Refrigerator and hinge assembly thereof

The die-cast hinge body design solves the size and strength issues of refrigerator hinges when embedded in cabinets with extremely small gaps, achieving high-precision and low-cost stable door closing functions for hinge components.

CN223388812UActive Publication Date: 2025-09-26BSH ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (JIANGSU) CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422266201.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-14
Publication Date
2025-09-26
Estimated Expiration
2034-09-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When existing refrigerator hinges are embedded in cabinets with extremely small gaps, it is difficult to ensure the size, precision and quality of the hinges, resulting in the failure of the door closer's closing function and failure to meet the requirements of high quality and cost advantages.

Method used

The hinge body is die-cast, consisting of a first and a second part of different thicknesses. The first part is used to support the weight of the door, and the second part is used for guidance. The die-casting process ensures the dimensional accuracy and strength of the hinge, and the hinge shaft is designed to avoid interference and stabilize the door closing function.

Benefits of technology

The high precision and high strength of the hinge assembly are achieved, which ensures the stable closing and opening of the refrigerator door, avoids the failure of the door closer function, and has cost advantages.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model relates to a refrigerator and a hinge assembly of the refrigerator. The refrigerator comprises a refrigerator body, a door and the hinge assembly. The hinge assembly comprises a hinge body, a first hinge shaft and a second hinge shaft, wherein the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft are arranged on the hinge body. The hinge body is formed in a die-casting mode, the hinge body comprises an installation portion and a supporting portion, the installation portion enables the hinge body to be installed on the box body, the supporting portion is connected with the installation portion and extends towards the door, the supporting portion is provided with a first portion and a second portion, the thickness of the first portion is larger than that of the second portion, and the thickness of the second portion is larger than that of the first portion. The first hinge shaft is arranged on the first part, and the second hinge shaft is arranged on the second part.
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Description

Technical field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of refrigerators, and in particular to a refrigerator comprising a body, a door, and a hinge assembly connecting the body and the door. [Background Technology]

[0002] With the progress and development of society, consumers have higher and higher requirements for living standards. Refrigerators need to meet the requirements of extremely small gaps to be embedded in cabinets, which is a major trend in the development of home appliances and home furnishing markets.

[0003] Refrigerators are embedded in cabinets with minimal clearance. Ensuring that the refrigerator door opens without interfering with the cabinet presents new requirements for hinge structure and manufacturing. Providing these hinges at high quality and cost-effectively is a pressing challenge in the refrigerator industry. [Summary of the invention]

[0004] One object of the present application is to provide an improved refrigerator in response to at least one of the above technical problems.

[0005] Another object of the present application is to provide an improved hinge assembly for a refrigerator in response to at least one of the above technical problems.

[0006] One aspect of an embodiment of the present application relates to a refrigerator, comprising a body defining at least one storage chamber; a door for opening and closing at least a portion of the storage chamber; and a hinge assembly connecting the body and the door; wherein the hinge assembly comprises a hinge body and a first hinge axis and a second hinge axis arranged on the hinge body.

[0007] The hinge body is formed by die-casting, and includes a mounting portion for mounting the hinge body on the box body and a supporting portion connected to the mounting portion and extending toward the door, the supporting portion having a first part and a second part, the thickness of the first part being greater than the thickness of the second part, the first hinge axis being arranged at the first part, and the second hinge axis being arranged at the second part.

[0008] Hinges formed by stamping are difficult to ensure in terms of size, precision and quality. For example, the strength of the connection between the hinge mounting portion and the support portion may not meet the requirements, or the support portion may not remain horizontal after the hinge is installed. This results in the portion of the hinge that cooperates with the door closer not meeting the requirements, and the door closer's closing function may fail after a period of time.

