Hinge assembly and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model relates to a hinge assembly and a refrigerator. The hinge assembly comprises a hinge shaft; the hovering mechanism is rotatably arranged on the hinge shaft around the central axis of the hinge shaft, the hovering mechanism comprises a base and a damping part, the damping part is a damping gear, the damping gear is rotatably arranged on the base around the rotating axis parallel to the central axis, and the damping gear is arranged on the base. A matching gear is arranged on the hinge shaft, and the damping gear can be meshed with the matching gear. The hinge assembly can achieve hovering of the door body, and a user can conveniently take and place articles.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the related art, a hinge assembly is provided between the door and the refrigerator body to realize the opening and closing of the door. Currently, when users open the door to take out or put items, the door cannot hover, which requires users to hold the door while taking or putting items, which makes it inconvenient for users to take or put items. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a hinge assembly that can achieve the suspension of a door body, making it convenient for users to take and place items.

[0004] In order to achieve the above objectives, the present disclosure provides a hinge assembly, comprising:

[0005] hinge axis; and

[0006] A suspension mechanism, the suspension mechanism is rotatably arranged on the hinge shaft around the central axis of the hinge shaft, the suspension mechanism includes a base and a damping member, the damping member is constructed as a damping gear, the damping gear is rotatably arranged on the base around a rotation axis parallel to the central axis, a mating gear is provided on the hinge shaft, and the damping gear is configured to be able to engage with the mating gear.

[0007] Optionally, a damping attenuation structure is provided on the hinge shaft, the mating gear has a tooth portion and a toothless portion, the toothless portion is constructed as the damping attenuation structure, and the hinge assembly has an initial state and a hovering state that can be switched with each other. In the initial state, the damping gear is disengaged from the tooth portion and is partially arranged at the toothless portion; in the hovering state, the damping gear is engaged with the tooth portion.

[0008] Optionally, the suspension mechanism includes a support seat and a damping compensation structure, the support seat is slidably arranged on the base along a preset direction perpendicular to the central axis, the damping gear is rotatably connected to the support seat, and the damping compensation structure is arranged between the support seat and the base and is configured to be able to undergo elastic deformation.

[0009] Optionally, the damping compensation structure is configured as a compression spring, and the compression spring is arranged to extend along the preset direction.

[0010] Optionally, the damping compensation structure includes a main body and an elastic tongue connected to the main body, a free end of the elastic tongue is spaced apart from the main body, and the free end abuts against the support seat.

[0011] Optionally, the damping compensation structure includes at least two elastic tongues, and the at least two elastic tongues are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the central axis.

[0012] Optionally, there are two elastic tongues, and the two elastic tongues are spaced apart from each other in a direction approaching the support seat.

[0013] Optionally, the suspension mechanism includes a support seat and a damping adjustment structure, the support seat is slidably arranged on the base along a preset direction perpendicular to the central axis, and the damping gear is rotatably connected to the support seat; the damping adjustment structure is used to apply an adjustable preset pressure arranged along the preset direction to the support seat.

[0014] Optionally, the damping adjustment structure includes a driving member, a transmission structure and a pressure block, the pressure block is slidably arranged on the base along the preset direction, and the driving member is used to drive the pressure block to slide through the transmission structure to apply the preset pressure to the support seat through the pressure block.

[0015] Optionally, the transmission structure includes a transmission block and a first connecting rod, the driving member is used to drive the transmission block to move along the extension direction of the central axis, and the first connecting rod is hinged between the pressure block and the transmission block.

[0016] Optionally, the transmission structure includes a second connecting rod, the second connecting rod is hinged between the transmission block and the base, and the second connecting rod is slidably connected to the transmission block or the base along the preset direction.

[0017] Optionally, the transmission structure includes a transmission block, a first inclined surface is provided on the transmission block, a second inclined surface is provided on the pressure block, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are arranged in close contact with each other, and the driving member is used to drive the transmission block to move along the extension direction of the central axis so that the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface slide relative to each other.

[0018] Optionally, the driving member is configured as a screw, which is arranged to extend along the extension direction of the central axis and is threadedly connected to the transmission block.

