Hinge assembly and washing machine

Abstract

The utility model provides a hinge assembly and a washing machine, and relates to the technical field of washing machines, the hinge assembly is used for installing a washing machine door on a front panel of the washing machine, the hinge assembly comprises a plurality of hinge bodies and connecting pieces, and in the state that the washing machine door is installed on the front panel, the hinge bodies are installed on the front side of the front panel; the hinge bodies are sequentially arranged at intervals in the first direction, and the first direction is the height direction of the front panel. The distance between the highest hinge main body and the lowest hinge main body in the plurality of hinge main bodies is not less than two thirds of the diameter of a clothes putting opening in the front panel; the front panel and the hinge body are fixedly connected through a connecting piece. According to the hinge assembly, by arranging the multiple hinge bodies, the connecting strength between the washing machine door and the front panel is improved, by increasing the span of the hinged position on the washing machine door in the height direction, the shaking amplitude of the washing machine door can be reduced, the door is not prone to large-amplitude swinging, and the washing machine door can be stably installed on the front panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of washing machines, and in particular relates to a hinge assembly and a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] In a washing machine, the door is typically mounted on the front panel of the washing machine body using a hinge assembly. When the washing machine door is relatively light, the existing hinge assembly can stably support the door on the washing machine body. However, when the washing machine door is heavy, the existing hinge assembly has difficulty in stably supporting the door on the washing machine body. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a hinge assembly and a washing machine to solve the technical problem that the hinge assembly has difficulty in stably supporting the heavy washing machine door on the cabinet.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is:

[0005] A first aspect of the present application provides a hinge assembly for mounting a washing machine door on a front panel of the washing machine, comprising a plurality of hinge bodies and connectors. When the washing machine door is mounted on the front panel:

[0006] The hinge body is mounted on the front side of the front panel; the plurality of hinge bodies are spaced apart in sequence along a first direction, the first direction being the height direction of the front panel; the distance between the highest hinge body and the lowest hinge body among the plurality of hinge bodies is not less than two-thirds of the diameter of the clothing loading opening on the front panel;

[0007] The front panel and the hinge body are fixedly connected via a connecting piece.

[0008] In a feasible embodiment, the hinge body includes a main body hook and a main body part, the main body hook is connected to the main body part, the main body hook includes a connecting arm and a hook part, the two ends of the connecting arm are respectively connected to the main body part and the hook part, the hook part protrudes from the connecting arm along the second direction, and the second direction is the width direction of the front panel.

[0009] In a feasible embodiment, a guide slope is provided on the side surface of the hook portion connected to the connecting arm, the guide slope extends along the second direction, and is inclined from top to bottom in a direction away from the connecting arm.

[0010] In a feasible embodiment, each main body portion is provided with two or more main body hooks.

[0011] In a feasible implementation, there are at least two main body hooks distributed along a third direction, and the third direction forms an angle with the first direction.

[0012] In a feasible embodiment, the hinge assembly also includes a reinforcement plate, which is installed on the rear side of the front panel; the reinforcement plate, the front panel and the hinge body are fixedly connected by a connecting piece; a first pre-positioning hole is provided on the front panel, and a second pre-positioning hole is provided on the reinforcement plate, and the main body hook is inserted into the first pre-positioning hole and the second pre-positioning hole in sequence.

[0013] In a feasible embodiment, the reinforcing plate includes a reinforcing plate hook and a reinforcing plate body, the reinforcing plate hook is arranged on the reinforcing plate body, a third pre-positioning hole is arranged on the front panel, and the reinforcing plate hook is inserted into the third pre-positioning hole.

[0014] In a feasible embodiment, each hinge body is provided with an avoidance groove, and the avoidance groove is used to accommodate the reinforcement plate hook.

[0015] In a feasible embodiment, wire holes are provided on both the reinforcing plate and the front panel, and a reinforcing plate hook is provided on one side of the wire hole on the reinforcing plate, and at least one second pre-positioning hole is provided on the other side.

[0016] In a possible embodiment, a side of the hinge body close to the front panel is chamfered.

[0017] In a feasible embodiment, the connecting member is a screw or a bolt, and each hinge body is connected to two or more connecting members.

[0018] A second aspect of the present application provides a washing machine, comprising a housing, a washing machine door, and a hinge assembly as provided in any of the above technical solutions, wherein the washing machine door is supported on the front panel of the housing through the hinge assembly.

[0019] In a feasible embodiment, a hinge groove is provided on the front panel, and the hinge body of the hinge assembly is provided in the hinge groove.

[0020] In a feasible embodiment, the hinge groove includes a groove bottom surface and a groove side surface, and the groove bottom surface and the groove side surface are smoothly transitioned to each other. Along the groove depth direction from the groove bottom surface to the hinge groove opening, the groove side surface is inclined in the direction away from the center of the hinge groove, and the inclination angle of the groove side surface relative to the groove depth direction is less than or equal to the inclination angle of the guide slope on the hinge body relative to the groove depth direction.

[0021] The beneficial effects of the present application are as follows: the hinge assembly provided in the embodiment of the present application improves the connection strength between the washing machine door and the front panel by setting multiple hinge bodies; by setting the spacing between the highest hinge body and the lowest hinge body to be no less than two-thirds of the diameter of the clothing insertion opening on the front panel, the span of the hinge position on the washing machine door in the height direction is increased, which can reduce the shaking amplitude of the washing machine door, make the door less likely to swing significantly, and increase stability; in addition, the hinge parts at a longer distance can also more evenly disperse the stress generated by the door during the opening and closing process, reducing local stress concentration.

[0022] The washing machine provided in the embodiment of the present application includes the above-mentioned hinge assembly, so the washing machine at least includes all the beneficial effects of the above-mentioned hinge assembly, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or descriptions of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the front appearance of the hinge assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the back appearance of the hinge assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the front appearance of a hinge assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application connecting a washing machine door and a front panel;

[0027] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the back appearance of a hinge assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application connecting a washing machine door and a front panel;

[0028] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the appearance of a reinforcement plate provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of point D in the middle;

[0030] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the reinforcement plate provided in an embodiment of the present application positioned on the front panel;

[0031] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A partial enlarged view of point E in the middle;

[0032] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the appearance of the hinge body provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A partial enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0034] Figure 11 for Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0035] Figure 12A schematic diagram of the appearance of the front panel provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A partial enlarged view of point C in the middle;

[0037] Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of the main body hook provided in an embodiment of the present application in one of the states during the insertion process of the front panel and the reinforcement plate Figure 1 ;

[0038] Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the main body hook provided in an embodiment of the present application in one of the states during the insertion process of the front panel and the reinforcement plate Figure 2 ;

[0039] Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the main body hook provided in an embodiment of the present application in one of the states during the insertion process of the front panel and the reinforcement plate Figure 3 ;

[0040] Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the main body hook provided in an embodiment of the present application in one of the states during the insertion process of the front panel and the reinforcement plate Figure 4 ;

[0041] Figure 18 This is a sectional front view of the main body hook provided in an embodiment of the present application when inserted into the front panel and the reinforcement plate.