[0009] The hinge body of this embodiment is formed by die-casting, which makes the size and precision more stable and the quality guaranteed. The first part is thicker and has better strength to provide sufficient support force for doors, especially doors with heavier weight.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the second portion is lower than the first portion to form a step on the support portion.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the bottom surface of the first portion is coplanar with the bottom surface of the second portion, the first portion has a first upper surface, the second portion has a second upper surface, and the first upper surface is higher than the second upper surface.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the mounting portion is perpendicular to the supporting portion.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, at least one upwardly recessed portion is formed on the bottom surface of the second portion.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the hinge body further includes a third portion protruding toward one side of the hinge body, and the door further includes a door closer, and the third portion is hooked with the door closer when the door is closed to keep the door in a closed state, wherein a recessed portion recessed upward is formed at the bottom of the third portion.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the hinge body also includes a third part protruding toward one side of the hinge body, and the door also includes a door closer, and the third part is hooked with the door closer when the door is closed to keep the door in a closed state, wherein the third part is respectively connected to the first part and the second part.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the hinge body further includes a third portion protruding toward one side of the hinge body, and the door further includes a door closer. When the door is closed, the third portion engages with the door closer to maintain the door closed, wherein the third portion is thicker than the first portion. Hinge bodies formed using stamping are limited by the thickness of the sheet material used to manufacture the hinge body, resulting in a small mating surface between the door closer and the hinge end, and unstable stamping quality, which can easily lead to the door closer's closing function failing after a period of time. This embodiment, however, uses die-casting, allowing the third portion to be thicker than the first portion. Furthermore, this ensures consistent quality and a smooth surface, eliminating the need for additional processing and ensuring the door's closing function.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the hinge body further includes a third part protruding toward one side of the hinge body, and the door further includes a door closer, and the third part hooks with the door closer when the door is closed to keep the door in a closed state, wherein the bottom surface of the third part is coplanar with the bottom surfaces of the first part and the second part.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the first portion is connected to the mounting portion.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the first portion is located between the second portion and the mounting portion.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the second portion is located in front of the first portion, so that the second portion does not restrict the motion trajectory of the second hinge axis.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, at least one outer edge of the support portion is formed on the second portion.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, a diameter of the first hinge axis is greater than a diameter of the second hinge axis.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the first hinge shaft is fixed to the first part by insert die-casting.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the first hinge axis is immovably fixed to the first part relative to the first part, and the second hinge axis is rotatably disposed on the second part relative to the second part.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the second hinge axis is rotatably connected to the second part via a connecting member, and at least a portion of the connecting member moves within a height difference space from the second part to the first part.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the second hinge shaft rotates to exceed an outer edge of the support portion and is located outside the support portion during the door opening process, so that the second hinge shaft can guide the opening of the door.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the second hinge shaft is rotatably connected to the second part via a connecting rod.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the second hinge axis is indirectly connected to the second part via a rivet.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the hinge assembly includes a mating portion located at the bottom of the door and mating with the first hinge axis and the second hinge axis respectively, the mating portion having a first surface facing the supporting portion, and when the door is in use, the first hinge axis directly or indirectly contacts the first surface to bear the weight of the door, and there is a gap between the second hinge axis and the first surface.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the thickness D1 of the first portion is in the range of 6 mm ≤ D1 ≤ 8 mm.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the thickness D2 of the second portion is in the range of 3 mm ≤ D2 ≤ 4.5 mm.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, a difference between the thickness D1 of the first portion and the thickness D2 of the second portion is greater than or equal to 2 mm.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the refrigerator includes a first door and a second door arranged along the height direction of the refrigerator, and the hinge assembly is used to connect the first door and the second door to the box body. The hinge assembly includes the first hinge axis and the second hinge axis extending upward to connect the first door, and the third hinge axis and the fourth hinge axis extending downward to connect the second door; the first hinge axis and the third hinge axis are located in the first part, and the second hinge axis and the fourth hinge axis are located in the second part.