[0019] Optionally, a first accommodating cavity and a second accommodating cavity that are connected are provided on the base, the hinge shaft extends into the first accommodating cavity, and the damping gear is provided in the second accommodating cavity and partially extends into the first accommodating cavity.

[0020] Optionally, the suspension mechanism further includes a cover, which is disposed on the base, and the cover and the base serve as the damping gear, providing position limiting along the extension direction of the central axis.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a refrigerator, comprising:

[0022] The box body is provided with a accommodating space with an opening on one side;

[0023] a door body, used to close the opening of the accommodating space; and

[0024] The hinge assembly as described above is connected to the box body and the door body respectively, so as to pivotally mount the door body on the box body.

[0025] Optionally, a limiting groove is provided on the door body, and the hovering mechanism is arranged in the limiting groove in a shape-fitting manner, wherein the limiting groove is the hovering mechanism, providing limitation along an extension direction perpendicular to the central axis.

[0026] Optionally, the suspension mechanism further includes a cover, which is disposed on the base and fixed to the door body via fasteners.

[0027] Through the above technical solution, in the hinge assembly provided by the present disclosure, when the damping gear and the mating gear are meshed, the two abut and generate a damping force by friction. This damping force can limit the free rotation of the hovering mechanism and the hinge shaft. In other words, in the absence of external force, the damping force generated between the damping gear and the mating gear can make the hovering mechanism and the hinge shaft relatively stationary. In this way, when the user needs to pick up or place an item, the user can apply an external force to overcome the damping force and cause the hovering mechanism and the hinge shaft to rotate relative to each other, thereby opening the door body. Afterwards, the user can remove the external force, that is, the user does not need to hold the door body by hand. At this time, the damping force generated between the damping gear and the mating gear can make the hovering mechanism and the hinge shaft relatively stationary. Thus, the door body can be hovered, making it convenient for the user to pick up or place items. In addition, when the damping gear and the mating gear are meshed, the two are constructed as a gear pair, which can improve the stability and accuracy of the relative rotation between the hovering mechanism and the hinge shaft, thereby improving the smoothness of the door body when opening and closing. In addition, when the user opens or closes the door, that is, when the hovering mechanism and the hinge shaft rotate relative to each other, the damping gear can rotate around its own rotation axis and revolve around the central axis of the hinge shaft, thereby improving the smoothness of opening and closing the door.

[0028] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be described in detail in the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the following detailed description, they are used to explain the present disclosure but do not constitute a limitation of the present disclosure. In the accompanying drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cooperation between the door body and the hinge assembly of the refrigerator provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Explosion diagram from the first person perspective;

[0033] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Explosion diagram from the second perspective;

[0034] Figure 5 is an exploded schematic diagram of a hinge assembly in a refrigerator provided according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 a schematic cross-sectional view of the middle hinge assembly;

[0036] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Schematic diagram of part of the structure of the middle hinge assembly;

[0037] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another part of the structure of the middle hinge assembly, wherein the hinge assembly is in an initial state;

[0038] Figure 9 Yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another portion of the structure of the middle hinge assembly, wherein the hinge assembly is in a suspended state;

[0039] Figure 10 yes Figure 5 a schematic cross-sectional view of the middle hinge assembly from another perspective;

[0040] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in a refrigerator provided according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 12 is an exploded schematic diagram of a suspension mechanism of a hinge assembly in a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A schematic cross-sectional view of the mid-hover mechanism, wherein the compression spring is in the initial position;

[0043] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 A schematic cross-sectional view of the mid-hover mechanism, wherein the compression spring is in a compressed position;

[0044] Figure 15 yes Figure 12 A schematic cross-sectional view of the mid-hover mechanism, wherein the compression spring is in the extended position;

[0045] Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a suspension mechanism of a hinge assembly in a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 17 is an exploded schematic diagram of a suspension mechanism of a hinge assembly in a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A schematic cross-sectional view of the mid-hover mechanism, wherein the compression spring is in the initial position;

[0048] Figure 19 yes Figure 17 A schematic cross-sectional view of the mid-hover mechanism, wherein the compression spring is in a compressed position;

[0049] Figure 20 yes Figure 17 Schematic cross-sectional view of the mid-hover mechanism, with the compression spring in the extended position.

