Hinge structure and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model discloses a hinge structure and a refrigerator, the hinge structure comprises a mounting block which is arranged on a refrigerator door and is provided with a track groove, a hinge plate which is arranged on a refrigerator body and a hinge shaft which is arranged on the hinge plate, the hinge shaft is provided with an adjusting piece, and the position of the adjusting piece on the hinge shaft is adjusted, so that the hinge structure can be adjusted conveniently. The height of the refrigerator body is changed by changing the length of the hinge extending towards the track groove, so that the technical problem that an existing refrigerator door with unequal height can only be adjusted by adding a gasket and cannot be accurately adjusted is solved, and the use experience of a user is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of refrigerators, in particular to a hinge structure and a refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of the global economy and the remarkable improvement of residents' living quality, household appliances, especially refrigerators as indispensable storage and preservation equipment in modern families, have seen a continuous increase in market demand. While pursuing technological innovations such as high energy efficiency and intelligent connectivity, consumers' demands for the appearance design, usability, and personalization of refrigerator products are also growing. An aesthetically pleasing appearance design can not only enhance the overall beauty of the home environment but also be an important consideration factor for modern consumers when choosing household appliances.

[0003] However, during the production and manufacturing process of refrigerators, despite the use of highly automated production lines and precise processing techniques, due to the influence of various factors such as material properties, processing accuracy, and assembly environment, there is still a certain degree of height inconsistency in the refrigerator door body after assembly, that is, the phenomenon of "unequal door heights". Currently, the only way to solve the problem of unequal refrigerator door heights is to adjust by adding gaskets, but precise adjustment cannot be achieved. Therefore, this problem not only affects the overall aesthetics of the refrigerator but may also lead to increased energy consumption, reduced freshness preservation effect, and even noise problems due to improper door closure, greatly reducing the user experience. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] The utility model aims to solve the technical problem of unequal heights in the assembly of refrigerator door bodies in the above-mentioned prior art, and proposes a hinge structure and a refrigerator.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the utility model is as follows:

[0006] The utility model proposes a hinge structure, including:

[0007] A mounting block, which is arranged on the door of the refrigerator, and the mounting block is provided with at least one track groove;

[0008] A hinge plate, which is connected to the refrigerator body;

[0009] At least one hinge shaft, which is vertically arranged on the hinge plate, one end of the hinge shaft extends towards the track groove and extends into the corresponding track groove, and the hinge shaft moves along the track groove when the refrigerator door is opened and closed;

[0010] At least one adjusting member, which is arranged on the hinge shaft and is used to adjust the length of the hinge shaft extending towards the track groove.

[0011] Further, the adjusting member is a fixing nut provided at the upper end of the hinge shaft and threadedly connected to the hinge shaft, and the fixing nut is stuck on the upper surface of the hinge plate.

[0012] Further, two track grooves with different tracks are provided on the mounting block, and two hinge shafts are provided on the hinge plate, namely a first hinge shaft and a second hinge shaft.

[0013] Further, the adjusting members are respectively provided on the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft.

[0014] Further, a connecting rod for connecting with the lower end of the first hinge shaft is provided at the lower end of the second hinge shaft, and the connecting rod is located below the hinge plate.

[0015] Further, the connecting rod is connected to the first hinge shaft through the first nut and the second nut. The first nut and the second nut are threadedly connected to the first hinge shaft and are located below the hinge plate. One end of the connecting rod connected to the first hinge shaft is sleeved on the first hinge shaft and is located between the first nut and the second nut.

[0016] Further, a connecting rod for connecting with the second hinge shaft is provided at the lower end of the first hinge shaft, and a connecting rod for connecting with the first hinge shaft is provided at the lower end of the second hinge shaft.

[0017] Further, first nuts and second nuts are provided on the part of the first hinge shaft located below the hinge plate for connecting with the connecting rod on the second hinge shaft, and first nuts and second nuts are provided on the part of the second hinge shaft located below the hinge plate for connecting with the connecting rod on the first hinge shaft.

[0018] Further, the length that the first hinge shaft extends out into the track groove is greater than the length that the second hinge shaft extends out into the track groove.