[0034] Another embodiment of the present application is directed to a hinge assembly for a refrigerator, wherein the refrigerator includes a housing defining at least one storage compartment and a door for opening and closing the storage compartment, the hinge assembly connecting the housing and the door, the hinge assembly including a hinge body and a first hinge shaft and a second hinge shaft disposed on the hinge body. The hinge body is formed by die-casting, and includes a mounting portion for mounting the hinge body on the housing, and a supporting portion connected to the mounting portion and extending toward the door, the supporting portion having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a thickness greater than a thickness of the second portion, the first hinge shaft disposed on the first portion, and the second hinge shaft disposed on the second portion.

[0035] Additional features of the present application are derived from the claims, the drawings, and the description of the drawings. Features and feature combinations previously named in the specification, as well as features and feature combinations named in the following description of the drawings and / or shown alone in the drawings, may be used not only in the corresponding indicated combination but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the present application. Therefore, the embodiments of the present application are also to be considered to include and disclose content that is not explicitly shown or described in the drawings but is derived and can be derived from the isolated feature combinations in the described embodiments. The embodiments and feature combinations are also to be considered disclosed and therefore do not include all features of the originally formulated independent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present application from another viewing angle;

[0038] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of area A in the middle;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of a hinge body according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 5 A schematic perspective view of the hinge body according to an embodiment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a front view of a hinge body according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 7 A perspective view of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 8 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of a hinge body according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 9 FIG1 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a hinge body according to another embodiment of the present application from another viewing angle. [Specific implementation method]

[0045] In order to provide a further understanding of the purpose, structure, features, and functions of the present application, the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0046] For ease of description, in this embodiment, the width direction of refrigerator 1 is referred to as the x-direction, the depth direction of refrigerator 1 is referred to as the y-direction, and the height direction of refrigerator 1 is referred to as the z-direction. In this embodiment, the front-to-back direction refers to the y-direction and its opposite direction. The front direction refers to the direction facing the user when refrigerator 1 is in use, the rear direction refers to the direction away from the user when refrigerator 1 is in use, the top direction refers to the z-direction shown in the figure, and the bottom direction refers to the direction opposite to the z-direction shown in the figure.

[0047] It should be pointed out that Figure 1 A multi-door refrigerator is used as an example for illustration. In actual application, the structure of this embodiment can also be applied to other types of refrigerators 1, such as side-by-side refrigerators, single-door refrigerators, etc.

[0048] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 ,in, Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present application from another perspective. In order to more clearly illustrate the solution of this embodiment, Figure 2 The two doors below the refrigerator are omitted. Figure 3 for Figure 2 Magnified view of area A in center. Figure 4 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of a hinge body according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5The figure is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the hinge body according to an embodiment of the application from another perspective. Figure 6 This is a front view of the hinge body according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0049] The refrigerator 1 includes a housing 2 and a plurality of doors 4 located at the front side of the housing 2. The housing 2 defines at least one storage chamber 3. The doors 4 are used to open and close at least a portion of the storage chamber 3.

[0050] The box 2 of this embodiment defines three storage rooms, which can be a refrigeration room, a freezer room, a zero-degree room or a variable temperature room. For example, in this embodiment, Figure 1 The storage compartment whose uppermost two doors are used for closing and opening is a refrigerated compartment, and its temperature range is, for example, in the range of 2°C to 8°C. Figure 1 The storage compartment, which is opened and closed by the middle door 3, is a variable temperature compartment with a temperature range of -20°C to 8°C. The storage compartment, which is closed and opened by the bottom door 3', is a freezer compartment with a temperature range of, for example, around -18°C to over 20°C below zero. The variable temperature compartment has a wide temperature range to meet the varying needs of users. Users can adjust the temperature of the variable temperature compartment to suit their needs, allowing it to function as a refrigerator, freezer, or zero-degree room.

[0051] In this embodiment, Figure 1 The two doors 4 at the top can be rotated to open and close, and the two doors 4a and 4b are arranged adjacent to each other to jointly close the storage chamber at the top of the refrigerator 1, namely the refrigeration chamber. Figure 1 The middle door 4c and the door 4d located below are drawer-type doors.