[0050] Description of Reference Numerals

[0051] 10-box body, 20-door body, 201-limiting groove, 30-hinge assembly, 1-hinge shaft, 11-damping attenuation structure, 13-matching gear, 131-tooth portion, 132-tooth-missing portion, 2-suspension mechanism, 21-base, 211-first accommodating chamber, 212-second accommodating chamber, 22-damping member, 23-support seat, 24-damping compensation structure, 241-main body, 242-elastic tongue, 25-damping adjustment structure, 251-driving member, 252-transmission structure, 2521-transmission block, 25211-first inclined surface, 2522-first connecting rod, 2523-second connecting rod, 253-pressing block, 2531-second inclined surface, 26-cover, 27-fastener, 3-hinge seat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

[0053] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, directional words such as "upper" and "lower" refer to the direction of gravity of the refrigerator and hinge assembly. "Inside" and "outside" refer to the inside and outside of the contours of each component. Figure 13 The left and right directions of the central axis can be referred to Figure 13The terms "first" and "second" are used to distinguish one element from another and do not have order or importance. In addition, when the following description refers to the drawings, the same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same or similar elements, and this disclosure will not repeat them. It is additionally noted that Figures 10 to 20 The dotted box shown in FIG is used to refer to the damping member 22 and the support seat 23 of the present disclosure, wherein the specific structure of the damping member 22 and the specific structure of the support seat 23 can be referred to. Figures 5 to 9 .

[0054] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator is provided, Figures 1 to 4 As shown in , the refrigerator may include a cabinet 10 and a door 20, wherein the cabinet 10 may be provided with a storage space with an opening on one side, and the number of the storage space may be multiple; the door 20 may close the opening of the storage space, and the number of the door 20 may be multiple. In some embodiments, each door 20 of the multiple door bodies 20 may respectively close each opening in the multiple storage spaces, that is, one door body 20 may close a corresponding opening, or the multiple door bodies 20 may close the opening of the storage space as a whole, in which case the number of the storage space is one, or the door 20 may close the opening of multiple storage spaces, in which case the number of the door bodies 20 is one, and the present disclosure does not limit this. In an optional embodiment, referring to Figure 1 As shown in , two doors 20 arranged up and down can be provided on both sides of the width direction of the box body 10, that is, the refrigerator of the present disclosure can include four doors 20, and the present disclosure does not limit this.

[0055] In some embodiments, in order to facilitate the opening and closing of the door body 20, the present disclosure designs a hinge assembly 30, which can be connected to the door body 20 and the box body 10 respectively, that is, it can be understood that the hinge assembly 30 is arranged between the door body 20 and the box body 10, and the hinge assembly 30 is used to pivotally mount the door body 20 to the box body 10. Figures 1 to 4 As shown in , the refrigerator may include multiple door bodies 20, and each door body 20 may be provided with a hinge assembly 30 on both the upper and lower sides. This disclosure is not limited to this. In some embodiments, the hinge assembly 30 may include a hinge seat 3, and the hinge shaft 1 may be fixed to the hinge seat 3. In some embodiments, the hovering mechanism 2 may be mounted on the door body 20, and the hinge seat 3 may be mounted on the cabinet 10; alternatively, the hovering mechanism 2 may be mounted on the cabinet 10, and the hinge seat 3 may be mounted on the door body 20. This disclosure only uses the former as an example for illustrative description.

[0056] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reference Figures 5 to 10As shown in the figure, the hinge assembly 30 includes a hinge shaft 1; and a hovering mechanism 2, which is rotatably arranged on the hinge shaft 1 around the central axis of the hinge shaft 1. The hovering mechanism 2 includes a base 21 and a damping member 22. The damping member 22 is constructed as a damping gear, which is rotatably arranged on the base 21 around a rotation axis parallel to the central axis. A mating gear 13 is provided on the hinge shaft 1, and the damping gear is configured to be able to engage with the mating gear 13.