[0019] Further, the first hinge shaft is threadedly connected to the hinge plate, and the second hinge shaft passes through the hinge plate movably.

[0020] The present utility model further provides a refrigerator, including a refrigerator cabinet body and a refrigerator door body, and further including the hinge structure described above. The mounting block is provided at the bottom of the refrigerator door body, and the hinge plate is provided at the bottom of the refrigerator cabinet body.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the hinge structure proposed by the present utility model includes a mounting block with a track groove provided on the cabinet door, a hinge plate provided on the cabinet body, and a hinge shaft provided on the hinge plate. An adjusting member is provided on the hinge shaft of the present application. By adjusting the position of the adjusting member on the hinge shaft, the length of the hinge shaft extending in the direction of the track groove is changed, thereby changing the height of the cabinet body, solving the technical problem that the existing refrigerator doors have unequal heights and can only be adjusted by adding gaskets, and cannot be accurately adjusted, and greatly improving the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present utility model. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0023] Figure 1 Schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] 1. First hinge shaft;

[0026] 2. Second hinge shaft; 21. Connecting rod;

[0027] 3. Adjusting member;

[0028] 4. Hinge plate;

[0029] 5. Second nut; 51. First nut. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0030] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects to be solved by the present utility model more clearly understood, the following further details the present utility model with reference to the drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present utility model and are not used to limit the present utility model.

[0031] The principle and structure of the present utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings and embodiments.

[0032] With the rapid development of the global economy and the remarkable improvement of the quality of life of residents, household appliances, especially refrigerators as indispensable storage and preservation equipment in modern families, the market demand for them continues to grow. While pursuing technological innovations such as high efficiency and energy conservation, intelligent interconnection, etc., consumers' demands for the appearance design, ease of use and personalization of refrigerator products are also increasing day by day. An aesthetically pleasing appearance design can not only enhance the overall beauty of the home environment, but also be one of the important considerations for modern consumers when choosing household appliances.

[0033] However, in the production and manufacturing process of refrigerators, although highly automated production lines and precision processing technologies are adopted, due to the influence of various factors such as material properties, processing accuracy, assembly environment, etc., there is still a certain degree of height inconsistency problem in the refrigerator door body after assembly, that is, the phenomenon of "unequal door heights". The existing solution to the unequal door heights of refrigerators can only be adjusted by adding gaskets, but accurate adjustment cannot be carried out. Therefore, this problem not only affects the overall aesthetics of the refrigerator, but may also lead to increased energy consumption, reduced freshness preservation effect, and even problems such as noise due to improper door closure, greatly reducing the user experience.

[0034] As Figure 1-2 shown, the present utility model proposes a hinge structure, including: a mounting block, a hinge plate 4, a hinge shaft and an adjusting member 3.

[0035] The mounting block is arranged on the door of the refrigerator, and the mounting block is provided with at least one inwardly concave track groove. The hinge plate 4 is in a plate shape, and one end is provided with a screw hole for connecting with the refrigerator body by screws. At least one hinge shaft is vertically arranged on the hinge plate 4, the hinge shaft is movably arranged on the hinge plate 4, one end of the hinge shaft extends towards the direction of the track groove and extends into the corresponding track groove, one track groove corresponds to one hinge shaft, when the door of the refrigerator is opened or closed, the hinge shaft moves along the track groove to limit the opening direction and position of the door of the refrigerator. At least one adjusting member 3 is arranged on the hinge shaft for adjusting the length of the hinge shaft extending towards the direction of the track groove. When the hinge structure is installed at the bottom of the refrigerator body and the bottom of the door of the refrigerator, and when the hinge plate 4 does not move, the longer the length of the hinge shaft extending towards the direction of the track groove, the higher the door body is lifted by the hinge shaft, and the shorter the length of the hinge shaft extending towards the direction of the track groove, the lower the door body drops accordingly. By adjusting the position of the adjusting member 3 on the hinge shaft, the length of the hinge shaft extending towards the direction of the track groove can be changed, so that the height of the refrigerator door can be adjusted, allowing fine adjustment of the door body height during installation or use, and ensuring that the door body can be perfectly closed with the refrigerator body. It solves the technical problem that the unequal door heights of the existing refrigerators can only be adjusted by adding gaskets and accurate adjustment cannot be carried out, greatly improving the user experience.

