Hinge assembly and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of refrigerators, in particular to a hinge assembly and a refrigerator, the hinge assembly is used for connecting a refrigerator body and a door body, and the door body is rotatably connected with the refrigerator body through the hinge assembly; the hinge assembly comprises a mounting plate, a door closer, a limiting mechanism and a driving mechanism, and the mounting plate is connected with the box body; the door closer is arranged at one end, facing the mounting plate, of the door body, and a limiting part is arranged on the door closer; the limiting mechanism comprises a hovering plate rotationally arranged on the mounting plate and a limiting piece movably arranged on the hovering plate, the limiting piece has a first state in which the limiting piece is clamped with the limiting part and a second state in which the limiting piece is separated from the limiting part, and the limiting piece can be switched between the first state and the second state; the driving mechanism is arranged on the mounting plate and used for driving the limiting mechanism to rotate; wherein the door body can rotate around a rotating shaft of the hovering plate, the hinge assembly can effectively avoid failure caused by abrasion of a matching part, the hovering effect of the door body is guaranteed, and meanwhile the closing leakproofness of the door body can be guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Traditional refrigerator door angles are typically limited by a plastic door closer working in conjunction with hinges to achieve maximum door opening and tight closure. The door opening and closing angles are closely tied to the coordination between the plastic door closer and hinges. This makes it difficult to control the door opening angle, which can easily cause the door to impact the cabinet. Furthermore, as the door is opened and closed frequently, the door closer gradually wears out, potentially causing the door closer to fail and the hinge to malfunction. This results in the door not closing tightly, causing the refrigerator to leak cold air and impact energy consumption.

[0003] Currently, the hovering of refrigerator doors on the market is mostly achieved through the concave-convex fit on the hinge. The concave-convex fit will cause long-term wear to the boss and will also affect the hovering effect. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present application provides a hinge assembly and a refrigerator, which can effectively avoid failure of mating parts due to wear, ensure the effect of door body hovering, and at the same time ensure the airtightness of door body closing.

[0005] In the first aspect, the present application provides a hinge assembly for connecting a box body and a door body, and the door body is rotatably connected to the box body through the hinge assembly; the hinge assembly includes: a mounting plate connected to the box body; a door closer, arranged at one end of the door body facing the mounting plate, and a limiting portion is provided on the door closer; a limiting mechanism, including a hovering plate rotatably arranged on the mounting plate and a limiting part movably arranged on the hovering plate, the limiting part including a first state engaged with the limiting part and a second state separated from the limiting part, and the limiting part can be switched between the first state and the second state; and a driving mechanism, arranged on the mounting plate, for driving the limiting mechanism to rotate; wherein, the door body can rotate around the rotation axis of the hovering plate.

[0006] In a possible implementation, a circular hole is provided on the door closer, the central axis of the circular hole is colinear with the rotation axis of the hovering plate, and the limiting portion is a ratchet structure provided on the inner surface of the circular hole.

[0007] In a possible implementation, the limiting member is rotatably disposed on the hovering plate, an elastic member is disposed between the limiting member and the hovering plate, and an elastic force exerted by the elastic member on the limiting member is used to keep the limiting member in the first state.

[0008] In a possible implementation, at least two limiting members are provided, and the at least two limiting members are sequentially arranged along the circumference of the circular hole.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the limiting mechanism further includes a switching member disposed on the hovering plate, and the switching member is configured to drive the limiting member so as to switch the limiting member from the first state to the second state.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the switching member is an electromagnetic block, and the electromagnetic block is used to magnetically attract the limiting member so as to switch the limiting member from the first state to the second state.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the driving mechanism includes: a motor; and a transmission assembly, wherein a power input end of the transmission assembly is connected to a power output end of the motor, and the power output end of the transmission assembly is connected to the hover board.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the transmission assembly includes a speed-increasing gear set, wherein the small gear of the speed-increasing gear set is used for power input, and the large gear of the speed-increasing gear set is used for power output.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the transmission assembly also includes: a driving wheel connected to the power output end of the motor; a fan gear that can rotate along the rotation axis of the hover board, the fan gear is engaged with the small gear of the speed-increasing gear set, and the fan gear has a driving shaft that is transmitted to the driving wheel; and a driven gear that is coaxially connected to the hover board, and the driven gear is engaged with the large gear of the speed-increasing gear set.

[0014] In a possible implementation, a support shaft is provided on the mounting plate or the limiting mechanism, the support shaft is coaxially arranged with the hovering plate, and the door body is rotatably connected to the support shaft.

[0015] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a refrigerator, comprising: a cabinet; a door; and the above-mentioned hinge assembly.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the refrigerator further includes a controller, and the controller is used to control the limiting mechanism and the driving mechanism of the hinge assembly.

[0017] The above technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present application has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0018] The hinge assembly and refrigerator provided in the embodiment of the present application are characterized in that the hovering assembly is switched to the first state through the limit member and is engaged with the limit part of the door closer, thereby realizing the hovering of the door body. When opening and closing the door, the limit member can be controlled to switch to the second state, separate from the limit part of the door closer, and release the limit, so that the door body can be opened and closed; after closing the door body, the limit member is controlled to switch to the first state and is engaged with the limit part of the door closer again, and the hovering plate and the limit member are driven to rotate by the driving mechanism, and the door body is limited by the cooperation of the limit member and the limit part to ensure the airtightness of the door body. This can effectively avoid failure of the mating parts due to wear, ensure the effect of door hovering, and at the same time ensure the airtightness of the door body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, for ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0021] One or more embodiments are exemplarily illustrated by pictures in the corresponding drawings. These exemplifications do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are represented as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings do not constitute proportional limitations.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a hinge assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application when the limiting member is in a first state;

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a hinge assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application when the limiting member is in a second state;

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a mounting plate, a limiting mechanism, and a driving mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a mounting plate, a limiting mechanism, and a driving mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a hinge assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of a hover board and a driven gear provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of a fan blade gear provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of a door body and door closer provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a door closer provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 10A schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 11 A schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application with the door removed;

[0033] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator from the bottom perspective provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 13 A schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application when the door is closed;

[0035] Figure 14 A schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application when the door is open.