[0052] The refrigerator 1 of this embodiment further includes a hinge assembly 5. Figure 1 The top two doors 4a and 4b are connected to the box body 2 by hinge assemblies 5 respectively.

[0053] In order to clearly illustrate the solution of this embodiment, Figure 2 The two doors in the middle and lower parts are omitted, and area A is enlarged for display.

[0054] The hinge assembly 5 includes a hinge body 6 and a first hinge shaft 10 and a second hinge shaft 20 provided on the hinge body 6 .

[0055] The hinge body 6 of this embodiment is formed by die casting and includes a mounting portion 7 for mounting the hinge body 6 on the box body 2 and a supporting portion 8 connected to the mounting portion 7 and extending toward the door 4 .

[0056] The mounting portion 7 is provided with a plurality of mounting holes 71 , through which one end of a fixing member such as a screw passes to connect to the box body 2 , thereby connecting the hinge body 6 to the front side of the box body 2 .

[0057] The support portion 8 of this embodiment is perpendicular to the mounting portion 7 when the refrigerator 1 is in use.

[0058] The support portion 8 includes a first portion 81 and a second portion 82 . The thickness D1 of the first portion 81 is greater than the thickness D2 of the second portion 82 . The first hinge axis 10 is disposed on the first portion 81 , and the second hinge axis 20 is disposed on the second portion 82 .

[0059] In this embodiment, the thickness D1 of the first portion 81 is actually 7 mm, and the thickness of the second portion 82 is 4.5 mm. The difference in thickness between the first portion 81 and the second portion 82 is 2.5 mm.

[0060] Thus, the thickness of the first portion 81 is greater, providing sufficient support for the door. The first portion provides sufficient strength to the hinge body, reducing the possibility of hinge corners. Especially for doors with a relatively heavy weight, the hinge assembly solution of this embodiment can better demonstrate its advantages.

[0061] In this embodiment, the first portion 81 mainly supports the weight of the door, and the first hinge shaft 10 serves as a load-bearing shaft. Therefore, the diameter of the first hinge shaft 10 in this embodiment is greater than the diameter of the second hinge shaft 20.

[0062] Hinge assembly 5 also includes a mating portion (not shown) located at the bottom of door 4 and mating with first hinge shaft 10 and second hinge shaft 20, respectively. The mating portion has a first surface facing support portion 8. When door 4 is in use, first hinge shaft 10 directly or indirectly contacts the first surface to bear the weight of door 4, while a gap may exist between second hinge shaft 20 and the first surface. The weight of door 4 is primarily supported by first hinge shaft 10. Second hinge shaft 20 is understood to be non-load-bearing and primarily serves as a guide or guide.

[0063] During the manufacturing process, the thickness D1 of the first portion 81 can be in the range of 6 mm ≤ D1 ≤ 8 mm. The thickness D2 of the second portion 82 can be in the range of 3 mm ≤ D2 ≤ 4.5 mm. The difference between the thickness D1 of the first portion 81 and the thickness D2 of the second portion 82 is greater than or equal to 2 mm.

[0064] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the bottom surface of the first portion 81 is coplanar with the bottom surface of the second portion 82. The first portion 81 has a first upper surface 811, and the second portion 82 has a second upper surface 821. The first upper surface 811 is higher than the second upper surface 821.

[0065] That is, the second portion 82 of this embodiment is lower than the first portion 81 , thereby forming a step 801 on the support portion 8 .

[0066] As mentioned above, the weight of the door is mainly supported by the first hinge shaft 10. The second hinge shaft 20 mainly plays a guiding role, so the strength requirement for the second part 82 is not as high as that for the first part 81. Therefore, the bottom surface of the second part 82 is formed with at least one upwardly concave portion 802. Figure 5 As shown, two upwardly concave recesses 802 are formed on the bottom surface of the second portion 82 of this embodiment.