[0036] By adjusting the position of the adjusting member 3 on the hinge axis, the length of the hinge axis extending towards the track groove can be precisely controlled, thereby achieving fine adjustment of the height of the refrigerator door. This adjustment method is more precise than adding shims, ensuring perfect closure of the door body and the cabinet body, and avoiding various problems caused by inaccurate door height. Moreover, due to the ability to accurately adjust the door height, the gap between the refrigerator door and the cabinet body is uniform, significantly enhancing the overall aesthetics of the refrigerator. This is an important improvement for users who pursue a clean and beautiful home environment. The precise adjustment of the door height ensures a tight fit between the door body and the cabinet body, effectively preventing problems such as increased energy consumption and reduced freshness preservation effect caused by improper door closure. At the same time, it also reduces the noise problem that may occur due to too large a door gap, improving the comfort of use. Good sealing means that the cold air inside the refrigerator is not easily leaked, thereby reducing the burden on the refrigeration system and improving energy efficiency. This is of great significance for energy conservation and emission reduction and reducing household electricity bills. The hinge structure of the present utility model is ingeniously designed, easy to install, and extremely convenient to adjust the door height during use. This greatly reduces the difficulty of installation and maintenance and improves the user experience. This hinge structure is not only applicable to the adjustment of refrigerator doors, but can also be appropriately improved and applied to other occasions that require precise adjustment of door height, such as wardrobe doors and cabinet doors, with wide applicability.

[0037] Specifically, the adjusting member 3 is a nut provided at the upper end of the hinge axis and threadedly connected to the hinge axis. The nut is stuck on the upper surface of the hinge plate 4. By rotating to adjust the position of the adjusting member 3 on the hinge axis, the length of the hinge axis extending towards the track groove is changed.

[0038] By simply rotating the adjusting member 3, the user can easily adjust its position on the hinge axis. This adjustment method is intuitive and easy to operate, without the need for complex tools or professional skills, greatly improving the convenience of adjustment. The threaded connection between the nut and the hinge axis can achieve high-precision position adjustment. The user can precisely control the length of the hinge axis extending towards the track groove by slightly rotating the nut according to needs, thereby achieving fine adjustment of the height of the refrigerator door. The tight threaded connection between the nut and the hinge axis ensures stability after adjustment. Once the nut is stuck above the hinge plate 4, it can firmly stay there, preventing accidental loosening or position change during the use of the refrigerator door.

[0039] In one embodiment, the hinge structure is a single-axis hinge. A track groove is provided on the mounting block, a hinge axis is provided on the hinge plate 4, and an adjusting member 3 is provided on the hinge axis. One end of the hinge axis extends into the track groove. When the door body is opened and closed, the hinge axis moves along the track groove. When there are problems with the height of the door body being different, by adjusting the position of the adjusting member 3 on the hinge axis, the length of the hinge axis extending towards the track groove can be precisely controlled, thereby achieving fine adjustment of the height of the refrigerator door.

[0040] In one embodiment, the hinge structure is a biaxial hinge. Two track grooves with different trajectories are provided on the mounting block. Two hinge shafts are provided on the hinge plate 4, namely a first hinge shaft 1 and a second hinge shaft 2. The first hinge shaft 1 and the second hinge shaft 2 respectively extend into the two track grooves. The length that the first hinge shaft extends in the direction of the track groove is greater than the length that the second hinge shaft extends in the direction of the track groove. The first hinge shaft 1 supports the door body to bear a greater weight, while the second hinge shaft 2 is lower and is mainly used to transmit rotational motion.

[0041] In another embodiment, two track grooves with different trajectories are provided on the mounting block. Two hinge shafts are provided on the hinge plate 4, namely a first hinge shaft 1 and a second hinge shaft 2. Adjusting members 3 are respectively provided on the first hinge shaft 1 and the second hinge shaft 2 for adjusting the lengths that the first hinge shaft 1 and the second hinge shaft 2 extend in the direction of the track groove, so as to change the height of the door body.

