeved on the first hinge shaft 3 and abuts against the gasket 81. In this way, by arranging 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.

[0077] Optionally, in some embodiments, referring to Figure 7 and Figure 10 As shown, a radial flange 82 may be arranged on the first hinge shaft 3. The first end 71 is arranged 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.

[0078] Optionally, referring to Figures 7 to 10As shown, in the 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 that are oppositely arranged. 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. Therefore, the smoothness of the rotation of the mating seat 2 can be improved, and thus the smoothness of the opening and closing of the door body 20 can be improved.

[0079] 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, which 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.

[0080] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figures 6 to 10 and Figures 12 to 15 As shown, a second limiting post 12 may be provided on the hinge seat 1. 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 accommodation space.

[0081] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figures 13 to 15 As shown, a first limiting post 11 is provided on the hinge seat 1, and the first limiting post 11 is configured to limit the rotation of the second hinge shaft 4 around 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 around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3. In this way, when the mating seat 2 continues to rotate, it rotates around 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 around 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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 constructed 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 constructed as an arc-shaped groove through the communication port 511, and the connecting rod 7 abuts against the first limiting post 11 to limit 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.

[0085] 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 limit surface 13, and the first hinge shaft 3 disengages from the abutment with the first limit surface 521. The arc-shaped groove slides relative to the first hinge shaft 3. 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 limit portion 51 subsequently. Then, continue to rotate the door body 20, 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 limit portion 51. The limit portion 51 configured as a round hole can only rotate relative to the first hinge shaft 3, and the connecting rod 7 disengages from the abutment with the first limit 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 limit post 12. At this time, the door body 20 is in the closed position.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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 manners.

[0088] Furthermore, 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, characterized in that, It includes a hinge base, a mating base, a first hinge shaft and a second hinge shaft. The first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft are arranged at intervals. The mating base is movably arranged on the hinge base through the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft. Wherein, the hinge assembly has a first state and a second state that can be switched with each other. In the first state, the mating base rotates around the central axis of the first hinge shaft; in the second state, the mating base rotates around the central axis of the second hinge shaft.

2. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein The first hinge shaft is fixedly arranged on the hinge base. A switching structure corresponding to the first hinge shaft is arranged on the mating base. The switching structure includes a limiting part and a guiding part that communicate with each other. 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 guiding part.

3. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The limiting part has a communication port that communicates with the guiding part; when the hinge assembly is switched from the first state to the second state, the first hinge shaft enters the guiding part 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. 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 part through the communication port.

5. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, wherein, An arc-shaped first limiting surface is arranged on one side of the guiding part away from the limiting part. In the second state, the mating base has a maximum door opening position. At the maximum door opening position, the first hinge shaft abuts against the first limiting surface.

6. The hinge assembly according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, A second limiting surface is arranged on the hinge base, and a limiting bracket is arranged on the mating base. In the second state, the mating base has a maximum door opening position. At the maximum door opening position, the limiting bracket abuts against the second limiting surface.

7. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The second hinge shaft is rotatably arranged on the hinge base around the central axis of the first hinge shaft; in the first state, the second hinge shaft rotates around the central axis of the first hinge shaft together with the mating base.

8. The hinge assembly according to claim 7, wherein A circular mating hole is arranged on the mating base, and the second hinge shaft is inserted into the mating hole; in the second state, the mating base rotates around the central axis of the second hinge shaft through the mating hole.

9. The hinge assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The hinge assembly includes a connecting rod. The connecting rod has a first end and a second end that are arranged oppositely. The first end is rotatably sleeved on the first hinge shaft, and the second end is connected to the second hinge shaft.

10. The hinge assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The connecting rod is arranged at an interval from the hinge base.

11. The hinge assembly according to claim 10, wherein, A gasket is arranged on the first hinge shaft. The gasket abuts against the hinge base. The first end is sleeved on the first hinge shaft and abuts against the gasket.

12. The hinge assembly according to claim 11, wherein, A radial flange is arranged on the first hinge shaft, and the first end is arranged between the radial flange and the gasket.

13. The hinge assembly according to claim 9, wherein The second end has a first side and a second side that are arranged oppositely. The first side is farther away from the hinge base than the second side, and the second hinge shaft is connected to the first side.

14. The hinge assembly according to claim 9, wherein The second hinge shaft is integrally formed with the connecting rod.

15. The hinge assembly according to claim 9, wherein 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 closing position, and in the door closing position, the connecting rod abuts against the second limiting post.

16. The hinge assembly according to claim 7, wherein, A first limiting post is provided on the hinge seat, and the first limiting post is configured to limit the rotation of the second hinge shaft about the central axis of the first hinge shaft, so that the hinge assembly is switched from the first state to the second state.

17. A refrigerator, characterized in that, Comprising: A box body, provided with an accommodating space with an opening on one side; A door body for covering the opening of the accommodating space; And The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1-16, 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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