[0042] Among them, the reference numerals in the figures are:

[0043] 1-Hinge assembly; 2-Washing machine door; 3-Front panel;

[0044] 11-Hinge body; 12-Reinforcement plate; 13-Connecting piece;

[0045] 111-main body hook; 112-main body;

[0046] 1111-connecting arm; 1112-hook portion; 1113-guide slope;

[0047] 1121-avoidance groove; 1122-hinge connection hole; 1123-chamfer;

[0048] 121-reinforcement plate hook; 122-reinforcement plate body;

[0049] 1221 - second pre-positioning hole; 1222 - reinforcement plate connection hole; 1223 - reinforcement plate wire hole; 1224 - abutment edge;

[0050] 12211-second upper half hole; 12212-second lower half hole;

[0051] 31 - first pre-positioning hole; 32 - third pre-positioning hole; 33 - hinge slot; 34 - front panel connection hole; 35 - front panel wire hole; 36 - clothing loading opening;

[0052] 311-first upper half hole; 312-first lower half hole;

[0053] 321-third upper half hole; 322-third lower half hole;

[0054] 331 - groove bottom surface; 332 - groove side surface; 333 - arc transition surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] To make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application more clear, the following will further describe the implementation methods of this application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain this application, and should not be understood as limiting this application.

[0056] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the term "plurality" refers to more than two (including two).

[0057] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "thickness", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "up", "down", "left", "right", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be understood as limitations on this application.

[0058] To facilitate the clear description of the technical solutions of this application, the words "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with substantially the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art will understand that the words "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or order of execution, and the words "first" and "second" do not necessarily mean different.

[0059] In this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection, electrical connection; direct connection, indirect connection through an intermediate medium, internal communication between two components, or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0060] In this application, "and / or" is simply a way to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0061] It should be noted that, in this application, words such as "in one embodiment," "exemplarily," and "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described in this application as "in one embodiment," "exemplarily," or "for example" should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "in one embodiment," "exemplarily," and "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0062] See Figures 1-4 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the front appearance of the hinge assembly 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the back appearance of the hinge assembly 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 This is a front view of the hinge assembly 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application connecting the washing machine door 2 and the front panel 3; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the back appearance of the hinge assembly 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application, connecting the washing machine door 2 and the front panel 3. Before describing the hinge assembly 1 provided in this embodiment, for the convenience of description, the following direction definition is made: the hinge assembly 1 can be calibrated by defining the following three relative height axes: the horizontal axis X, the vertical axis Y and the height axis Z. Among them, Figure 1 As shown, the direction along the height axis Z is defined as the first direction. When the washing machine is placed on the work surface, the first direction is the height direction of the washing machine, the washing machine door 2 and the front panel 3; the horizontal axis X is the depth direction of the washing machine, which is also the axial direction of the washing machine drum; and the vertical axis Y is the width direction of the front panel 3.

[0063] This embodiment provides a hinge assembly 1 for mounting a washing machine door 2 on a front panel 3 of the washing machine. The hinge assembly 1 not only supports the washing machine door 2 on the front panel 3, but also enables a rotational connection between the washing machine door 2 and the front panel 3, thereby facilitating opening and closing of the washing machine door 2.

[0064] The hinge assembly 1 provided in this embodiment includes a plurality of hinge bodies 11 and a connector 13 . The connector 13 is used to fix each hinge body 11 on the front panel 3 .

[0065] Hinge assembly 1 also includes hinge ligaments, which are rotatably connected to corresponding hinge bodies 11. Hinge bodies 11 are fixed to front panel 3, and hinge ligaments are fixed to washing machine door 2, thereby achieving a rotatable connection between washing machine door 2 and front panel 3. Furthermore, when mounting washing machine door 2 to front panel 3 of the washing machine using hinge assembly 1, each hinge body 11 can be first connected to front panel 3, and then each hinge ligament can be fixed to washing machine door 2.

[0066] In this embodiment, the connector 13 is used to fix each hinge body 11 to the front panel 3. That is, the hinge body 11 can be fixed to the front panel 3 via the connector 13. Preferably, the hinge body 11 is detachably fixed to the front panel 3 via the connector 13. Regarding the fixation of the hinge ligament to the washing machine door 2, the hinge ligament is preferably detachably fixed to the washing machine door 2.

[0067] In this embodiment, there are multiple hinge bodies 11, which are spaced apart in sequence along a first direction, where the first direction is the height direction of the front panel 3. By providing multiple hinge bodies 11, the connection strength between the washing machine door 2 and the front panel 3 is improved. Regarding the specific number of hinge bodies 11, for example, the number of hinge bodies 11 can be two, three, four, etc. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , schematically showing that the hinge assembly 1 includes two hinge bodies 11.

[0068] When the hinge assembly 1 provided in this embodiment is used to mount the washing machine door 2 on the front panel 3, the hinge body 11 is mounted on the front side of the front panel 3, and multiple hinge bodies 11 are sequentially spaced along the height direction of the front panel 3. The side where the front panel 3 and the washing machine door 2 are in contact is the front side of the front panel 3. Figure 3 , showing that the hinge body 11 is installed on the front side of the front panel 3, and the hinge body 11 is along Figure 3 The direction of the middle Z axis is sequentially set on the front panel 3 .

[0069] In order to improve the stability of the washing machine door 2 on the front panel 3, the distance between the highest hinge body 11 and the lowest hinge body 11 among the multiple hinge bodies 11 is set to be no less than two-thirds of the diameter of the clothing input opening 36 on the front panel 3.

[0070] See Figure 3 , schematically shows that the washing machine door 2 is mounted on the front panel 3 through the hinge assembly 1. Figure 3The figure shows a clothing loading opening 36 on the front panel 3. When using the washing machine, clothing is loaded into the washing machine drum through the clothing loading opening 36 on the front panel 3. The location on the washing machine door 2 where the hinge body 11 is connected is called the hinge location. If the hinge location on the washing machine door 2 has a large height span, the swing amplitude of the washing machine door 2 can be reduced, making it less likely to swing significantly and improving stability.

[0071] In this embodiment, the distance between the highest hinge body 11 and the lowest hinge body 11 is set to be no less than two-thirds of the diameter of the clothing loading opening 36 on the front panel 3, thereby increasing the height span of the hinge position on the washing machine door 2, thereby achieving a stable installation of the washing machine door 2 on the front panel 3. For heavier washing machine doors 2, the hinge assembly 1 provided in this embodiment is particularly suitable, so that heavier washing machine doors 2 can be stably installed on the front panel 3. For example, see Figure 3 The washing machine door 2 shown in the figure is rectangular as a whole. The washing machine door 2 is large in size and heavy in weight. The hinge assembly 1 provided in this embodiment can be stably installed on the front panel 3.