[0042] The first hinge shaft 1 is threadedly connected to the hinge plate 4, and the second hinge shaft 2 movably passes through the hinge plate 4. And at the lower end of the second hinge shaft 2, a connecting rod 21 for connecting with the lower end of the first hinge shaft 1 is provided on the part below the hinge plate 4. The second hinge shaft 2 is connected to the first hinge shaft 1 through the connecting rod 21, and the second hinge shaft 2 movably passes through the hinge plate 4. Therefore, when the adjusting member 3 of the first hinge shaft 1 changes the length that the first hinge shaft 1 extends in the direction of the track groove, the second hinge shaft 2 will move synchronously with the first hinge shaft 1 to keep the height difference between the first hinge shaft 1 and the second hinge shaft 2, ensuring the coordination and consistency between the first hinge shaft 1 and the second hinge shaft 2 during the adjustment process.

[0043] A first nut 51 and a second nut 5 are provided at the bottom of the first hinge shaft 1, and the first nut 51 and the second nut 5 are located below the hinge plate 4. The connecting rod 21 is connected to the first hinge shaft 1 through the first nut 51 and the second nut 5. One end of the connecting rod 21 connected to the first hinge shaft 1 is sleeved on the first hinge shaft 1 and is located between the first nut 51 and the second nut 5. Adjusting the positions of the first nut 51 and the second nut 5 can adjust the height difference between the first hinge shaft 1 and the second hinge shaft 2.

[0044] In another embodiment, the first nut 51 and the first hinge shaft are of an integral structure, preventing the first nut 51 from loosening under the influence of external forces during the opening and closing process of the refrigerator door.

[0045] Through the design of the connecting rod 21, the height difference between the first hinge shaft 1 and the second hinge shaft 2 remains constant. The constant height difference helps to maintain a predetermined motion trajectory and mechanical balance. The design of the threaded connection between the first hinge shaft 1 and the hinge plate 4 makes the connection between the first hinge shaft 1 and the hinge plate 4 more firm and reliable, capable of bearing a large force.

[0046] The user can adjust the entire hinge structure simply by adjusting the adjusting member 3 of the first hinge shaft 1, without complex operation steps or tools. This simplicity improves the user experience and satisfaction.

[0047] In a further embodiment, a connecting rod 21 for connecting with the second hinge shaft 2 is provided at the lower end of the first hinge shaft 1, and a connecting rod 21 for connecting with the first hinge shaft 1 is provided at the lower end of the second hinge shaft 2. A first nut 51 and a second nut 5 are provided at the part of the first hinge shaft 1 below the hinge plate 4 for fixing the connecting rod 21 on the second hinge shaft 2, and a first nut 51 and a second nut 5 are provided at the part of the second hinge shaft 2 below the hinge plate 4 for connecting with the connecting rod 21 on the first hinge shaft 1.

[0048] The first hinge shaft 1 and the second hinge shaft 2 are connected to each other through connecting rods 21 in two directions, forming a more stable structure. This double connection not only enhances the overall strength of the hinge, but also enables the two shafts to maintain better synchronization and coordination during movement.

[0049] The cooperation between the track groove and the hinge shaft of the present utility model belongs to the prior art and is not the focus of this patent, so no specific description will be given. The focus of this patent is on how to adjust the length of the hinge shaft extending into the track groove to change the height of the refrigerator door.

[0050] The present utility model also proposes a refrigerator, including a refrigerator body and a refrigerator door body, and further including the hinge structure proposed by the present utility model. The mounting block is arranged at the bottom of the refrigerator door body, and the hinge plate 4 is arranged at the bottom of the refrigerator body. The height of the refrigerator door can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the adjusting member 3 on the hinge shaft.

[0051] The refrigerator proposed by the present utility model can be a side-by-side refrigerator, a French door refrigerator, etc.

[0052] Compared with the prior art, the hinge structure proposed by the present utility model includes a mounting block with a track groove arranged on the door of the refrigerator, a hinge plate 4 arranged on the refrigerator body, and a hinge shaft arranged on the hinge plate 4. An adjusting member 3 is arranged on the hinge shaft of the present application. By adjusting the position of the adjusting member 3 on the hinge shaft, the length of the hinge shaft extending towards the track groove is changed, thereby changing the height of the refrigerator body, solving the technical problem that the existing refrigerator doors are not of equal height and can only be adjusted by adding gaskets and cannot be accurately adjusted, and greatly improving the user experience.