[0057] Through the above technical solution, in the hinge assembly 30 provided by the present invention, when the damping gear and the mating gear 13 are engaged, the two abut against each other and rely on friction to generate a damping force, which can limit the free rotation of the hovering mechanism 2 and the hinge shaft 1. That is to say, in the absence of external force, the damping force generated between the damping gear and the mating gear 13 can make the hovering mechanism 2 and the hinge shaft 1 relatively stationary. In this way, when the user needs to take or place items, the user can apply external force to overcome the above damping force to make the hovering mechanism 2 and the hinge shaft 1 rotate relative to each other, and then open the door body 20. After that, the user can remove the external force, that is, the user does not need to hold the door body 20 with his hands. At this time, the damping force generated between the damping gear and the mating gear 13 can make the hovering mechanism 2 and the hinge shaft 1 relatively stationary, thereby achieving the hovering of the door body 20, which is convenient for users to take or place items. Furthermore, when the damping gear meshes with the mating gear 13, the two form a gear pair, which improves the stability and accuracy of the relative rotation between the hovering mechanism 2 and the hinge shaft 1, thereby improving the smoothness of the door 20 during opening and closing. Furthermore, when the user opens and closes the door, i.e., when the hovering mechanism 2 and the hinge shaft 1 rotate relative to each other, the damping gear can rotate about its own rotation axis and revolve about the central axis of the hinge shaft 1, thereby also improving the smoothness of the door opening and closing.

[0058] It should be noted that when the damping gear and the mating gear 13 are meshed, they abut against each other. Based on the positive pressure and friction coefficient between them, a damping force is generated between the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1. This damping force can hinder the free rotation of the hovering mechanism 2 and the hinge shaft 1, that is, hinder the free rotation of the damping gear and the mating gear 13, thereby keeping the hovering mechanism 2 and the hinge shaft 1 relatively stationary. Furthermore, the free rotation of the hovering mechanism 2 and the hinge shaft 1 can be understood as the relative rotation that occurs between the hovering mechanism 2 and the hinge shaft 1 when no force is generated between the hovering mechanism 2 and the hinge shaft 1 to hinder their relative rotation.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reference Figures 7 to 9As shown in the figure, a damping and attenuation structure 11 can be provided on the hinge shaft 1, and the mating gear 13 can have a tooth portion 131 and a toothless portion 132, wherein the toothless portion 132 can be constructed as the damping and attenuation structure 11, and the hinge assembly 30 has an initial state and a hovering state that can be switched with each other. In the initial state, the damping gear is disengaged from the tooth portion 131 and is partially provided at the toothless portion 132; in the hovering state, the damping gear is engaged with the tooth portion 131. In this way, since the damping gear is disengaged from the tooth portion 131 in the initial state, the provision of the toothed portion 132 makes the damping force between the damping gear and the mating gear 13 small or even zero; in the hovering state, the damping gear resumes meshing with the mating gear 13 through the toothed portion 131. At this time, a damping force is generated between the damping gear and the mating gear 13, that is, the damping force between the damping gear and the toothed portion 132 is smaller than the damping force between the damping gear and the toothed portion 131. As a result, the door body 20 can be opened and closed at the initial stage. During the process of the door opening to a preset angle, the hinge assembly 30 is designed to be in an initial state, and when the door body 20 is opened to an angle greater than a preset angle, the hinge assembly 30 is designed to be in a hovering state. Since the damping force in the initial state is small, the user only needs to apply a small external force to the door body 20 before initially opening the door to the preset angle. In this way, the user does not need to exert any effort when initially opening the door. In the hovering state, since the damping force between the damping gear and the mating gear 13 is large, the hovering of the door body 20 can be better achieved.

[0060] In some embodiments, the preset angle may be 10°, for example, 5°. That is, when the angle between the cabinet 10 and the door 20 is between 0° and 10°, the hinge assembly 30 is in the initial state; when the angle between the cabinet 10 and the door 20 is greater than 10°, the hinge assembly 30 is in a suspended state. The preset angle may be adaptively designed as needed, and this disclosure does not impose any limitations thereon.

[0061] In some embodiments, in the initial state, the damping gear can be spaced apart from the tooth-missing portion 132, so that the damping force between the damping gear and the tooth-missing portion 132 is zero. Therefore, the zero damping force can also prevent the self-locking force between the door body 20 and the cabinet 10 from changing when the door is closed, thereby improving the reliability of the refrigerator during use.