[0072] The hinge assembly 1 provided in this embodiment improves the connection strength between the washing machine door 2 and the front panel 3 by providing multiple hinge bodies 11 arranged along the height of the washing machine front panel 3. By ensuring that the spacing between the highest hinge body 11 and the lowest hinge body 11 is no less than two-thirds of the diameter of the clothing insertion opening 36 on the front panel 3, the height span of the hinged locations on the washing machine door 2 is increased, thereby ensuring stable installation of the washing machine door 2 on the front panel 3. Furthermore, the more distant hinged locations on the washing machine door 2 more evenly distribute the stress generated during the door opening and closing process, reducing localized stress concentration.

[0073] In some embodiments, the hinge assembly 1 includes two hinge bodies 11, with the spacing between the two hinge bodies 11 being no less than two-thirds the diameter of the clothing loading opening 36 on the front panel 3. For example, the hinge body 11 positioned at a higher position is approximately as high as the highest point of the clothing loading opening 36, while the hinge body 11 positioned at a lower position is approximately as high as the lowest point of the clothing loading opening 36. In one specific example, the hinge body 11 positioned at a higher position is higher than the highest point of the clothing loading opening 36, while the hinge body 11 positioned at a lower position is lower than the lowest point of the clothing loading opening 36. For example, while the spacing between the two hinge bodies 11 is no less than two-thirds the diameter of the clothing loading opening 36 on the front panel 3, the highest hinge body 11 is located between 2 / 3 and 4 / 5 of the height of the washing machine door 2, and the lowest hinge body 11 is located between 1 / 6 and 1 / 3 of the height of the washing machine door 2. In this manner, the washing machine door 2 can be stably mounted on the front panel 3.

[0074] In one embodiment, the hinge assembly 1 also includes a reinforcing plate 12, which is used to be installed on the rear side of the front panel 3; the reinforcing plate 12 is fixedly connected to the front panel 3 through a connecting member 13, that is, the reinforcing plate 12, the front panel 3 and the hinge body 11 are fixedly connected through the connecting member 13.

[0075] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 , schematically showing the reinforcing plate 12. Preferably, the reinforcing plate 12 is in the shape of a long strip, and each hinge body 11 is connected to the reinforcing plate 12 via a corresponding connecting piece 13. In a specific embodiment, see Figure 1 , there are two hinge bodies 11, and the two hinge bodies 11 are respectively arranged at both ends of the reinforcing plate 12. In another specific embodiment, there are three hinge bodies 11, of which two hinge bodies 11 are respectively arranged at both ends of the reinforcing plate 12, and the other hinge body 11 is arranged in the middle position of the reinforcing plate 12.

[0076] For example, the reinforcing plate 12 is provided with elongated holes. By providing the elongated holes on the reinforcing plate 12 , the weight of the reinforcing plate 12 is reduced, materials are saved, and costs are reduced.

[0077] See Figure 4 When the hinge assembly 1 is connected to the front panel 3, the reinforcement plate 12 is installed on the rear side of the front panel 3, the hinge body 11 is located on the front side of the front panel 3, and the connecting member 13 passes through the reinforcement plate 12, the front panel 3 and is inserted into the corresponding hinge body 11.

[0078] In this embodiment, by providing the reinforcing plate 12 , the strength of the hinge body 11 installed on the front panel 3 can be improved, thereby facilitating the stable installation of the washing machine door 2 on the front panel 3 .

[0079] In one embodiment, each hinge body 11 is connected to two or more connecting members 13 .

[0080] See Figure 2 , schematically illustrating the connector 13. In this embodiment, two or more connectors 13 are connected to each hinge body 11 to improve the strength of the hinge body 11 when mounted on the front panel 3. The number of connectors 13 provided on each hinge body 11 can be the same, or the number of connectors 13 provided on each hinge body 11 can be different. Preferably, the same number of connectors 13 is provided on each hinge body 11.

[0081] In one specific embodiment, see Figure 2 Each hinge body 11 is connected to four connecting pieces 13, that is, each hinge body 11 is fixed to the front panel 3 through four connecting pieces 13, see Figure 2 , preferably, the four connecting members 13 are in a rectangular array.

[0082] Preferably, the connecting member 13 is a screw or a bolt. The hinge body 11 is fixed to the front panel 3 by screws or bolts, which has the advantages of reliable connection, easy adjustment and disassembly, reusability, and low cost.

[0083] As described above, the hinge body 11 is fixed on the front panel 3, and the hinge ligand is fixed on the washing machine door 2. Figure 2 and Figure 4 When securing the hinge body 11 to the front panel 3, screws or bolts are sequentially passed through the reinforcing plate 12, the front panel 3, and inserted into the hinge body 11. The hinge body 11 is provided with threaded holes, and the screws or bolts are inserted into the threaded holes of the hinge body 11. The connection between the washing machine door 2 and the hinge ligament is preferably detachably connected using screws or bolts.

[0084] See Figure 5-Figure 8 , Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the appearance of the reinforcing plate 12 in this embodiment, Figure 6 for Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of point D in the middle. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the reinforcement plate 12 positioned on the front panel 3. Figure 8 for Figure 7 A partial enlarged view of point E in the middle.

[0085] In one embodiment, the reinforcing plate 12 includes a reinforcing plate hook 121 and a reinforcing plate body 122 . The reinforcing plate hook 121 is provided on the reinforcing plate body 122 . A third pre-positioning hole 32 is provided on the front panel 3 , and the reinforcing plate hook 121 is inserted into the third pre-positioning hole 32 .

[0086] See Figure 5 and Figure 6 , schematically showing the reinforcing plate hook 121 provided on the reinforcing plate body 122. Figure 8 , illustrating that the reinforcing plate hook 121 is inserted into the third pre-positioning hole 32 on the front panel 3 so that the reinforcing plate 12 is hung on the rear side of the front panel 3.

[0087] In this embodiment, by providing a reinforcing plate hook 121, before using the connecting member 13 to fix the reinforcing plate 12 to the front panel 3, the reinforcing plate hook 121 can be first inserted into the third pre-positioning hole 32 on the front panel 3, so that the reinforcing plate 12 is pre-positioned on the rear side of the front panel 3, thereby facilitating the connecting member 13 to pass through the reinforcing plate 12 and the front panel 3.

[0088] Preferably, the reinforcing plate hook 121 and the reinforcing plate body 122 are integrally formed, for example, the reinforcing plate hook 121 is stamped.