[0053] It should be noted that the terms used above are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments of the present utility model. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms are also intended to include the plural forms. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they specify the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0054] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangements of components and steps, numerical expressions, and numerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present utility model. At the same time, it should be understood that, for the sake of convenience of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn in actual proportional relationships. Technologies, methods, and devices known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such technologies, methods, and devices should be regarded as part of the authorized specification. In all the examples shown and discussed here, any specific value should be construed as merely exemplary and not as a limitation. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters denote like items in the following drawings, and thus, once an item is defined in one drawing, further discussion thereof is not required in subsequent drawings.

[0055] In the description of the present utility model, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationships indicated by orientation words such as "front, rear, upper, lower, left, right", "lateral, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal", and "top, bottom" are generally based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present utility model and simplifying the description. Without contrary description, these orientation words do not indicate and imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as limiting the protection scope of the present utility model; the orientation words "inside, outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the contour of each component itself.

[0056] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above", "over", "on the upper surface", "upper" etc. may be used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of one device or feature to other devices or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figure is inverted, the device described as "above" or "over" other devices or structures will then be positioned "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both the orientations of "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and corresponding interpretations of the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be made.

[0057] In addition, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first", "second" etc. to define components is only for the convenience of differentiating the corresponding components. Without additional statements, the above terms have no special meanings, and thus should not be construed as limiting the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0058] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. For those skilled in the art, the present utility model can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A hinge structure, characterized in that, Including: An installation block, which is arranged on the door of the cabinet, and at least one track groove is provided on the installation block; A hinge plate, which is connected to the cabinet body; At least one hinge shaft, which is vertically arranged on the hinge plate, one end of the hinge shaft extends towards the track groove and extends into the corresponding track groove, and the hinge shaft moves along the track groove when the door of the cabinet is opened and closed; At least one adjusting member, which is arranged on the hinge shaft and is used to adjust the length of the hinge shaft extending towards the track groove.

2. The hinge structure according to claim 1, wherein The adjusting member is a fixing nut arranged at the upper end of the hinge shaft and threadedly connected to the hinge shaft, and the fixing nut is stuck on the upper surface of the hinge plate.

3. The hinge structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, Two track grooves with different tracks are provided on the installation block, and two hinge shafts are provided on the hinge plate, namely a first hinge shaft and a second hinge shaft.

4. The hinge structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The adjusting members are respectively arranged on the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft.

5. The hinge structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, A connecting rod for connecting with the lower end of the first hinge shaft is arranged at the lower end of the second hinge shaft, and the connecting rod is located below the hinge plate.

6. The hinge structure according to claim 5, wherein, The connecting rod is connected to the first hinge shaft through a first nut and a second nut, the first nut and the second nut are threadedly connected to the first hinge shaft and are located below the hinge plate, and one end of the connecting rod connected to the first hinge shaft is sleeved on the first hinge shaft and is located between the first nut and the second nut.

7. The hinge structure according to claim 4, wherein A connecting rod for connecting with the second hinge shaft is arranged at the lower end of the first hinge shaft, and a connecting rod for connecting with the first hinge shaft is arranged at the lower end of the second hinge shaft.

8. The hinge structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, A first nut and a second nut are arranged on the part of the first hinge shaft located below the hinge plate for connecting with the connecting rod on the second hinge shaft, and a first nut and a second nut are arranged on the part of the second hinge shaft located below the hinge plate for connecting with the connecting rod on the first hinge shaft.

9. The hinge structure according to claim 3, wherein, The length of the first hinge shaft extending towards the track groove is greater than the length of the second hinge shaft extending towards the track groove.

10. The hinge structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first hinge shaft is threadedly connected to the hinge plate, and the second hinge shaft passes through the hinge plate movably.

11. A refrigerator, comprising a refrigerator body and a refrigerator door body, characterized in that, It further includes the hinge structure according to any one of claims 1-10, the installation block is arranged at the bottom of the refrigerator door body, and the hinge plate is arranged at the bottom of the refrigerator cabinet body.

Images