[0062] In other embodiments, the mating gear 13 may have a first tooth portion 131 and a second tooth portion 131, wherein the surface roughness of the first tooth portion 131 is smaller than the surface roughness of the second tooth portion 131. In the initial state, the damping gear is meshed with the first tooth portion 131, and in the hovering state, the damping gear is meshed with the second tooth portion 131. In this way, the friction coefficient between the damping gear and the first tooth portion 131 is smaller than the friction coefficient between the damping gear and the second tooth portion 131, that is, the damping force between the damping gear and the first tooth portion 131 is smaller than the damping force between the damping gear and the second tooth portion 131. Thus, the damping force in the initial state can be smaller than the damping force in the hovering state. Therefore, the hinge assembly 30 can be designed to be in the initial state when the door body 20 is initially opened to a preset angle, and the hinge assembly 30 can be designed to be in a hovering state when the door body 20 is opened to an angle greater than the preset angle. Since the damping force in the initial state is small, the user only needs to apply a small external force to the door body 20 before initially opening the door to the preset angle, so that the user does not have to exert any effort when initially opening the door; in the hovering state, since the damping force between the damping gear and the mating gear 13 is large, the hovering of the door body 20 can be better achieved.

[0063] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reference Figures 5 to 20 As shown in FIG, the hovering mechanism 2 may include a support base 23 and a damping compensation structure 24. The support base 23 is slidably disposed on the base 21 along a predetermined direction perpendicular to the central axis. The damping gear is rotatably connected to the support base 23. The damping compensation structure 24 is disposed between the support base 23 and the base 21 and is configured to be elastically deformable. During prolonged use of the hinge assembly 30, the positive pressure or friction between the damping gear and the mating gear 13 may be partially lost, for example, when the elastic deformation performance of the damping gear weakens or the damping gear moves along a predetermined direction. Therefore, by disposing the damping compensation structure 24 between the support base 23 and the base 21, the elastic deformation of the damping compensation structure 24 can be used to adaptively compensate for the lost positive pressure between the damping gear and the mating gear 13, thereby adaptively compensating for the damping force between the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1. This can prevent the hovering function of the hovering mechanism 2 from weakening or even failing.

[0064] In some embodiments, reference Figures 5 to 10 as well as Figures 12 to 20 As shown in , the damping compensation structure 24 can be configured as a compression spring, which is arranged to extend along a predetermined direction. Thus, the elastic force of the compression spring in the predetermined direction can adaptively compensate for the loss of positive pressure between the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1. Of course, the damping compensation structure 24 can also be configured as a tension spring.

[0065] In some embodiments, reference Figure 11 As shown in , the damping compensation structure 24 may include a main body 241 and an elastic tongue 242 connected to the main body 241. The free end of the elastic tongue 242 is spaced apart from the main body 241 and abuts against the support base 23. Here, as the distance between the free end of the elastic tongue 242 and the main body 241 changes, the degree of deformation of the elastic tongue 242 changes. Thus, the deformation of the elastic tongue 242 can also be used to adaptively compensate for the loss of positive pressure between the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1. Here, the elastic tongue 242 can be made of metal or other materials such as plastic, and this disclosure is not limited to this.

[0066] In some embodiments, reference Figure 11 As shown in FIG, the damping compensation structure 24 includes at least two elastic tongues 242, which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the central axis. In this way, the elastic deformation of the at least two elastic tongues 242 can improve the reliability of the damping compensation structure 24 in compensating the damping force.

[0067] In some embodiments, reference Figure 11 As shown in , the number of elastic tongues 242 can be two, and the two elastic tongues 242 are separated from each other in the direction approaching the support base 23. In this way, the free ends of the two elastic tongues 242 can be as far apart as possible, thereby further improving the reliability of the damping compensation structure 24 in compensating the damping force. Of course, the number of elastic tongues 242 can also be one, and the present disclosure does not impose excessive restrictions on the specific number of elastic tongues 242.

[0068] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reference Figures 12 to 20 As shown in , the hovering mechanism 2 includes a support seat 23 and a damping adjustment structure 25. The support seat 23 is slidably arranged on the base 21 along a preset direction perpendicular to the central axis, and the damping gear is rotatably connected to the support seat 23; the damping adjustment structure 25 is used to apply an adjustable preset pressure arranged along a preset direction to the support seat 23. Here, by sliding the support seat 23, the preset pressure can be applied between the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1. In this way, by adjusting the size of the preset pressure, the size of the positive pressure between the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1 can be adjusted, and then the size of the damping force between the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1 can be adjusted. Therefore, by adjusting the size of the damping force, it is possible to adapt to the usage habits of different users, thereby effectively improving the user experience.