[0089] Regarding the number of reinforcing plate hooks 121 on the reinforcing plate body 122, preferably, at least two reinforcing plate hooks 121 are provided on the reinforcing plate body 122 to facilitate the stable pre-positioning of the reinforcing plate 12 on the front panel 3. For example, two, three, or four reinforcing plate hooks 121 are provided on the reinforcing plate body 122. Regarding the distribution of the reinforcing plate hooks 121 on the reinforcing plate body 122, preferably, they are distributed at both ends of the reinforcing plate body 122 to facilitate the stable pre-positioning of the reinforcing plate 12 on the front panel 3. In a specific embodiment, see Figure 5 , schematically illustrating that two reinforcing plate hooks 121 are provided on the reinforcing plate body 122 , and the two reinforcing plate hooks 121 are respectively close to the two ends of the reinforcing plate body 122 .

[0090] For example, see Figure 6 The reinforcing plate hook 121 is L-shaped. That is, the reinforcing plate hook 121 includes a horizontal portion and a vertical portion, one end of the horizontal portion is connected to the reinforcing plate body 122, and the other end is connected to the upper end surface of the vertical portion.

[0091] Regarding the third pre-positioning hole 32, in a specific embodiment, see Figure 8 The third pre-positioning hole 32 includes a third upper half hole 321 and a third lower half hole 322. The third lower half hole 322 is arranged below the third upper half hole 321. The third upper half hole 321 and the third lower half hole 322 are connected. Figure 8 The width of the third upper half hole 321 along the Y-axis direction is greater than the width of the third lower half hole 322 along the Y-axis direction, and the width of the reinforcing plate hook 121 along the Y-axis direction is less than the width of the third upper half hole 321 along the Y-axis direction, so that the reinforcing plate hook 121 can be inserted from the third upper half hole 321 along the X-axis direction and moved downward so that the reinforcing plate hook 121 is hung on the third lower half hole 322.

[0092] As mentioned above, the connecting piece 13 passes through the reinforcing plate 12. Figure 5 and 6 , schematically shows the reinforcing plate connection hole 1222 provided on the reinforcing plate 12 to cooperate with the connecting member 13, Figure 5 FIG shows that four reinforcing plate connection holes 1222 are arranged in a rectangular array at both ends of the reinforcing plate 12. Figure 8 , illustrating that the connecting member 13 passes through the reinforcing plate connecting hole 1222.

[0093] See Figures 9-13 , Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the appearance of the hinge body 11 provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 10 for Figure 9 A partial enlarged view of point B in the middle; Figure 11 for Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the appearance of the front panel 3 provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 13 for Figure 12 A partial enlarged view of point C in the middle.

[0094] In one embodiment, the hinge body 11 includes a body hook 111 and a body portion 112 , and the body hook 111 is connected to the body portion 112 .

[0095] See Figure 9 and Figure 10 , schematically shows the main body 112 and the main body hook 111 set on the main body 112. By setting the main body hook 111, the hinge body 11 can be pre-positioned on the front panel 3 before the connecting member 13 is used to fix the hinge body 11 on the front panel 3, thereby facilitating the connecting member 13 to pass through the front panel 3 and be inserted into the main body 112 of the hinge body 11.

[0096] For example, the main body hook 111 is hung on the front panel 3; or, the main body hook 111 is hung on the reinforcing plate 12. Figure 11 , showing that the main body hook 111 passes through the front panel 3 and the reinforcing plate 12 and is hung on the reinforcing plate 12, so that the hinge body 11 is pre-positioned on the front side of the front panel 3. Specifically, the front panel 3 is provided with a first pre-positioning hole 31, and the reinforcing plate 12 is provided with a second pre-positioning hole 1221. The main body hook 111 is sequentially inserted into the first pre-positioning hole 31 and the second pre-positioning hole 1221. Figure 11 , showing the second pre-positioning hole 1221 on the reinforcing plate 12, see Figure 13, illustrating that the front panel 3 is provided with a first pre-positioning hole 31. When the reinforcing plate 12 is positioned on the rear side of the front panel 3, the first pre-positioning holes 31 on the front panel 3 are connected to the corresponding second pre-positioning holes 1221 on the reinforcing plate 12, and the main body hook 111 is sequentially inserted into the first pre-positioning hole 31 and the second pre-positioning hole 1221.

[0097] Exemplarily, one or more hooks 111 are provided on the main body 112. Preferably, two or more hooks 111 are provided on each main body 112. This not only disperses the force but also limits the swaying of the hinge body 11, thereby limiting the swaying of the washing machine door 2. The provision of two or more hooks 111 on each main body 112 ensures that the hinge body 11 is stably pre-positioned on the front side of the front panel 3, facilitating the insertion of the connector 13 through the front panel 3 and into the main body 112 of the hinge body 11.

[0098] When more than two main body hooks 111 are provided on each main body portion 112 , in a specific embodiment, on the same main body portion 112 , there are at least two main body hooks 111 distributed along a third direction, and the third direction forms an angle with the first direction.

[0099] Specifically, see Figure 9 , showing two main body hooks 111 provided on the main body 112. The first direction is the height direction of the front panel 3, i.e. Figure 9 In the Z-axis direction. Figure 9 In the embodiment, the upper main body hook 111 is not directly above the lower main body hook 111, that is, the distribution direction between the two main body hooks 111 is at an angle to the Z-axis direction, wherein the distribution direction between the two main body hooks 111 is the third direction. In this embodiment, by providing at least two main body hooks 111 distributed along the third direction on the same main body portion 112, the force can be dispersed, further facilitating the stable pre-positioning of the hinge body 11 on the front side of the front panel 3.

[0100] On the same main body 112, there are at least two main body hooks 111 distributed along the third direction. For example, when three main body hooks 111 are set on the main body 112, the three main body hooks 111 are respectively a first main body hook, a second main body hook and a third main body hook. The first main body hook and the second main body hook can be distributed along the third direction, and the second main body hook and the third main body hook can be distributed along the first direction.

[0101] Preferably, the main body hook 111 and the main body portion 112 are integrally formed, for example, the main body hook 111 and the main body portion 112 are integrally cast.

[0102] As described above, the connecting member 13 passes through the reinforcing plate 12 and the front panel 3 and is inserted into the hinge body 11. Figure 9 , schematically shows the hinge connection hole 1122 on the main body 112 that cooperates with the connecting member 13. When the connecting member 13 is a screw or bolt, the hinge connection hole 1122 is a threaded hole, and the main body 112 is threadedly connected to the connecting member 13. Figure 9 , Figure 9 The figure shows four hinge connection holes 1122 , which are respectively close to the four corners of the main body 112 , so as to facilitate the stable fixation of the hinge body 11 on the front side of the front panel 3 .