[0036] Description of reference numerals:

[0037] 1. Box body;

[0038] 2. Door body;

[0039] 3. Mounting plate;

[0040] 4. Door closer; 41. Position limiter; 411. Ratchet mechanism; 42. Circular hole;

[0041] 5. Limiting mechanism; 51. Hovering plate; 511. Rotating axis; 52. Limiting member; 53. Switching member;

[0042] 6. Driving mechanism; 61. Motor; 62. Transmission assembly; 621. Speed-increasing gear set; 6211. Small gear; 6212. Large gear; 622. Driving wheel; 6221. Driving groove; 623. Fan gear; 6231. Driving shaft; 6232. Connecting plate; 624. Driven gear. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0044] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of the present invention. To simplify the disclosure of the present invention, the components and configurations of specific examples are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the present invention may repeat reference numbers and / or letters in different examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations discussed.

[0045] For ease of description, spatially relative terms may be used herein to describe the relative position or movement of one element or feature relative to another element or feature as shown in the figures, such as "inside," "outside," "inside," "outside," "below," "beneath," "above," "above," "front," "back," and the like. Such spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation other than the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures undergoes a positional flip or a change in posture or a change in motion, then these directional indications will also change accordingly. For example, an element described as "below" or "below" another element or feature will subsequently be oriented as "above" or "above" another element or feature. Thus, the example term "below" can include both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented otherwise (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0046] The present application provides a hinge assembly and a refrigerator, which can effectively avoid failure of mating parts due to wear, ensure the effect of door body hovering, and at the same time ensure the airtightness of door body closing.

[0047] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a hinge assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application when the limiting member is in a first state; Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a hinge assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application when the limiting member is in a second state; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a mounting plate, a limiting mechanism, and a driving mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a mounting plate, a limiting mechanism, and a driving mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a hinge assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of a hover board and a driven gear provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of a fan blade gear provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 8A schematic structural diagram of a door body and door closer provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a door closer provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0048] like Figures 1-9 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a hinge assembly for connecting a housing 1 and a door 2, wherein the door 2 is rotatably connected to the housing 1 via the hinge assembly; the hinge assembly includes: a mounting plate 3, a door closer 4, a limiting mechanism 5, and a driving mechanism 6. Specifically, the hinge assembly of the present application can be applied to a refrigerator, i.e., the housing 1 and door 2 of the refrigerator are rotatably connected via a hinge. The hinge assembly of the present application can also be applied to other electrical appliances, such as microwave ovens, drum washing machines, and other devices including a housing 1 and a door 2, without limitation herein.

[0049] The mounting plate 3 is connected to the box body 1. The mounting plate 3 can be a plate-shaped structure, fixedly connected to the box body 1, used to carry the limiting mechanism 5 and the driving mechanism 6, and can play a certain supporting role on the door body 2.

[0050] The door closer 4 is disposed at one end of the door body 2 facing the mounting plate 3 , and a limiting portion 41 is provided on the door closer 4 .

[0051] The limiting mechanism 5 includes a hovering plate 51 rotatably arranged on the mounting plate 3 and a limiting member 52 movably arranged on the hovering plate 51. The limiting member 52 includes a first state in which it is engaged with the limiting portion 41 and a second state in which it is separated from the limiting portion 41. The limiting member 52 can switch between the first state and the second state.

[0052] The drive mechanism 6 is mounted on the mounting plate 3 and is used to rotate the limit mechanism 5. The door body 2 is rotatable about the rotation axis 511 of the hovering plate 51. Specifically, the rotation of the door body 2 about the rotation axis 511 of the hovering plate 51 ensures that the limit member 52 on the hovering plate 51 can engage with the limit portion 41 on the door closer 4 regardless of the door body 2's open position.

[0053] In the present application, the limit member 52 is switched to the first state and engaged with the limit part 41 of the door closer 4, so as to realize the hovering of the door body 2. When opening and closing the door, the limit member 52 can be controlled to switch to the second state, separate from the limit part 41 of the door closer 4, and release the limit, so that the door body 2 can be opened and closed; after closing the door body 2, the limit member 52 is controlled to switch to the first state and engage with the limit part 41 of the door closer 4 again, and the hovering plate 51 and the limit member 52 are driven to rotate by the driving mechanism 6. The door body 2 is limited by the cooperation of the limit member 52 and the limit part 41 to ensure the airtightness of the door body 2. The failure of the mating parts due to wear can be effectively avoided, the effect of the door body 2 hovering can be ensured, and the airtightness of the door body 2 can be ensured at the same time.

[0054] Smart refrigerators are a key trend in the home appliance industry, offering users a more convenient, intelligent, and healthy lifestyle. With the continuous advancement of technology and market expansion, we believe smart refrigerators will play an even more important role in the future. Automatic door closure and hovering are also key areas of future smart refrigerator development.