[0067] In the solution of this embodiment, the first part where the first hinge axis that plays a load-bearing role is located is strengthened by increasing the thickness, and the second part with lower strength requirements can form a depression on the bottom surface to reduce unnecessary material waste, so that the entire hinge assembly has a more cost-effectiveness.

[0068] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first portion 81 of this embodiment is connected to the mounting portion 7. The first portion 81 is located between the second portion 82 and the mounting portion 7. The first portion is thicker to provide better strength, thereby providing sufficient support for the door and reducing the possibility of the support portion deforming downward to cause the door to sink.

[0069] The second portion 82 is located in front of the first portion 81. At least one outer edge 803 of the support portion 8 is formed at the second portion 82.

[0070] The first hinge shaft 10 and the second hinge shaft 20 are both solid metal shafts. In this embodiment, the first hinge shaft 10 is fixed to the first portion 81 by insert die-casting.

[0071] Of course, in another embodiment of the present application, the first hinge shaft 10 may be formed to be hollow, and may be formed integrally with the hinge body while forming the hinge body by die-casting.

[0072] The first hinge shaft 10 is fixed to the first part 81 in an immovable manner relative to the first part 81. The second hinge shaft 20 is rotatably arranged on the second part 82 relative to the second part 82. The second hinge shaft 20 is rotatably connected to the second part 82 via a connecting member 805. Figure 6As shown, part of the connecting member 805 moves in the height difference space from the second part 82 to the first part 81. The second hinge shaft 20 can rotate to an outer edge 803 of the support portion 8 and be located outside the support portion 8 during the opening process of the door 4. The first hinge shaft 10, the second hinge shaft 20 and the matching portion cooperate so that the door 4 not only rotates but also moves in the width direction x of the refrigerator 1 during the opening process. When the refrigerator is embedded in the cabinet with a very small gap from the cabinet wall, the door 4a can be prevented from interfering with the cabinet wall during the opening process, so that the door can be opened smoothly. The second part 82 is located in front of the first part 81, and at least one outer edge 803 of the support portion 8 is formed on the second part 82. This allows the second hinge shaft 20 and the connecting member to move freely outside the support portion 8 without restricting the movement path of the second hinge shaft 20.

[0073] The second hinge shaft 20 is rotatably connected to the second portion 82 via a connecting rod 820. The second hinge shaft 20 is indirectly connected to the second portion 82 via a rivet 810, ie, the second hinge shaft 20 is connected to the connecting rod 820, and the connecting rod 820 is connected to the second portion 82 via the rivet 810.

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the door 4 further includes a door closer 9, and the hinge body 6 further includes a third portion 83 protruding toward one side of the hinge body 6. When the door 4 is closed, the third portion 83 is hooked with the door closer 9 to keep the door 4 in a closed state.

[0075] The third portion 83 is connected to the first portion 81 and the second portion 82. The bottom surface of the third portion 83 is coplanar with the bottom surfaces of the first portion 81 and the second portion 82.

[0076] In order to cooperate with the door closer, the thickness of the third portion 83 is greater than that of the first portion 81. The bottom of the third portion 83 may be formed with a recessed portion 802 that is recessed upward.

[0077] Please refer to the following Figures 7 to 9 ,in, Figure 7 A perspective view of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present application; Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a hinge body according to another embodiment of the present application, namely Figure 7 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the hinge body in the middle B area; Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the hinge body of another embodiment of the present application from another perspective, namely Figure 7 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the hinge body in area B from another perspective.

[0078] and Figure 1The embodiment shown differs in that this embodiment comprises a cross-door refrigerator along the length of the refrigerator 1'. Two doors 4a and 4b are arranged side by side on the top, and two doors 4e and 4f are arranged side by side on the bottom. The top two doors 4a and 4b together close the refrigerator compartment, while the bottom two doors 4e and 4f together close the freezer compartment.