[0103] Preferably, each hinge body 11 is provided with an escape groove 1121, and the escape groove 1121 is used to accommodate the reinforcing plate hook 121. Figure 9 , showing the avoidance groove 1121. When the reinforcing plate 12 is positioned at the rear side of the front panel 3 through the reinforcing plate hook 121 and the hinge body 11 is positioned at the front side of the front panel 3 through the main body hook 111, the reinforcing plate hook 121 corresponds to the avoidance groove 1121 to prevent interference between the reinforcing plate hook 121 and the hinge body 11. In a specific example, Figure 9 As shown, the main body 112 is provided with a plurality of holes for reducing weight, one of which is used as an avoidance groove 1121 .

[0104] In an embodiment based on the reinforcement plate 12 including the reinforcement plate hook 121 and the hinge body 11 including the main body hook 111, the process of installing the hinge assembly 1 on the front panel 3 is as follows: first hang the reinforcement plate hook 121 on the third pre-positioning hole 32 on the front panel 3, that is, first pre-position the reinforcement plate 12 on the front panel 3, and then insert the main body hook 111 into the first pre-positioning hole 31 of the front panel 3 and the second pre-positioning hole 1221 of the reinforcement plate 12 in turn, hang the hinge body 11 on the front panel 3 and the reinforcement plate 12, and then pass the connecting member 13 through the reinforcement plate 12, the front panel 3 and the hinge body 11 in turn, so as to fix the hinge body 11 on the front panel 3, fix each hinge body 11 on the front panel 3, and realize the installation of the hinge assembly 1 on the front panel 3.

[0105] Regarding the main body hook 111, in one embodiment, see Figure 10 The main body hook 111 includes a connecting arm 1111 and a hook portion 1112. The two ends of the connecting arm 1111 are respectively connected to the main body 112 and the hook portion 1112. The hook portion 1112 protrudes from the connecting arm 1111 along the second direction, and the second direction is the width direction of the front panel 3.

[0106] See Figure 10The second direction is parallel to the Y axis, the Z axis is the vertical direction, the second direction is the width direction of the front panel 3, and the hook portion 1112 protrudes from the connecting arm 1111 along the second direction.

[0107] Regarding the hook portion 1112 protruding from the connecting arm 1111 along the second direction, illustratively, both ends of the hook portion 1112 along the horizontal direction protrude from the connecting arm 1111; or, one end of the hook portion 1112 protrudes from the connecting arm 1111 along the horizontal direction, see Figure 10 , illustrating that the hook portion 1112 protrudes from the connecting arm 1111 in a direction away from the Y-axis arrow.

[0108] The main body hook 111 can be hung on the front panel 3, or the main body hook 111 can be hung on the reinforcing plate 12. When the main body hook 111 is hung on the front panel 3, the main body hook 111 is inserted into the front panel 3 until the connecting arm 1111 is inserted into the front panel 3 and the hook portion 1112 is located on the rear side of the front panel 3. Then, the main body hook 111 is hung on the front panel 3 by moving it downward a small distance so that the hook portion 1112 is in contact with the rear side of the front panel 3. When the main body hook 111 is hung on the reinforcing plate 12, the main body hook 111 is inserted into the front panel 3 and the reinforcing plate 12 until the connecting arm 1111 is inserted into the front panel 3 and the reinforcing plate 12 and the hook portion 1112 is located on the rear side of the reinforcing plate 12. Then, the main body hook 111 is hung on the reinforcing plate 12 by moving it downward a small distance so that the hook portion 1112 is in contact with the rear side of the reinforcing plate 12.

[0109] In the example where the main body hook 111 is hung on the reinforcing plate 12, the first pre-positioning hole 31 on the front panel 3 and the second pre-positioning hole 1221 on the reinforcing plate 12 may be of the same shape. Figure 13 The first pre-positioning hole 31 includes a first upper hole 311 and a first lower hole 312. Both the first upper hole 311 and the first lower hole 312 are rectangular holes. The first upper hole 311 is located above the first lower hole 312 and is connected to the first upper hole 311. The length of the first upper hole 311 along the Y-axis is greater than the length of the first lower hole 312 along the Y-axis. The length of the hook portion 1112 along the Y-axis is less than the length of the first upper hole 311 along the Y-axis and greater than the length of the first lower hole 312 along the Y-axis. When inserting the main hook 111 into the first pre-positioning hole 31, first insert the main hook 111 into the first upper hole 311, then move downward until the connecting arm 1111 is inserted into the first lower hole 312.

[0110] In this embodiment, by providing the hook portion 1112 to protrude horizontally from the connecting arm 1111, when the main body hook 111 is hooked on the reinforcing plate 12 or the front panel 3, the hinge body 11 can be positioned on the front side of the front panel 3 by simply moving it downward a small distance. In particular, a groove is typically provided on the front side surface of the front panel 3 to accommodate the hinge body 11. During the process of positioning the hinge body 11 on the front side of the front panel 3, the downward movement of the main body hook 111 is limited by the size of the groove. In other words, the downward movement of the hinge body 11 is small. Protruding the hook portion 1112 horizontally from the connecting arm 1111 satisfies the requirement of completing the hooking within this small distance and helps reduce the height dimension of the groove on the front panel 3.

[0111] In one embodiment, wire holes are provided on both the reinforcing plate 12 and the front panel 3 .

[0112] See Figure 11 , showing the wire hole on the reinforcing plate 12, i.e., the reinforcing plate wire hole 1223; see Figure 13 , illustrates the wire hole on the front panel 3, namely the front panel wire hole 35. When the reinforcement plate 12 is positioned on the rear side of the front panel 3, the front panel wire hole 35 is directly opposite the reinforcement plate wire hole 1223, and the wiring can pass through the front panel wire hole 35 and the reinforcement plate wire hole 1223.

[0113] In this embodiment, wire holes are provided on both the reinforcing plate 12 and the front panel 3 to facilitate drawing the wires into the interior of the washing machine door.

[0114] Exemplarily, the front panel wire hole 35 and the reinforcing plate wire hole 1223 have the same shape. For example, the front panel wire hole 35 and the reinforcing plate wire hole 1223 are both rectangular in shape.

[0115] See Figure 11 , the reinforcing plate hook 121 is located on one side of the reinforcing plate 12 through hole (reinforcing plate through hole 1223), and there are more than one second pre-positioning hole 1221 set on the other side of the reinforcing plate 12 through hole (reinforcing plate through hole 1223). For example, when a second pre-positioning hole 1221 is set on the reinforcing plate 12, the reinforcing plate hook 121 and the second pre-positioning hole 1221 are respectively set on both sides of the reinforcing plate through hole 1223; see Figure 11 When two second pre-positioning holes 1221 are set on the reinforcing plate 12, a reinforcing plate hook 121 and a second pre-positioning hole 1221 are respectively set on both sides of the reinforcing plate wire hole 1223, and one of the second pre-positioning holes 1221 is located on the upper side of the reinforcing plate wire hole 1223.