[0055] In the related art, traditional refrigerator door opening and closing angle limits typically rely on a plastic door closer 4 working in conjunction with a hinge to achieve maximum opening angle and tight closure of the refrigerator door 2. The door opening and closing angle is closely linked to the coordination between the plastic door closer 4 and the hinge. Controlling the door opening angle is difficult and prone to deviation, which can cause the refrigerator door 2 to impact the cabinet. Furthermore, as the door 2 is opened and closed more frequently, the door closer 4 gradually wears out, potentially leading to a failure in the coordination between the door closer 4 and the hinge. This can cause the door 2 to not close tightly, leading to cooling leakage and increased energy consumption.

[0056] Currently, refrigerator hovering generally relies on the cooperation of concave and convex surfaces, that is, the concave and convex surfaces between the hinge and the door body 2 are used to achieve position limiting, and the damping force between the door body 2 and the hinge is increased to achieve hovering of the door body 2. As the number of times the door body 2 is opened and closed increases, the wear between the concave and convex surfaces will also increase, resulting in hovering failure.

[0057] The hinge assembly of the present application controls the switching of the limiting member 52 between a first state and a second state. When the limiting member 52 switches to the first state, it engages with the limiting portion 41 of the door closer 4, thereby limiting the position of the door body 2 and achieving a hovering state of the door body 2. When the door needs to be opened or closed, the limiting member 52 is switched to the second state, disengaging the limiting member 52 from the limiting portion 41 of the door closer 4, releasing the limit on the door closer 4, and allowing the door body 2 to be opened or closed. After the door body 2 is closed, the limiting member 52 is switched back to the first state, and the driving mechanism 6 then drives the hovering plate 51 and the limiting member 52 to rotate. The cooperation between the limiting member 52 and the limiting portion 41 presses the door body 2 tightly, ensuring the tightness of the door body 2.

[0058] Specifically, since the limiting member 52 in the present application is movably arranged on the hovering plate 51 and does not require deformation, a more wear-resistant metal material can be used. Moreover, the limiting member 52 and the limiting portion 41 are separable, which reduces the wear between the limiting member 52 and the limiting portion 41, reduces the wear of components, ensures service life, and ensures the hovering effect of the door body 2 and the airtightness of the door body 2 when closed.

[0059] In the related art, some refrigerators on the market use an automatic door opening and closing structure, which monitors the opening angle of the door body 2 in real time through a controller. This device involves many types of parts, is complicated to install, and has a slow door opening and closing response.

[0060] In the present application, after the limiting member 52 switches to the first state, the driving mechanism 6 drives the hovering plate 51 and the limiting member 52 to rotate. Under the cooperation of the limiting member 52 and the limiting portion 41, the door body 2 can be driven to open and close, and the door body 2 can also be automatically opened and closed. In addition, there are fewer parts, which is convenient for installation, and the door opening and closing is more sensitive and timely.

[0061] In some embodiments, a circular hole 42 is provided on the door closer 4 , the central axis of the circular hole 42 is colinear with the rotation axis 511 of the hovering plate 51 , and the limiting portion 41 is a ratchet structure 411 provided on the inner surface of the circular hole 42 .

[0062] In the present application, the circular hole 42 on the door closer 4 is colinearly arranged with the rotation axis 511 of the hovering plate 51. The limiting portion 41 is a ratchet structure 411 disposed on the inner surface of the circular hole 42. The hovering plate 51 is always located within the circular hole 42 during rotation. Simply switching the limiting member 52 to the first state allows the limiting member 52 to engage with the ratchet structure 411. Switching the limiting member 52 to the second state disengages the limiting member 52 from the ratchet structure 411. Regardless of the opening angle of the door body 2, the door body 2 can be hovered.

[0063] Furthermore, the ratchet structure 411 is oriented in the direction of the door 2 opening. When the stopper 52 is in the first state, the stopper 52 can prevent the door 2 from continuing to open. However, if the door 2 rotates toward closing at this time, the stopper 52 can pass over the ratchet structure 411, ensuring that the door 2 can be suspended while not affecting manual closing of the door 2. When the door 2 needs to be closed, the drive mechanism 6 drives the hovering plate 51 and the stopper 52 to rotate. The stopper 52, through engagement with the ratchet structure 411, can effectively drive the door 2 toward the closing direction, thereby achieving automatic closing of the door 2. Furthermore, after the door 2 is closed, the torque applied by the drive mechanism 6 to the hovering plate 51 and the stopper 52 acts on the door 2 through the ratchet structure 411, thereby ensuring the airtightness of the door 2. Of course, even when the limiting member 52 is in the first state, the door body 2 can still be closed manually, so the limiting member 52 can easily pass over the ratchet structure 411 to achieve the closing of the door body 2.

[0064] In the related art, existing refrigerators use a door closer 4 in conjunction with a hinge to limit the maximum opening angle of the door body 2. The maximum door opening angle is fixed, making it difficult to control and prone to deviation. For example, if the maximum door opening angle of a refrigerator is 100°, it will only be limited when it is opened to 100°. At this time, if there are cabinets or other items next to the refrigerator, the door body 2 may collide with the cabinets or other items. Moreover, the existing refrigerator hovering is achieved by the combination of concave and convex surfaces. The damping force between the concave and convex surfaces cannot be too large, as too large a force will affect the normal rotation of the door body 2. Therefore, when the door is opened, if the inertia of the door body 2 is large, the door cannot be hovered in time, and the door body 2 will continue to rotate in the original direction for a certain angle, resulting in poor hovering reliability.