[0069] In some embodiments, reference Figures 12 to 20As shown in , the damping adjustment structure 25 may include a driving member 251, a transmission structure 252, and a pressure block 253. The pressure block 253 is slidably disposed on the base 21 along a preset direction. The driving member 251 is used to drive the pressure block 253 to slide via the transmission structure 252, so that the pressure block 253 applies a preset pressure to the support seat 23. Thus, the driving member 251 and the transmission structure 252 can drive the slider to slide. When the pressure block 253 moves away from the hinge axis 1 along the preset direction, the preset pressure can be reduced. When the pressure block 253 moves toward the hinge axis 1 along the preset direction, the preset pressure can be increased. The damping member 22 can be elastically deformed. Thus, the sliding of the pressure block 253 can adjust the degree of deformation of the damping member 22, and thereby adjust the magnitude of the preset pressure. Alternatively, the damping compensation structure 24 described above can be disposed between the pressure block 253 and the support seat 23. Thus, the sliding of the pressure block 253 can adjust the degree of deformation of the damping compensation structure 24, and thereby adjust the magnitude of the preset pressure.

[0070] In some embodiments, reference Figures 12 to 16 As shown in , the transmission structure 252 may include a transmission block 2521 and a first connecting rod 2522. The driving member 251 is used to drive the transmission block 2521 to move along the extension direction of the central axis. The first connecting rod 2522 is hinged between the pressure block 253 and the transmission block 2521. In this way, when the transmission block 2521 moves along the extension direction of the central axis, it will drive the first connecting rod 2522 to swing, thereby adjusting the distance between the transmission block 2521 and the pressure block 253 in the preset direction. As a result, the pressure block 253 can slide along the preset direction. The structure is simple and easy to operate. In addition, the step of disassembling and assembling the hinge assembly 30 is eliminated. Among them, the hinge axis of the first connecting rod 2522 and the pressure block 253 needs to be perpendicular to the preset direction and the extension direction of the central axis. Similarly, the hinge axis of the first connecting rod 2522 and the transmission block 2521 also needs to be perpendicular to the preset direction and the extension direction of the central axis.

[0071] Optionally, refer to Figure 16 As shown in , the transmission structure 252 includes a second connecting rod 2523, which is hinged between the transmission block 2521 and the base 21, and the second connecting rod 2523 is slidably connected to the transmission block 2521 or the base 21 along a preset direction. In this way, by adding the second connecting rod 2523, the stability of the transmission block 2521 when moving along the above-mentioned extension direction can be improved.

[0072] In other embodiments, reference Figures 17 to 20As shown in , the transmission structure 252 includes a transmission block 2521, which may be provided with a first inclined surface 25211. The pressure block 253 may be provided with a second inclined surface 2531. The first inclined surface 25211 and the second inclined surface 2531 are arranged in a close relationship. The driving member 251 is used to drive the transmission block 2521 to move along the extension direction of the central axis so that the first inclined surface 25211 and the second inclined surface 2531 slide relative to each other. In this way, the movement of the transmission block 2521 along the above-mentioned extension direction causes the first inclined surface 25211 and the second inclined surface 2531 to slide relative to each other, thereby allowing the pressure block 253 to slide along a predetermined direction. The above-mentioned damping compensation structure 24 can be provided between the pressure block 253 and the support seat 23.

[0073] In some embodiments, reference Figures 12 to 20 As shown in , the driving member 251 can be constructed as a screw, which extends along the extension direction of the central axis and is threadedly connected to the transmission block 2521. In this way, by rotating the screw, the transmission block 2521 can be moved along the above-mentioned extension direction, and the damping force can be adjusted. Such an arrangement can facilitate the user to adjust the damping force. Of course, in other embodiments, the driving member 251 can be threadedly connected to the base 21, and the transmission block 2521 can be fixed to the driving member 251. In this way, by rotating the screw, the transmission block 2521 can also be moved along the above-mentioned extension direction.