[0079] The first door 4a and the second door 4e are arranged in the height direction. The hinge assembly 5 is used to connect the first door 4a and the second door 4e to the box body 2. Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the hinge assembly 5 includes a first hinge shaft 10 and a second hinge shaft 20 extending upward to connect to the first door 4a, and a third hinge shaft 30 and a fourth hinge shaft 40 extending downward to connect to the second door 4e. The first hinge shaft 10 and the third hinge shaft 30 are located in the first portion 81, and the second hinge shaft 20 and the fourth hinge shaft 40 are located in the second portion 82.

[0080] The thickness of the first portion 81 is greater than that of the second portion 82. Furthermore, a recessed portion 802 recessed upward is formed at the bottom of the second portion 82.

[0081] In addition, the present application also provides an embodiment of a hinge assembly 5 for a refrigerator 1, wherein the refrigerator 1 includes a body 2 defining at least one storage chamber 3 and a door 4 for opening and closing the storage chamber 3, the hinge assembly 5 connects the body 2 and the door 4, and the hinge assembly 5 includes a hinge body 6 and a first hinge shaft 10 and a second hinge shaft 20 arranged on the hinge body 6.

[0082] Among them, the hinge body 6 is formed by die-casting, and the hinge body 6 includes a mounting part 7 for mounting the hinge body 6 on the box body 2 and a supporting part 8 connected to the mounting part 7 and extending toward the door 4. The supporting part 8 has a first part 81 and a second part 82. The thickness D1 of the first part 81 is greater than the thickness D2 of the second part 82. The first hinge shaft 10 is arranged on the first part 81, and the second hinge shaft 20 is arranged on the second part 82.

[0083] The first hinge shaft 10 serves as a load-bearing shaft, and the second hinge shaft 20 serves as a guide shaft.

[0084] Combine Figures 1 to 9 The various embodiments of the individual components described may be combined with one another in any given manner to achieve the advantages of the present application.

[0085] The above are only a few embodiments of the present application. Through modification and combination, the present application can also derive more embodiments. For example, in another embodiment of the present application, the first hinge axis and the second hinge axis both play a load-bearing role, but the first hinge axis bears a greater weight than the second hinge axis.

[0086] For example, in another embodiment of the present application, the arrangement and Figures 4 to 6 as well as Figure 7 、 Figure 8 The first hinge axis and the second hinge axis are both immovably fixed to the first part and the second part respectively relative to the hinge body.

[0087] This application has been described with reference to the aforementioned embodiments. However, these embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of the present application. It should be noted that the disclosed embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. On the contrary, modifications and enhancements made without departing from the spirit and scope of this application are intended to be protected by this patent.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising A box body (2) defines at least one storage chamber (3); a door (4) for opening and closing at least a portion of the storage chamber (3); A hinge assembly (5) connecting the box (2) and the door (4); in, The hinge assembly (5) comprises a hinge body (6) and a first hinge shaft (10) and a second hinge shaft (20) arranged on the hinge body (6), and is characterized in that: The hinge body (6) is formed by die-casting, and the hinge body (6) includes a mounting portion (7) for mounting the hinge body (6) on the box body (2) and a supporting portion (8) connected to the mounting portion (7) and extending toward the door (4), the supporting portion (8) having a first portion (81) and a second portion (82), the thickness of the first portion (81) being greater than the thickness of the second portion (82), the first hinge shaft (10) being arranged on the first portion (81), and the second hinge shaft (20) being arranged on the second portion (82).

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The second portion (82) is lower than the first portion (81) to form a step (801) on the support portion (8); and / or The bottom surface of the first portion (81) is coplanar with the bottom surface of the second portion (82), the first portion (81) has a first upper surface (811), the second portion (82) has a second upper surface (821), and the first upper surface (811) is higher than the second upper surface (821); and / or The mounting portion (7) is perpendicular to the supporting portion (8).

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The bottom surface of the second portion (82) is formed with at least one upwardly recessed portion (802).