[0065] The maximum door opening angle in the present application can be controlled. When the door body 2 is opened to any angle, the door body 2 can be limited and suspended by switching the limit member 52 to the first state. The limit member 52 engages with the ratchet structure 411 of the door closer 4 on the door body 2. The limit member 52 can be controlled to switch to the first state when the door body 2 is opened to a specific angle, or the limit member 52 can be automatically controlled to switch to the first state when the door body 2 is opened to a specific angle through a set program. Moreover, the engagement of the limit member 52 with the ratchet structure 411 in the present application ensures the reliability of the suspension, compared to the prior art method of suspension achieved by the combination of concave and convex surfaces, and prevents the door body 2 from continuing to rotate due to its large inertia.

[0066] Optionally, the opening and closing of the driving mechanism 6 can be controlled by a controller, and the switching of the limit member 52 between the first state and the second state can also be controlled by the controller. When the door body 2 is closed, the controller receives the information that the door body 2 is closed, and controls the driving mechanism 6 to close, thereby ensuring that the door body 2 remains in an effectively closed state.

[0067] In some embodiments, the limiting member 52 is rotatably disposed on the hovering plate 51 , and an elastic member is disposed between the limiting member 52 and the hovering plate 51 . The elastic force exerted by the elastic member on the limiting member 52 is used to keep the limiting member 52 in the first state.

[0068] In the present application, the stopper 52 is rotatably mounted on the hovering plate 51 via a rotating shaft. The elastic force applied to the stopper 52 toward the first state by the elastic member causes the stopper 52 to pass over the ratchet structure 411 during the closing process of the door body 2. However, the stopper 52 abuts against the ratchet structure 411, which also generates a certain damping force on the ratchet structure 411, thereby achieving the effect of hovering the door body 2 and preventing the door body 2 from automatically closing due to problems such as angle tilt or uneven gravity. The magnitude of the damping force generated between the stopper 52 and the ratchet structure 411 is related to the magnitude of the elastic force of the elastic member. The magnitude of the damping force between the stopper 52 and the ratchet structure 411 can be guaranteed by setting the magnitude of the elastic force of the elastic member.

[0069] Specifically, the elastic member is a torsion spring, which is sleeved on the rotating shaft of the limit member 52. One end of the torsion spring is connected to the limit member 52, and the other end is connected to the fixing hole on the hovering plate 51, so that the elastic force of the torsion spring can drive the limit member 52 to rotate toward the first state.

[0070] Optionally, the elastic member can also be a spring or an elastic sheet, and the two ends of the spring or elastic sheet are respectively connected to the limit member 52 and the hovering plate 51, which can also generate elastic force on the limit member 52 to make the limit member 52 rotate in the first direction, so that the limit member 52 can remain in the first state.

[0071] In some embodiments, at least two limiting members 52 are provided, and the at least two limiting members 52 are sequentially arranged along the circumference of the circular hole 42 .

[0072] In the present application, the hovering plate 51 is positioned within the circular hole 42, and the stopper 52 is disposed in the outer peripheral region of the hovering plate 51 and can engage with the ratchet structure 411 within the circular hole 42. By providing at least two stoppers 52, the number of engaging locations between the stoppers 52 and the door closer 4 is increased. When the door body 2 is hovering or driven to close, the multiple-point stopper further enhances the hovering effect of the door body 2 and further ensures the airtightness of the door body 2 when closed.

[0073] Specifically, at least two limiting members 52 are arranged in sequence along the circumference of the circular hole 42, so that the multiple limiting members 52 are in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction when in the first state, thereby ensuring that the multiple limiting members 52 can play a limiting role in the same direction.

[0074] In the related art, refrigerators on the market rely on the coordination of concave and convex surfaces to hover, which is only a point limit and is prone to failure due to the inertia of opening the door.

[0075] In a specific embodiment, two limiting members 52 are provided, and the two limiting members 52 are arranged along the radial direction of the hovering plate 51, and the two points form a straight line. The limiting members 52 and the ratchet structure 411 are limited in the tangential direction, so that the door body 2 hovers more smoothly and effectively.

[0076] Optionally, the number of the limiting members 52 may also be three, four, etc.

[0077] In some embodiments, the limiting mechanism 5 further includes a switching member 53 disposed on the hovering plate 51 , and the switching member 53 is used to drive the limiting member 52 to switch the limiting member 52 from the first state to the second state.

[0078] In the present application, the switching member 53 is used to drive the limit member 52 to rotate so that the limit member 52 switches from the first state to the second state. Specifically, the switching member 53 is controlled by an external controller, and the limit member 52 switches from the second state back to the first state, which can be achieved through an elastic member, making it convenient to control the limit member 52 so that the limit member 52 can be quickly switched between the first state and the second state.

[0079] In a specific embodiment, the switching member 53 is an electromagnetic block, which is used to magnetically attract the limiting member 52 so as to switch the limiting member 52 from the first state to the second state.

[0080] In the present application, the stopper 52 is made of a magnetic material. When the electromagnetic block is powered on, it generates magnetism, which attracts the stopper 52, thereby switching the stopper 52 from the first state to the second state. When the electromagnetic block is powered off, it loses its magnetism, and the stopper 52 is reset by the elastic member, switching back from the second state to the first state. This simple structure and quick response enable the stopper 52 to smoothly switch between the first and second states.