[0074] In other embodiments, the damping adjustment structure 25 may include a pressure block 253, a first magnetic member, and a second magnetic member. The pressure block 253 is slidably disposed on the base 21 along a preset direction. The first magnetic member and the second magnetic member are both constructed as electromagnets, wherein the first magnetic member is disposed on the pressure block 253 and the second magnetic member is disposed on the base 21. The magnetic pole of at least one of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member is variable or the magnetic force is adjustable. In this way, when the magnetic poles of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member are the same, increasing the magnetic force of at least one of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member can cause the pressure block 253 to slide in a direction close to the hinge axis 1; when the magnetic poles of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member are opposite, increasing the magnetic force of at least one of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member can cause the pressure block 253 to slide in a direction away from the hinge axis 1. The above-mentioned damping compensation structure 24 can be disposed between the pressure block 253 and the support base 23.

[0075] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reference Figure 10 As shown in , the base 21 may be provided with a first accommodating cavity 211 and a second accommodating cavity 212 that are connected to each other. The hinge shaft 1 extends into the first accommodating cavity 211, and the damping gear is disposed in the second accommodating cavity 212 and partially extends into the first accommodating cavity 211. In this way, the damping gear and the hinge shaft 1 can be prevented from being exposed to the external environment.

[0076] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reference Figure 10 As shown in , the hovering mechanism 2 may further include a cover 26, which is mounted on the base 21. The cover 26 and the base 21 function as damping gears, providing position limits along the extension direction of the central axis. Thus, the cover 26 and the base 21 can limit the movement of the hovering mechanism 2 in the extension direction, thereby improving the reliability of the hinge assembly 30.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reference Figures 1 to 4 As shown in , the door body 20 can be provided with a limiting groove 201, and the hovering mechanism 2 is disposed in a form-fitting manner in the limiting groove 201. The limiting groove 201 provides a limit for the hovering mechanism 2 along an extension direction perpendicular to the central axis. In this way, the limiting groove 201 can limit the movement of the hovering mechanism 2 in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction. The limiting groove 201 can be provided with various positioning structures such as positioning columns, positioning grooves, and positioning protrusions to provide positioning for the hovering mechanism 2, and this disclosure does not impose any excessive restrictions on this.

[0078] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reference Figure 5 and Figure 10 As shown in FIG, the hovering mechanism 2 further includes a cover 26, which is disposed on the base 21 and can be fixed to the door body 20 by a fastener 27. In this way, the door body 20 and the hovering mechanism 2 can be fixed.

[0079] Below, the present disclosure will combine the above-mentioned specific embodiments to give a detailed introduction to the opening and closing process of the refrigerator door. First, when the door body 20 is closed, the angle between the door body 20 and the box body 10 is 0°. At this time, the hinge assembly 30 is in the initial state, and the damping gear is matched and spaced with the toothed portion 132, that is, the damping force between the damping gear and the hinge shaft 1 is zero. Before the user applies external force to open the door body 20 to a preset angle, the damping gear can rotate around its own rotation axis and revolve around the central axis of the hinge shaft 1, and the damping force between the damping gear and the hinge shaft 1 remains zero; when the user applies external force to open the door body 20 to an angle greater than the preset angle, the hinge assembly 30 switches to a hovering state. After the user rotates the door body 20 to a suitable angle, the external force is removed. At this time, the damping gear engages with the mating gear 13, and the damping force between the two restricts the door body 20 from rotating freely. That is, at this time, the door body 20 and the box body 10 are relatively stationary, thereby achieving the hovering of the door body 20, making it convenient for users to take and put items. When the door body 20 is opened and closed for a long time, the damping compensation structure 24 will adaptively deform to adaptively compensate for the damping force between the damping gear and the mating gear 13. When the user needs to adjust the damping force between the damping gear and the mating gear 13, the screw can be rotated to adjust the position of the pressure block 253, thereby adjusting the deformation degree of the damping compensation structure 24, thereby adjusting the preset pressure applied to the damping gear.

[0080] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the technical concept of the present disclosure, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of the present disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0081] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any appropriate manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the present disclosure will not further describe various possible combinations.

