Hinge assembly and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model relates to a hinge assembly and a refrigerator. The hinge assembly comprises a hinge shaft; the hovering mechanism is rotatably arranged on the hinge shaft around the central axis of the hinge shaft, the hovering mechanism comprises a base and a damping part, the damping part is arranged on the base, and the damping part is configured to abut against the hinge shaft through elastic deformation of the damping part; therefore, free rotation between the hovering mechanism and the hinge shaft is limited. The hinge assembly can achieve hovering of the door body, and a user can conveniently take and place articles.

Description

Technical Field

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

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

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

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

[0005] hinge axis; and

[0006] A hovering mechanism is rotatably arranged on the hinge shaft around the central axis of the hinge shaft. The hovering mechanism includes a base and a damping member. The damping member is arranged on the base, and the damping member is configured to abut against the hinge shaft through its own elastic deformation to limit free rotation between the hovering mechanism and the hinge shaft.

[0007] Optionally, the damping member has a pressing portion and an adjusting portion connected to each other, the pressing portion is configured to abut against the hinge shaft and generate sliding friction with the hinge shaft; the adjusting portion is configured to be able to undergo elastic deformation so that there is adjustable pressure between the pressing portion and the hinge shaft.

[0008] Optionally, a support seat is provided on the damping member, and the adjustment part is connected between the support seat and the pressing part. The adjustment part is configured to be able to undergo elastic deformation so that the support seat and the pressing part have an adjustable interval in a preset direction, and the preset direction is perpendicular to the central axis of the hinge shaft.

[0009] Optionally, the pressing portion is cylindrical, the cross-section of the adjusting portion is V-shaped, and has a first end, an intersection end and a second end connected in sequence, the first end is connected to the pressing portion, and the second end is connected to the support seat.

[0010] Optionally, the adjusting portion is constructed in a hook shape, and the free end of the adjusting portion and the supporting seat form a gap with variable width, and the pressing portion is formed on the adjusting portion.

[0011] Optionally, a damping attenuation structure is provided on the hinge shaft, and the hinge assembly has an initial state and a hovering state that can be switched with each other. In the initial state, the damping member is disengaged from the abutment with the outer circumferential surface of the hinge shaft and cooperates with the damping attenuation structure; in the hovering state, the damping member abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the hinge shaft, wherein the damping force between the damping member and the damping attenuation structure is smaller than the damping force between the damping member and the outer circumferential surface.

[0012] Optionally, the damping attenuation structure is configured as an avoidance groove, the hinge shaft has an avoidance surface surrounding the avoidance groove, and the avoidance surface is closer to the central axis than the outer circumferential surface.

[0013] Optionally, in the initial state, the damping member is spaced apart from the avoidance surface.

[0014] Optionally, the suspension mechanism includes a damping compensation structure, a support seat is provided on the damping member, and the support seat is slidably provided on the base along a preset direction perpendicular to the central axis. The damping compensation structure is provided between the support seat and the base and is configured to be able to undergo elastic deformation.

[0015] Optionally, the damping compensation structure is configured as a compression spring, and the compression spring is arranged to extend along the preset direction.

[0016] Optionally, the damping compensation structure includes a main body and an elastic tongue connected to the main body, a free end of the elastic tongue is spaced apart from the main body, and the free end abuts against the support seat.

[0017] Optionally, the damping compensation structure includes at least two elastic tongues, and the at least two elastic tongues are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the central axis.

[0018] Optionally, there are two elastic tongues, and the two elastic tongues are spaced apart from each other in a direction approaching the support seat.

[0019] Optionally, the hovering mechanism includes a damping adjustment structure, a support seat is provided on the damping member, and the support seat is slidably provided on the base along a preset direction perpendicular to the central axis; the damping adjustment structure is used to apply an adjustable preset pressure arranged along the preset direction to the support seat.

[0020] Optionally, the damping adjustment structure includes a driving member, a transmission structure and a pressure block, the pressure block is slidably arranged on the base along the preset direction, and the driving member is used to drive the pressure block to slide through the transmission structure to apply the preset pressure to the support seat through the pressure block.

[0021] Optionally, the transmission structure comprises a transmission block and a first connecting rod, the driving member is configured to drive the transmission block to move along the extension direction of the central axis, and the first connecting rod is hingedly connected between the pressing block and the transmission block.

[0022] Optionally, the transmission structure comprises a second connecting rod, the second connecting rod is hingedly connected between the transmission block and the base, and the second connecting rod is slidably connected to the transmission block or the base along the preset direction.

[0023] Optionally, the transmission structure comprises a transmission block, the transmission block is provided with a first inclined surface, the pressing block is provided with a second inclined surface, the first inclined surface is arranged in abutment with the second inclined surface, and the driving member is configured to drive the transmission block to move along the extension direction of the central axis so that the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface slide relative to each other.