[0081] Specifically, when the user grasps the handle of the refrigerator door 2, the electromagnetic block can be de-energized by pressure or temperature control, so that the limiter 52 switches to the second state, facilitating the opening of the door 2. When the hand leaves the handle of the refrigerator door 2, the electromagnetic block is energized, so that the limiter 52 switches back to the first state, and the door 2 can be hovered. After the door 2 is opened for a period of time, which can be based on the average length of time the user opens the door, when this length of time is reached, the drive mechanism 6 starts to drive the hovering plate 51 and the limiter 52 to rotate, so that the limiter 52 drives the ratchet structure 411 and the door 2 to close. When the door 2 encounters resistance, or the user stops the drive mechanism 6 through the controller, after the user completes taking and placing the items, the user manually closes the door 2 or restarts the drive mechanism 6 to close the door.

[0082] Optionally, the switching member 53 may also be a motor driving a lever, which pushes the limiting member 52 through the lever, thereby switching the limiting member 52 from the first state to the second state.

[0083] In another optional embodiment, the switching member 53 may also be an electric push rod, which pushes the limiting member 52 so that the limiting member 52 switches from the first state to the second state.

[0084] In some embodiments, the driving mechanism 6 includes: a motor 61 ; and a transmission assembly 62 , wherein a power input end of the transmission assembly 62 is connected to a power output end of the motor 61 , and a power output end of the transmission assembly 62 is connected to the hover board 51 .

[0085] In this application, the motor 61 provides a transmission assembly 62 to drive the hovering plate 51 to rotate, and the hovering plate 51 drives the limiter 52 to rotate within the circular hole 42. The limiter 52 cooperates with the ratchet structure 411 to drive the door body 2 to close. After the door body 2 is closed, the limiter 52 and the ratchet structure 411 still cooperate to press the door body 2 tightly, thereby ensuring the airtightness of the door body 2.

[0086] In the related art, the existing refrigerator uses the door closer 4 to cooperate with the hinge assembly to limit the door body 2 after closing. If the door body 2 is not closed tightly, it may not be discovered in time, resulting in the refrigerator leaking cold and increasing the energy consumption of the refrigerator.

[0087] However, this situation will not occur in the embodiment of the present application. When the controller receives a signal that the door body 2 is closed, or the opening angle of the door body 2 of the refrigerator is less than a specific angle, such as 30°, and the door body 2 opened at this angle cannot be used for normal taking and placing of objects, it can be determined that the door body 2 is in an abnormal opening state, and the driving mechanism 6 and the limiting mechanism 5 can be controlled. The limiting mechanism 5 switches the limiting member 52 to the first state, and the driving mechanism 6 drives the limiting mechanism 5 to rotate, and the limiting mechanism 5 drives the door body 2 to close. After the door body 2 is fully closed, the driving mechanism 6 can be paused so that the limiting member 52 can limit the door closer 4. The judgment of whether the door body 2 is fully closed can be based on the resistance encountered by the motor 61, or a contact sensor or a pressure sensor can be set between the door body 2 and the box body 1. No more details will be given here.

[0088] In some embodiments, the transmission assembly 62 includes a speed-increasing gear set 621 , wherein a small gear 6211 of the speed-increasing gear set 621 is used for inputting power, and a large gear 6212 of the speed-increasing gear set is used for outputting power.

[0089] In this application, by adopting the speed-increasing gear set 621 of the transmission assembly 62, the large gear 6212 and the small gear 6211 of the speed-increasing gear set 621 can be arranged coaxially, or can be connected in the form of meshing, and the difference in the number of teeth of the gears can be used to achieve the speed difference of the two-stage gears, so that the movement of the door body 2 is accelerated, effectively avoiding the problem of cold leakage during the door opening and closing process.

[0090] In some embodiments, the transmission assembly 62 further includes a driving wheel 622 , a fan gear 623 and a driven gear 624 .

[0091] The driving wheel 622 is connected to the power output end of the motor 61 .

[0092] The fan gear 623 can rotate along the rotation axis 511 of the hovering board 51 . The fan gear 623 is engaged with the pinion 6211 of the speed-increasing gear set 621 . The fan gear 623 has a driving shaft 6231 that transmits power to the driving wheel 622 .

[0093] The driven gear 624 is coaxially connected to the hovering plate 51 , and the driven gear 624 is meshed with the large gear 6212 of the speed-increasing gear set 621 .

[0094] In this application, the motor 61 outputs power to the driving wheel 622, and a driving groove 6221 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the driving wheel 622. The driving shaft 6231 on the fan gear 623 is inserted into the driving groove 6221, so that the driving wheel 622 can drive the fan gear 623 to rotate, and the fan gear 623 drives the speed-increasing gear set 621 to rotate, and the speed-increasing gear set 621 drives the driven gear 624 and the hovering plate 51 to rotate. The transmission is reliable and can effectively increase the speed of driving the door body 2 to rotate.

[0095] Specifically, the fan blade gear 623 also includes a connecting plate 6232, which is driven around the rotating shaft 511 of the hovering plate 51. A driving shaft 6231 is provided at one end of the connecting plate 6232 for being inserted into the driving groove 6221 of the driving wheel 622. The fan blade gear 623 encloses the speed-increasing gear set 621 between the driven gears 624. When the fan blade gear 623 drives the speed-increasing gear set 621 to rotate, the speed-increasing gear set 621 rotates around the driven gear 624, and synchronously drives the driven gear 624 to rotate due to the difference in the number of teeth, and then drives the hovering plate 51 to rotate through the driven gear 624.

[0096] In some embodiments, a support shaft is provided on the mounting plate 3 or the limiting mechanism 5 , the support shaft is coaxially arranged with the hovering plate 51 , and the door body 2 is rotatably connected to the support shaft.

[0097] In this application, by setting a support shaft, the door body 2 can be supported. The hinge assembly is set at the bottom of the door body 2. The door body 2 is rotated through the hinge assembly to improve the support effect of the door body 2 and ensure the stability of the door body 2 during rotation.