[0116] See Figure 14-17 , Figure 14-17They are cross-sectional views of the main body hook 111 in different states during the process of inserting the front panel 3 and the reinforcing plate 12, wherein: Figure 14 A cross-sectional view showing the main body hook 111 not being inserted into the front panel 3 and the reinforcing plate 12 is shown. Figure 15-16 A cross-sectional view showing the main body hook 111 inserted into the front panel 3 and the reinforcing plate 12; Figure 17 It shows a cross-sectional view of the main body hook 111 being plugged into place.

[0117] In one embodiment, see Figure 14-17 A guide slope 1113 is provided on the side surface where the hook portion 1112 is connected to the connecting arm 1111. The guide slope 1113 extends along the second direction and is inclined from top to bottom in a direction away from the connecting arm 1111.

[0118] Regarding the guide slope 1113, for example, the side of the hook portion 1112 connected to the connecting arm 1111 is called the first side. The lower edge of the first side is chamfered to form a guide slope 1113 on the side where the hook portion 1112 is connected to the connecting arm 1111. Figure 14-17 , showing the guide slope 1113.

[0119] Regarding the guide slope 1113, in another specific example, the side of the hook portion 1112 connected to the connecting arm 1111 is called the first side, and the first side includes a first area, a second area and a third area. The first area, the second area and the third area are arranged in sequence from top to bottom, and the first area, the second area and the third area all extend along the second direction. The first area is a vertical plane, and the second area is inclined in the direction away from the connecting arm 1111 from top to bottom to form the guide slope 1113, and the third area is a vertical plane.

[0120] When the main hook 111 is inserted into the front panel 3 and the reinforcing plate 12, the guiding bevel 1113 is provided on the hook portion 1112. During the process of gradually inserting the main hook 111 into the reinforcing plate 12, the guiding bevel 1113 slides relative to the lower edge of the first upper half hole 311 on the front panel 3 and the lower edge of the first upper half hole 12211 on the reinforcing plate 12. The main hook 111 moves toward the reinforcing plate 12 while descending. After the main hook 111 is in place, it is limited to the lowest point, and the hook portion 1112 abuts against the rear surface of the reinforcing plate 12. In this scenario, when the main hook 111 is inserted into the front panel 3 and the reinforcing plate 12, the guiding bevel 1113 abuts against the reinforcing plate 12, guiding the main hook 111 to be inserted obliquely downward into the reinforcing plate 12.

[0121] See Figure 14The front panel 3 is generally provided with hinge slots 33. The number of hinge slots 33 matches the number of hinge bodies 11. The hinge slots 33 are spaced apart along the height direction of the front panel 3. When the hinge body 11 is mounted on the front panel 3, the hinge body 11 is placed in the hinge slots 33. By providing the hinge slots 33 that cooperate with the hinge body 11, when the hinge assembly 1 provided in this embodiment is used to mount the washing machine door 2 on the front panel 3 of the washing machine, the washing machine door 2 can be as close to the front panel 3 as possible when the washing machine door 2 is in the closed state.

[0122] See Figure 14 The hinge groove 33 includes a groove bottom surface 331 and a groove side surface 332. When the hinge groove 33 is processed and formed, the groove bottom surface 331 and the groove side surface 332 are usually connected in a smooth transition. Figure 14 A circular arc transition surface 333 is formed between the groove bottom surface 331 and the groove side surface 332 to reduce stress concentration on the groove bottom surface 331 and the groove side surface 332. In addition, along the direction from the groove bottom surface 331 to the opening of the hinge groove 33, the groove side surface 332 is inclined away from the center of the hinge groove 33 to facilitate the processing and forming of the hinge groove 33.

[0123] The groove side surface 332 includes an upper groove side surface, a lower groove side surface, a left groove side surface, and a right groove side surface. The upper groove side surface and the lower groove side surface are arranged opposite to each other in the vertical direction of the front panel 3, and the left groove side surface and the right groove side surface are arranged opposite to each other in the horizontal direction of the front panel 3. Figure 14 If the hinge body 11 is abutted against the upper groove side surface in the groove side surface 332 or if the hinge body 11 is abutted against the arc transition surface 333 between the upper groove side surface and the groove bottom surface 331.

[0124] Due to the aforementioned arrangement of the guide slope 1113, since the main body hook 111 moves diagonally downward during the hooking process, rather than first moving along the depth of the groove and then moving downward at a right angle, the operating space above the main body 112 in the hinge groove 33 is reduced, eliminating the need to reserve space on the groove bottom surface 331 that is greater than or equal to the downward travel of the main body hook 111. Alternatively, the groove bottom surface 331 and the upper groove side surface can be designed to have a smooth transition, with the area of the groove bottom surface 331 being sufficient to ensure that the main body 112 can fit snugly against the groove bottom surface 331 after the main body hook 111 is moved into position.

[0125] Conversely, when the groove bottom surface 331 and the groove side surface 332 are designed to have a smooth transition, but the hook portion 1112 is not provided with a guide inclined surface 1113, the movement path of the main body hook 111 is an L-shaped path that moves horizontally inward and then vertically downward. If the groove bottom surface 331 is not large enough, the main body 112 will interfere with the groove side surface 332, making it difficult to hook into place. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the length of the groove bottom surface 331 of the hinge groove 33 in the height direction to prevent the upper groove side surface and the arc transition surface 333 between the upper groove side surface and the groove bottom surface 331 from interfering with the hinge body 11.

[0126] Since a guide slope 1113 is provided on the hook portion 1112 in this embodiment, when the hinge body 11 is abutted against the upper groove side surface in the groove side surface 332 or the hinge body 11 is abutted against the arc transition surface 333 between the upper groove side surface and the groove bottom surface 331, although the hook portion 1112 is not completely located on the rear side of the reinforcing plate 12, the hinge body 11 can move obliquely downward, and then gradually move in the direction of inserting into the front panel 3 and the reinforcing plate 12 until the hinge body 11 is installed in place and stuck on the reinforcing plate 12.

[0127] Therefore, in this embodiment, a guide slope 1113 is provided on the hook portion 1112. When the main hook 111 is hung on the reinforcing plate 12, the length of the hinge groove 33 along the height direction can be reduced, thereby avoiding a large gap between the hinge main body 11 and the upper groove side surface 332, preventing dust accumulation, and improving the aesthetics.

[0128] Furthermore, as described above, the hook portion 1112 protrudes horizontally from the connecting arm 1111, and when the main body hook 111 is inserted between the front panel 3 and the reinforcing plate 12, the main body hook 111 can be hooked on the reinforcing plate 12 by simply moving the hook portion 1112 downward a short distance so that it abuts the rear side of the reinforcing plate 12. Due to the short downward movement, the gap between the hinge body 11 and the upper groove side of the groove side surface 332 can be further reduced. Simultaneously, due to the short downward movement, the height length of the hinge groove 33 can be reduced.