[0082] In addition, the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be arbitrarily combined, and as long as they do not violate the concept of the present disclosure, they should also be regarded as the contents disclosed by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly, characterized in that: include: Hinge axis; as well as A suspension mechanism, the suspension mechanism is rotatably arranged on the hinge shaft around the central axis of the hinge shaft, the suspension mechanism includes a base and a damping member, the damping member is constructed as a damping gear, the damping gear is rotatably arranged on the base around a rotation axis parallel to the central axis, a mating gear is provided on the hinge shaft, and the damping gear is configured to be able to engage with the mating gear.

2. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein: A damping attenuation structure is provided on the hinge shaft, the mating gear has a tooth portion and a tooth-missing portion, the tooth-missing portion is constructed as the damping attenuation structure, and the hinge assembly has an initial state and a hovering state that can be switched with each other. In the initial state, the damping gear is disengaged from the tooth portion and is partially arranged at the tooth-missing portion; in the hovering state, the damping gear is engaged with the tooth portion.

3. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The suspension mechanism includes a support seat and a damping compensation structure. The support seat is slidably arranged on the base along a preset direction perpendicular to the central axis. The damping gear is rotatably connected to the support seat. The damping compensation structure is arranged between the support seat and the base and is configured to be able to undergo elastic deformation.

4. The hinge assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The damping compensation structure is configured as a compression spring, and the compression spring is arranged to extend along the preset direction.

5. The hinge assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The damping compensation structure includes a main body and an elastic tongue connected to the main body. The free end of the elastic tongue is spaced from the main body, and the free end abuts against the support seat.

6. The hinge assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The damping compensation structure includes at least two elastic tongues, and the at least two elastic tongues are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the central axis.

7. The hinge assembly according to claim 6, wherein: There are two elastic tongues, and the two elastic tongues are spaced apart from each other in a direction approaching the support seat.

8. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The suspension mechanism includes a support seat and a damping adjustment structure. The support seat is slidably arranged on the base along a preset direction perpendicular to the central axis, and the damping gear is rotatably connected to the support seat; the damping adjustment structure is used to apply an adjustable preset pressure arranged along the preset direction to the support seat.

9. The hinge assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The damping adjustment structure includes a driving member, a transmission structure and a pressure block. The pressure block is slidably arranged on the base along the preset direction. The driving member is used to drive the pressure block to slide through the transmission structure to apply the preset pressure to the support seat through the pressure block.

10. The hinge assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The transmission structure includes a transmission block and a first connecting rod. The driving member is used to drive the transmission block to move along the extension direction of the central axis. The first connecting rod is hinged between the pressing block and the transmission block.

11. The hinge assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The transmission structure includes a second connecting rod, which is hinged between the transmission block and the base, and the second connecting rod is slidably connected to the transmission block or the base along the preset direction.

12. The hinge assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The transmission structure includes a transmission block, a first inclined surface is provided on the transmission block, and a second inclined surface is provided on the pressure block. The first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are arranged in close contact with each other. The driving member is used to drive the transmission block to move along the extension direction of the central axis so that the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface slide relative to each other.

13. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: The driving member is configured as a screw, which is extended along the extension direction of the central axis and is threadedly connected to the transmission block.

14. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The base is provided with a first accommodating cavity and a second accommodating cavity which are connected to each other. The hinge shaft extends into the first accommodating cavity. The damping gear is arranged in the second accommodating cavity and partially extends into the first accommodating cavity.

15. The hinge assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The suspension mechanism further includes a cover, which is arranged on the base. The cover and the base serve as the damping gear, providing position limiting along the extension direction of the central axis.

16. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: The box body is provided with a accommodating space with an opening on one side; a door body, used for closing the opening of the accommodating space; as well as The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the hinge assembly is connected to the box body and the door body respectively so as to pivotally mount the door body on the box body.

17. The refrigerator according to claim 16, characterized in that: A limiting groove is provided on the door body, and the hovering mechanism is arranged in the limiting groove in a shape-fitting manner, wherein the limiting groove is the hovering mechanism, providing limitation along an extension direction perpendicular to the central axis.

18. The refrigerator according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that: The suspension mechanism further includes a cover, which is disposed on the base and fixed to the door body via fasteners.

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