[0098] In an optional embodiment, the support shaft is provided on the mounting plate 3, and the door body 2 can rotate along the support shaft.

[0099] In another optional embodiment, the support shaft is provided on the limiting mechanism 5, and the door body 2 can rotate along the support shaft.

[0100] The embodiment of the present application provides a hinge assembly, which switches to the first state through the limit member 52 and engages with the limit part 41 of the door closer 4, thereby realizing the hovering of the door body 2. When opening and closing the door, the limit member 52 can be controlled to switch to the second state, separate from the limit part 41 of the door closer 4, and release the limit, so that the door body 2 can be opened and closed; after closing the door body 2, the limit member 52 is controlled to switch to the first state and engage with the limit part 41 of the door closer 4 again, and the hovering plate 51 and the limit member 52 are driven to rotate by the driving mechanism 6. The door body 2 is limited by the cooperation of the limit member 52 and the limit part 41 to ensure the airtightness of the door body 2 when closed, which can effectively avoid the failure of the mating parts due to wear, ensure the effect of the door body 2 hovering, and at the same time ensure the airtightness of the door body 2 when closed.

[0101] In the related art, traditional refrigerator door opening and closing angle limits typically rely on a plastic door closer 4 working in conjunction with a hinge to achieve maximum opening angle and tight closure of the refrigerator door 2. The door opening and closing angle is closely linked to the coordination between the plastic door closer 4 and the hinge. Controlling the door opening angle is difficult and prone to deviation, which can cause the refrigerator door 2 to impact the cabinet. Furthermore, as the door 2 is opened and closed more frequently, the door closer 4 gradually wears out, potentially leading to a failure in the coordination between the door closer 4 and the hinge. This can cause the door 2 to not close tightly, leading to cooling leakage and increased energy consumption.

[0102] Currently, refrigerator hovering generally relies on the cooperation of concave and convex surfaces, that is, the concave and convex surfaces between the hinge and the door body 2 are used to achieve position limiting, and the damping force between the door body 2 and the hinge is increased to achieve hovering of the door body 2. As the number of times the door body 2 is opened and closed increases, the wear between the concave and convex surfaces will also increase, resulting in hovering failure.

[0103] The hinge assembly of the present application controls the switching of the limiting member 52 between a first state and a second state. When the limiting member 52 switches to the first state, it engages with the limiting portion 41 of the door closer 4, thereby limiting the position of the door body 2 and achieving a hovering state of the door body 2. When the door needs to be opened or closed, the limiting member 52 is switched to the second state, disengaging the limiting member 52 from the limiting portion 41 of the door closer 4, releasing the limit on the door closer 4, and allowing the door body 2 to be opened or closed. After the door body 2 is closed, the limiting member 52 is switched back to the first state, and the driving mechanism 6 then drives the hovering plate 51 and the limiting member 52 to rotate. The cooperation between the limiting member 52 and the limiting portion 41 presses the door body 2 tightly, ensuring the tightness of the door body 2.

[0104] Figure 10 A schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 11 A schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application with the door removed; Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator from the bottom perspective provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 13 A schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application when the door is closed; Figure 14 A schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator provided in an embodiment of the present application when the door is open.

[0105] like Figure 10-14 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a refrigerator, comprising: a cabinet 1; a door 2; and the above-mentioned hinge assembly.

[0106] In the present application, the refrigerator adopts the above-mentioned hinge assembly, and the door body 2 is rotatably connected to the box body 1 through the hinge assembly, and is switched to the first state through the limit member 52, and is engaged with the limit part 41 of the door closer 4, so as to realize the hovering of the door body 2. When opening and closing the door, the limit member 52 can be controlled to switch to the second state, separate from the limit part 41 of the door closer 4, and release the limit, so that the door body 2 can be opened and closed; after closing the door body 2, the limit member 52 is controlled to switch to the first state, and is engaged with the limit part 41 of the door closer 4 again, and the hovering plate 51 and the limit member 52 are driven to rotate by the driving mechanism 6, and the door body 2 is limited by the cooperation of the limit member 52 and the limit part 41 to ensure the airtightness of the door body 2. The failure of the mating parts due to wear can be effectively avoided, the hovering effect of the door body 2 can be ensured, and the airtightness of the door body 2 can be ensured at the same time.

[0107] Among them, the engagement of the limiting member 52 with the limiting portion 41 can limit the door body 2 in one direction or in two directions. Preferably, in the present application, the limiting portion 41 adopts a ratchet structure 411, which can limit the door body 2 in one direction, that is, limit the door body 2 in the opening direction, but can hover the door body 2 in the closing direction to prevent the door body 2 from automatically rotating in the closing direction. When the door body 2 needs to be closed, the door body 2 can be closed manually, and the limiting member 52 can pass over the ratchet structure 411. Of course, when closing the door body 2, the limiting member 52 can be switched from the first state to the second state, so that the limiting member 52 is separated from the ratchet structure 411, the hovering of the door body 2 is released, and the door body 2 can be easily closed. The door body 2 can also be automatically closed by driving the hovering plate 51 and the limiting member 52 to rotate through the driving mechanism 6.

[0108] Specifically, when the limiting member 52 is in the first state, the door body 2 cannot continue to rotate in the opening direction, which can limit the door body 2 opened to different angles and ensure the limiting effect of the door body 2. At this time, the door body 2 can still rotate in the closing direction, but the door body 2 needs to overcome the damping force between the limiting member 52 and the ratchet structure 411 when rotating, that is, the door body 2 will not close automatically.