[0129] Next, combine Figure 14-17 , specifically describing the process of inserting the main body hook 111 into the front panel 3 and the reinforcing plate 12:

[0130] See Figure 14-17A second pre-positioning hole 1221 is provided on the reinforcing plate 12, and the second pre-positioning hole 1221 includes a second upper half hole 12211 and a second lower half hole 12212. The second upper half hole 12211 and the second lower half hole 12212 are both rectangular holes. The second upper half hole 12211 is provided above the second lower half hole 12212, and the second upper half hole 12211 and the second lower half hole 12212 are communicated with each other. The length of the second upper half hole 12211 along the horizontal direction is greater than the length of the second lower half hole 12212 along the horizontal direction, and the length of the hook portion 1112 along the horizontal direction is less than the length of the second upper half hole 12211 along the horizontal direction and greater than the length of the second lower half hole 12212 along the horizontal direction.

[0131] See Figure 14 , which shows a schematic diagram in which the main body hook 111 is not inserted into the first pre-positioning hole 31 on the front panel 3 and the second pre-positioning hole 1221 on the reinforcing plate 12.

[0132] See Figure 15 , which shows a schematic diagram of the main body hook 111 being inserted into the first pre-positioning hole 31 on the front panel 3 and the second pre-positioning hole 1221 on the reinforcing plate 12. At this time, the hook portion 1112 of the main body hook 111 is inserted into the second upper half hole 12211, and the hook portion 1112 of the main body hook 111 is not inserted into the rear side of the reinforcing plate 12. There is a distance between the hinge body 11 and the bottom surface 331 of the groove.

[0133] exist Figure 15 On the basis of continuing to insert the main body hook 111 inward, due to the guiding effect of the upper groove side in the groove side 332 and the arc transition surface 333 between the upper groove side and the groove bottom surface 331, the main body hook 111 can be moved downward at the same time and can be inserted as Figure 16 See the location indicated. Figure 16 , schematically shows the guide slope 1113. Since the guide slope 1113 is provided on the hook portion 1112, the abutting edge 1224 on the reinforcing plate 12 can be avoided, so that the main body hook 111 can move downward under the guidance of the upper groove side surface in the groove side surface 332 and the arc transition surface 333 between the upper groove side surface and the groove bottom surface 331.

[0134] See Figure 17 At this time, the main body hook 111 is assembled in place, the connecting arm 1111 of the main body hook 111 is inserted into the second lower half hole 12212 of the second pre-positioning hole 1221, and the length of the connecting arm 1111 along the horizontal direction is close to the length of the second lower half hole 12212 along the horizontal direction. The connecting arm 1111 is limited to the second lower half hole 12212. At the same time, the hook part 1112 of the main body hook 111 abuts against the rear side of the reinforcing plate 12, and the hinge body 11 is in contact with the bottom surface 331 of the groove.

[0135] In one embodiment, a side of the hinge body 11 close to the front panel 3 has a chamfer 1123 .

[0136] See Figure 14 , illustrating a chamfer 1123 provided on the edge of the hinge body 11 near the front panel 3. During insertion of the main body hook 111 into the front panel 3 and the reinforcing plate 12, the chamfer 1123 contacts the upper groove side surface of the groove side surface 332 and the arc transition surface 333 between the upper groove side surface and the groove bottom surface 331.

[0137] In this embodiment, by providing a chamfer 1123 on the side of the hinge body 11 near the front panel 3, when the hinge body 11 contacts the upper groove side surface of the groove side surface 332 and the arc transition surface 333 between the upper groove side surface and the groove bottom surface 331, the distance between the hinge body 11 and the front panel 3 can be reduced, thereby facilitating the insertion of the main body hook 111 into the front panel 3 and the reinforcing plate 12. In addition, by providing a chamfer 1123 on the side of the hinge body 11 near the front panel 3, the edge of the hinge body 11 near the front panel 3 is prevented from scratching the installer, thereby improving safety.

[0138] This embodiment provides a washing machine, comprising a housing, a washing machine door 2 and the hinge assembly 1 of any of the above embodiments. The washing machine door 2 is supported on a front panel 3 of the housing through the hinge assembly 1 .

[0139] The hinge assembly 1 includes a plurality of hinge bodies 11 and a connector 13. The connector 13 is used to secure each hinge body 11 to the front panel 3. The hinge assembly 1 also includes a hinge ligament, which is rotatably connected to the corresponding hinge body 11. The hinge body 11 is fixed to the front panel 3 via the connector 13. Preferably, the hinge body 11 is removably secured to the front panel 3 via the connector 13. The hinge ligament is secured to the washing machine door 2. Preferably, the hinge ligament is removably fixed to the washing machine door 2, thereby facilitating the removal and assembly of the washing machine door 2 and the front panel 3.

[0140] The washing machine provided in this embodiment can improve the connection strength between the washing machine door 2 and the front panel 3 because the hinge assembly 1 includes multiple hinge bodies 11; in addition, since the distance between the highest hinge body 11 and the lowest hinge body 11 in the hinge assembly 1 is not less than two-thirds of the diameter of the clothing loading opening 36 on the front panel 3, the span of the hinge position on the washing machine door 2 in the height direction can be increased, thereby achieving stable installation of the washing machine door 2 on the front panel 3. For a heavier washing machine door 2, stable installation of the washing machine door 2 on the front panel 3 can also be achieved.

[0141] In one embodiment, a hinge groove 33 is provided on the front panel 3 , and the hinge body 11 of the hinge assembly 1 is disposed in the hinge groove 33 .

[0142] The number of hinge slots 33 matches the number of hinge bodies 11. The hinge slots 33 are spaced apart along the height of the front panel 3. When the hinge body 11 is mounted on the front panel 3, the hinge body 11 is placed in the hinge slots 33. By providing the hinge slots 33 on the front panel 3, when the hinge assembly 1 provided in this embodiment is used to mount the washing machine door 2 on the front panel 3 of the washing machine, the washing machine door 2 can be positioned as close to the front panel 3 as possible when the washing machine door 2 is closed.

[0143] In one embodiment, the hinge groove 33 includes a groove bottom surface 331 and a groove side surface 332, and the groove bottom surface 331 and the groove side surface 332 are smoothly transitioned and connected. Along the groove depth direction from the groove bottom surface 331 to the opening of the hinge groove 33, the groove side surface 332 is inclined in a direction away from the center of the hinge groove 33.