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The hinge body (6) further comprises a third portion (83) protruding toward one side of the hinge body (6), and the door (4) further comprises a door closer (9), and when the door (4) is closed, the third portion (83) is hooked with the door closer (9) to keep the door (4) in a closed state, wherein The bottom of the third portion (83) is formed with an upwardly recessed portion (802); and / or The third part (83) is connected to the first part (81) and the second part (82) respectively; and / or The thickness of the third portion (83) is greater than that of the first portion (81); and / or The bottom surface of the third portion (83) is coplanar with the bottom surfaces of the first portion (81) and the second portion (82).

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The first portion (81) is connected to the mounting portion (7); and / or The first portion (81) is located between the second portion (82) and the mounting portion (7); and / or The second portion (82) is located in front of the first portion (81); and / or At least one outer edge (803) of the support portion (8) is formed at the second part (82).

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The diameter of the first hinge shaft (10) is greater than the diameter of the second hinge shaft (20); and / or The first hinge shaft (10) is fixed to the first part (81) by insert die-casting; and / or The first hinge shaft (10) is immovably fixed to the first part (81) relative to the first part (81), and the second hinge shaft (20) is rotatably arranged on the second part (82) relative to the second part (82); and / or The second hinge shaft (20) is rotatably connected to the second part (82) via a connecting member (805), and at least a portion of the connecting member (805) moves within a height difference space between the second part (82) and the first part (81); and / or The second hinge shaft (20) rotates to exceed an outer edge (803) of the support portion (8) and is located outside the support portion (8) during the opening process of the door (4); and / or The second hinge shaft (20) is rotatably connected to the second part (82) via a connecting rod (820); and / or The second hinge shaft (20) is indirectly connected to the second part (82) via a rivet (810).

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The hinge assembly (5) includes a mating portion located at the bottom of the door (4) and mating with the first hinge shaft (10) and the second hinge shaft (20), respectively. The mating portion has a first surface facing the supporting portion (8). When the door (4) is in use, the first hinge shaft (10) directly or indirectly contacts the first surface to bear the weight of the door (4), and there is a gap between the second hinge shaft (20) and the first surface.

8. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4-7, characterized in that: The thickness D1 of the first portion (81) is in the range of 6 mm ≤ D1 ≤ 8 mm; and / or The thickness D2 of the second portion (82) is in the range of 3 mm ≤ D2 ≤ 4.5 mm; and / or The difference between the thickness D1 of the first portion (81) and the thickness D2 of the second portion (82) is greater than or equal to 2 mm.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The refrigerator (1) comprises a first door (4a) and a second door (4e) arranged along the height direction of the refrigerator (1); the hinge assembly (5) is used to connect the first door (4a) and the second door (4e) to the box body (2); the hinge assembly (5) comprises a first hinge shaft (10) and a second hinge shaft (20) extending upward to connect the first door (4a); and a third hinge shaft (30) and a fourth hinge shaft (40) extending downward to connect the second door (4e); the first hinge shaft (10) and the third hinge shaft (30) are located in the first part (81), and the second hinge shaft (20) and the fourth hinge shaft (40) are located in the second part (82).

10. A hinge assembly for a refrigerator, wherein the refrigerator (1) comprises a housing (2) defining at least one storage chamber (3) and a door (4) for opening and closing the storage chamber (3), the hinge assembly (5) connecting the housing (2) and the door (4), the hinge assembly (5) comprising a hinge body (6) and a first hinge shaft (10) and a second hinge shaft (20) provided on the hinge body (6), characterized in that: The hinge body (6) is formed by die-casting, and the hinge body (6) includes a mounting portion (7) for mounting the hinge body (6) on the box body (2) and a supporting portion (8) connected to the mounting portion (7) and extending toward the door (4), the supporting portion (8) having a first portion (81) and a second portion (82), the thickness (D1) of the first portion (81) being greater than the thickness (D2) of the second portion (82), the first hinge shaft (10) being arranged on the first portion (81), and the second hinge shaft (20) being arranged on the second portion (82).