[0109] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes a controller for controlling the limiting mechanism 5 and the driving mechanism 6 of the hinge assembly.

[0110] In the present application, the user can send instructions to the controller, and the instructions can be sent in the form of voice, touch, pressure, temperature, etc., and are not limited to one form. The limit mechanism 5 and the drive mechanism 6 are controlled by sending instructions. Specifically, the controller can control the switching member 53 of the limit mechanism 5, and control the limit member 52 to switch from the first state to the second state through the switching member 53. Then, the limit member 52 can switch from the second state back to the first state under the elastic force of the elastic member; the controller controls the motor 61 of the drive mechanism 6, and controls the rotation of the hovering plate 51 by controlling the start and stop of the motor 61, thereby realizing the automatic closing of the door body 2 and the tight closing of the door body 2.

[0111] In a specific embodiment, the user can send instructions to the controller through pressure. When the user holds the handle on the door body 2, pressure is applied to the pressure sensor on the handle, and the controller controls the limiter 52 to switch from the first state to the second state. At this time, the door body 2 can be opened normally. As long as the user's hand does not leave the handle, the limiter 52 remains in the second state. When the user's hand leaves the handle, the limiter 52 switches from the second state to the first state. At this time, the limiter 52 can engage the ratchet structure 411, thereby limiting the door body 2 so that the door body 2 stays at this angle. After the user completes taking or placing items, he or she can choose to manually close the door. By holding the handle with his or her hand, the limiter 52 switches from the first state to the second state, releasing the limit on the ratchet structure 411, and easily completing the closing of the door body 2. After the door body 2 is closed, the controller receives a signal indicating that the door body 2 is closed. To ensure the airtightness of the door body 2, the driving mechanism 6 and the limiting member 52 are started, so that the limiting member 52 switches back to the first state. The driving mechanism 6 drives the hovering plate 51 and the limiting member 52 to rotate, and the limiting member 52 limits the ratchet structure 411, thereby ensuring the airtightness of the door body 2. Alternatively, the door closing action can be performed by the controller. During the door closing action, the limiting member 52 switches to the first state, the driving mechanism 6 drives the hovering plate 51 and the limiting member 52 to rotate, and the limiting member 52 drives the ratchet structure 411 and the door body 2 to rotate until the door body 2 is tightly closed. The controller controls the execution of the door closing action, which can be executed after receiving a command from the user, or automatically executed according to a set program. The set program can be manually set by the user or adjusted according to the length of time the user usually opens the door body 2.

[0112] In another specific embodiment, the user can send a command to the controller through temperature. When the user holds the handle on the door body 2, the temperature sensor on the handle receives a signal, and the controller controls the limiter 52 to switch from the first state to the second state. At this time, the door body 2 can be opened normally. As long as the user's hand does not leave the handle, the limiter 52 remains in the second state. When the user's hand leaves the handle, the limiter 52 switches from the second state to the first state. At this time, the limiter 52 can engage the ratchet structure 411, thereby limiting the door body 2 so that the door body 2 stays at this angle. After the user finishes taking or putting items, he or she can choose to close the door manually. By holding the handle with his or her hand, the limiter 52 switches from the first state to the second state, releasing the limit on the ratchet structure 411, and easily completing the closing of the door body 2. After the door body 2 is closed, the controller receives a signal indicating that the door body 2 is closed. To ensure the airtightness of the door body 2, the driving mechanism 6 and the limiting member 52 are started, so that the limiting member 52 switches back to the first state. The driving mechanism 6 drives the hovering plate 51 and the limiting member 52 to rotate, and the limiting member 52 limits the ratchet structure 411, thereby ensuring the airtightness of the door body 2. Alternatively, the door closing action can be performed by the controller. During the door closing action, the limiting member 52 switches to the first state, the driving mechanism 6 drives the hovering plate 51 and the limiting member 52 to rotate, and the limiting member 52 drives the ratchet structure 411 and the door body 2 to rotate until the door body 2 is tightly closed. The controller controls the execution of the door closing action, which can be executed after receiving a command from the user, or automatically executed according to a set program. The set program can be manually set by the user or adjusted according to the length of time the user usually opens the door body 2.

[0113] In another optional embodiment, the user can send a command to the controller by voice. After the voice receiver of the refrigerator receives the command, the controller controls the limit member 52 to switch from the first state to the second state. At this time, the door body 2 can be opened normally, and the limit member 52 remains in the second state. By sending a voice command again, the limit member 52 is switched from the second state to the first state. At this time, the limit member 52 can engage the ratchet structure 411, and then limit the door body 2 so that the door body 2 stays at this angle. After the user finishes taking or putting items, he or she can choose to close the door manually. The user sends a voice command to switch the limit member 52 from the first state to the second state, release the limit on the ratchet structure 411, and easily complete the closing of the door body 2. Of course, it is also possible to close the door body 2 directly without sending a voice command. After the door body 2 is closed, the controller receives a signal indicating that the door body 2 is closed. To ensure the airtightness of the door body 2, the driving mechanism 6 and the limiting member 52 are started, so that the limiting member 52 switches back to the first state. The driving mechanism 6 drives the hovering plate 51 and the limiting member 52 to rotate, and the limiting member 52 limits the ratchet structure 411, thereby ensuring the airtightness of the door body 2. Alternatively, the door closing action can be performed by the controller. During the door closing action, the limiting member 52 switches to the first state, the driving mechanism 6 drives the hovering plate 51 and the limiting member 52 to rotate, and the limiting member 52 drives the ratchet structure 411 and the door body 2 to rotate until the door body 2 is tightly closed. The controller controls the execution of the door closing action, which can be executed after receiving a command from the user, or automatically executed according to a set program. The set program can be manually set by the user or adjusted according to the length of time the user usually opens the door body 2.