[0144] The groove bottom surface 331 and the groove side surface 332 are smoothly connected. Figure 14-17 , indicating that a circular arc transition surface 333 is formed between the groove bottom surface 331 and the groove side surface 332. By setting a smooth transition connection between the groove bottom surface 331 and the groove side surface 332, the stress concentration on the groove bottom surface 331 and the groove side surface 332 is reduced.

[0145] See Figure 14-17 Along the direction from the bottom surface 331 of the groove to the opening of the hinge groove 33, the groove side surface 332 is inclined in the direction away from the center of the hinge groove 33 to facilitate the processing and forming of the hinge groove 33.

[0146] In this embodiment, the inclination angle of the groove side surface 332 relative to the groove depth direction is less than or equal to the inclination angle of the guiding inclined surface 1113 on the hinge body 11 relative to the groove depth direction.

[0147] See Figure 18 , Figure 18 This is a sectional front view of the main body hook 111 provided in an embodiment of the present application when inserted into the front panel 3 and the reinforcing plate 12. Figure 18 The figure shows the angle b between the guide slope 1113 and the horizontal direction (i.e., the groove depth direction). Figure 18 Schematically shows the inclination angle a of the groove side surface 332. In this embodiment, the inclination angle of the groove side surface 332 is less than or equal to the angle between the guide inclined surface 1113 on the hinge body 11 and the horizontal plane, that is, the angle a is less than or equal to the angle b.

[0148] See Figure 15 , which shows the main body hook 111 inserted into the first pre-positioning hole 31 on the front panel 3 and the second pre-positioning hole 1221 on the reinforcing plate 12. At this time, the hook portion 1112 of the main body hook 111 is inserted into the second upper half hole 12211. Figure 15On the basis of continuing to insert the main body hook 111 inward, due to the guiding effect of the upper groove side in the groove side 332 and the arc transition surface 333 between the upper groove side and the groove bottom surface 331, the main body hook 111 can be moved downward at the same time and can be inserted as Figure 16 See the location indicated. Figure 16 , schematically showing the guiding slope 1113. Since the inclination angle of the groove side surface 332 is less than or equal to the angle between the guiding slope 1113 on the hinge body 11 and the horizontal plane, the guiding slope 1113 on the hook portion 1112 can avoid the abutting edge 1224 on the reinforcing plate 12 under the guidance of the upper groove side surface in the groove side surface 332 and the arc transition surface 333 between the upper groove side surface and the groove bottom surface 331, so that the main body hook 111 can move downward.

[0149] Therefore, in this embodiment, by setting the inclination angle of the groove side surface 332 relative to the groove depth direction to be less than or equal to the inclination angle of the guide slope 1113 on the hinge body 11 relative to the groove depth direction, the hinge groove 33 is matched with the guide slope 1113 on the hook part 1112, thereby reducing the length of the hinge groove 33 along the height direction, and avoiding a large gap between the hinge body 11 and the upper groove side surface 332, thereby preventing dust accumulation and improving the aesthetics.

[0150] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly for mounting a washing machine door (2) on a front panel (3) of the washing machine, characterized in that: It comprises a plurality of hinge bodies (11) and connecting parts (13), and when the washing machine door (2) is mounted on the front panel (3): The hinge body (11) is mounted on the front side of the front panel (3); a plurality of the hinge bodies (11) are sequentially spaced along a first direction, the first direction being the height direction of the front panel (3); the distance between the highest hinge body (11) and the lowest hinge body (11) among the plurality of hinge bodies (11) is not less than two-thirds of the diameter of the clothing loading opening on the front panel (3); The front panel (3) and the hinge body (11) are fixedly connected via the connecting member (13).

2. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The hinge body (11) includes a main body hook (111) and a main body portion (112), wherein the main body hook (111) is connected to the main body portion (112), and the main body hook (111) includes a connecting arm (1111) and a hook portion (1112), wherein both ends of the connecting arm (1111) are respectively connected to the main body portion (112) and the hook portion (1112), and the hook portion (1112) protrudes from the connecting arm (1111) along a second direction, and the second direction is the width direction of the front panel (3).

3. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, wherein: A guide slope (1113) is formed on the side surface of the hook portion (1112) connected to the connecting arm (1111), and the guide slope (1113) extends along the second direction. From top to bottom, the guide slope (1113) is inclined in a direction away from the connecting arm (1111).

4. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the main body parts (112) is provided with two or more main body hooks (111).

5. The hinge assembly according to claim 4, wherein: There are at least two main body hooks (111) distributed along a third direction, and the third direction forms an angle with the first direction.

6. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The hinge assembly further comprises a reinforcing plate (12), which is mounted on the rear side of the front panel (3); the reinforcing plate (12), the front panel (3) and the hinge body (11) are fixedly connected via the connecting piece (13); a first pre-positioning hole (31) is provided on the front panel (3), a second pre-positioning hole (1221) is provided on the reinforcing plate (12), and the main body hook (111) is sequentially inserted into the first pre-positioning hole (31) and the second pre-positioning hole (1221).

7. The hinge assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The reinforcing plate (12) comprises a reinforcing plate hook (121) and a reinforcing plate body (122); the reinforcing plate hook (121) is arranged on the reinforcing plate body (122); a third pre-positioning hole (32) is provided on the front panel (3); the reinforcing plate hook (121) is inserted into the third pre-positioning hole (32).

8. The hinge assembly according to claim 7, wherein: Each hinge body (11) is provided with an avoidance groove (1121), and the avoidance groove (1121) is used to accommodate the reinforcement plate hook (121).

9. The hinge assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The reinforcing plate (12) and the front panel (3) are both provided with wire holes, and one side of the wire hole on the reinforcing plate (12) is provided with the reinforcing plate hook (121), and the other side is provided with at least one second pre-positioning hole (1221).

10. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The hinge body (11) has a chamfered corner on one side close to the front panel (3).

11. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The connecting member (13) is a screw or a bolt, and two or more connecting members (13) are connected to each hinge body (11).

12. A washing machine, characterized in that: The washing machine comprises a cabinet, a washing machine door (2) and a hinge assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the washing machine door (2) is supported on a front panel (3) of the cabinet through the hinge assembly (1).

13. The washing machine according to claim 12, wherein: A hinge groove (33) is provided on the front panel (3), and the hinge body (11) of the hinge assembly (1) is provided in the hinge groove (33).

14. The washing machine according to claim 13, wherein The hinge groove (33) includes a groove bottom surface (331) and a groove side surface (332), wherein the groove bottom surface (331) and the groove side surface (332) are smoothly transitionally connected, and along the groove depth direction from the groove bottom surface (331) to the opening of the hinge groove (33), the groove side surface (332) is inclined in a direction away from the center of the hinge groove (33), and the inclination angle of the groove side surface (332) relative to the groove depth direction is less than or equal to the inclination angle of the guide inclined surface (1113) on the hinge body (11) relative to the groove depth direction.

Images