[0114] In another alternative embodiment, the user can send a command to the controller via the touchscreen on door 2. The controller then switches the stopper 52 from the first state to the second state, allowing the door 2 to open normally. When the door 2 opens to a preset angle, the stopper 52 automatically switches from the second state back to the first state, further securing the door 2 at that angle. After the user has placed or retrieved items, they can manually close the door, causing the stopper 52 to switch from the first state to the second state, releasing the restraint on the ratchet mechanism 411 and easily closing the door 2. Alternatively, the user can directly close the door 2 without sending a voice command. After the door 2 is closed, the controller receives a signal indicating that the door 2 is closed. To ensure the tightness of the door 2, the controller activates the drive mechanism 6 and the stopper 52, causing the stopper 52 to switch back to the first state. The drive mechanism 6 then drives the hovering plate 51 and the stopper 52 to rotate, and the stopper 52 restrains the ratchet mechanism 411, ensuring the tightness of the door 2. Alternatively, the door closing action can be executed by a controller. During the door closing action, the limiter 52 switches to the first state, the drive mechanism 6 drives the hovering plate 51 and the limiter 52 to rotate, and the limiter 52 drives the ratchet structure 411 and the door body 2 to rotate until the door body 2 is fully closed. The controller controls the door closing action and can execute it after receiving a command from the user or automatically according to a set program. The set program can be manually set by the user or adjusted according to the length of time the user usually opens the door body 2.

[0115] Of course, there are many ways to send instructions to the controller, which will not be described in detail here.

[0116] It should be understood that the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific example embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one", "an" and "said" as used herein may also be meant to include plural forms. The terms "comprise", "include", "contain" and "have" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order described or illustrated, unless the order of execution is clearly indicated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0117] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used in the text to describe multiple elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence when used in the text. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teaching of the example embodiments.

[0118] The foregoing description is intended only to provide specific embodiments of the present invention, intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but rather to be construed in the broadest manner consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly for connecting a box body (1) and a door body (2), wherein the door body (2) is rotatably connected to the box body (1) through the hinge assembly; characterized in that: The hinge assembly comprises: A mounting plate (3) connected to the box (1); A door closer (4) is provided at one end of the door body (2) facing the mounting plate (3), and a limiting portion (41) is provided on the door closer (4); A limiting mechanism (5) comprising a suspension plate (51) rotatably arranged on the mounting plate (3) and a limiting member (52) movably arranged on the suspension plate (51), wherein the limiting member (52) comprises a first state in which it is engaged with the limiting portion (41) and a second state in which it is separated from the limiting portion (41), and the limiting member (52) can be switched between the first state and the second state; and A driving mechanism (6) is provided on the mounting plate (3) and is used to drive the limiting mechanism (5) to rotate; Wherein, the door body (2) can rotate around the rotation axis (511) of the hovering plate (51).

2. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The door closer (4) is provided with a circular hole (42), the central axis of the circular hole (42) is arranged colinearly with the rotation axis (511) of the suspension plate (51), and the limiting portion (41) is a ratchet structure (411) arranged on the inner surface of the circular hole (42).

3. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The limiting member (52) is rotatably arranged on the suspension plate (51); an elastic member is arranged between the limiting member (52) and the suspension plate (51); and the elastic force applied by the elastic member to the limiting member (52) is used to keep the limiting member (52) in the first state.

4. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: At least two of the limiting members (52) are provided, and the at least two limiting members (52) are sequentially arranged along the circumference of the circular hole (42).

5. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The limiting mechanism (5) further comprises a switching member (53) arranged on the suspension plate (51), wherein the switching member (53) is used to drive the limiting member (52) so as to switch the limiting member (52) from the first state to the second state.

6. The hinge assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The switching member (53) is an electromagnetic block, and the electromagnetic block is used to magnetically attract the limiting member (52) so as to switch the limiting member (52) from the first state to the second state.

7. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The driving mechanism (6) comprises: a motor (61); and A transmission assembly (62), wherein a power input end of the transmission assembly (62) is connected to a power output end of the motor (61), and the power output end of the transmission assembly (62) is connected to the hovering board (51).

8. The hinge assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The transmission assembly (62) includes a speed-increasing gear set (621), wherein the small gear (6211) of the speed-increasing gear set (621) is used for inputting power, and the large gear (6212) of the speed-increasing gear set is used for outputting power.

9. The hinge assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The transmission assembly (62) further includes: A driving wheel (622) connected to a power output end of the motor (61); a fan blade gear (623) rotatable along the rotation axis (511) of the hovering plate (51), the fan blade gear (623) meshing with the pinion (6211) of the speed-increasing gear set (621), and the fan blade gear (623) having a driving shaft (6231) for transmission with the driving wheel (622); and The driven gear (624) is coaxially connected to the hovering plate (51), and the driven gear (624) is meshed with the large gear (6212) of the speed-increasing gear set (621).

10. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein: A support shaft is provided on the mounting plate (3) or the limiting mechanism (5), the support shaft is coaxially arranged with the suspension plate (51), and the door body (2) is rotatably connected to the support shaft.

11. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: Box (1); Door body (2); and The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, characterized in that: The refrigerator further comprises a controller, which is used to control the limiting mechanism (5) and the driving mechanism (6) of the hinge assembly.

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