[0024] Optionally, the driving member is configured as a screw, the screw is arranged to extend along the extension direction of the central axis and is threadedly connected to the transmission block.

[0025] Optionally, the base is provided with a first accommodating cavity and a second accommodating cavity in communication, the hinge shaft extends into the first accommodating cavity, the damping member is arranged in the second accommodating cavity, and the damping member partially extends into the first accommodating cavity.

[0026] Optionally, the hovering mechanism further comprises a cover, the cover is arranged on the base, and the cover and the base provide the damping member with limiting in the extension direction of the central axis.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator is provided, comprising:

[0028] a cabinet body, provided with a one-side-open accommodating space;

[0029] a door body, configured to close the opening of the accommodating space; and

[0030] a hinge assembly as described above, connected with the cabinet body and the door body respectively to pivotably mount the door body to the cabinet body.

[0031] Optionally, the door body is provided with a limiting groove, and the hovering mechanism is arranged in the limiting groove in a shape-fitting manner, wherein the limiting groove provides the hovering mechanism with limiting in the extension direction perpendicular to the central axis.

[0032] Optionally, the hovering mechanism further comprises a cover, the cover is arranged on the base, and the cover is fixed to the door body by a fastener.

[0033] Through the above technical solution, in the hinge assembly provided by the present invention, when the damping member abuts against the hinge shaft, the damping member and the hinge shaft can generate a damping force by friction, and the damping force can limit the free rotation of the hovering mechanism and the hinge shaft. That is to say, in the absence of external force, the hovering mechanism and the hinge shaft can be kept relatively stationary by relying on the damping force generated between the damping member and the hinge shaft. In this way, when the user needs to take or place items, the user can apply external force to overcome the above damping force and make the hovering mechanism and the hinge shaft rotate relative to each other, thereby opening the door body. Afterwards, the user can remove the external force, that is, the user does not need to hold the door body with his hands. At this time, the damping force generated between the damping member and the hinge shaft can be kept relatively stationary by relying on the damping force generated between the damping member and the hinge shaft. As a result, the door body can be hovered, which is convenient for the user to take or place items. In addition, the damping member also abuts against the hinge shaft through its own elastic deformation. In this way, the damping force between the damping member and the hinge shaft can be adjusted by adjusting the degree of deformation of the damping member during assembly. In this way, it can adapt to the usage habits of different users and improve the user experience. While achieving adjustable damping force, it simplifies the structure of the hinge assembly and reduces the manufacturing cost of the hinge assembly.

[0034] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be described in detail in the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the following detailed description, they are used to explain the present disclosure but do not constitute a limitation of the present disclosure. In the accompanying drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a refrigerator provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cooperation between the door body and the hinge assembly of the refrigerator provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Explosion diagram from the first person perspective;

[0039] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Explosion diagram from the second perspective;

[0040] Figure 5 is an exploded schematic diagram of a suspension mechanism of a hinge assembly in a refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly, wherein the hinge assembly is in an initial state;

[0042] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the middle hinge assembly, wherein the hinge assembly is in a suspended state;

[0043] Figure 8 1 is a schematic diagram showing a change in a damping member of a hinge assembly in a refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the hinge assembly is in an initial state;

[0045] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the hinge assembly is in a suspended state;

[0046] Figure 11 1 is a schematic diagram showing a change in a damping member of a hinge assembly in a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in a refrigerator provided according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in a refrigerator provided according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 14 is an exploded schematic diagram of a suspension mechanism of a hinge assembly in a refrigerator according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A schematic cross-sectional view of the mid-hover mechanism, wherein the compression spring is in the initial position;

[0051] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 A schematic cross-sectional view of the mid-hover mechanism, wherein the compression spring is in a compressed position;

[0052] Figure 17 yes Figure 14 A schematic cross-sectional view of the mid-hover mechanism, wherein the compression spring is in the extended position;

[0053] Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a suspension mechanism of a hinge assembly in a refrigerator according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] Figure 19 is an exploded schematic diagram of a suspension mechanism of a hinge assembly in a refrigerator according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 20 yes Figure 19A schematic cross-sectional view of the mid-hover mechanism, wherein the compression spring is in the initial position;

[0056] Figure 21 yes Figure 19 A schematic cross-sectional view of the mid-hover mechanism, wherein the compression spring is in a compressed position;

[0057] Figure 22 yes Figure 19 Schematic cross-sectional view of the mid-hover mechanism, with the compression spring in the extended position.

[0058] Description of Reference Numerals

[0059] 10-box, 20-door, 201-limiting groove, 30-hinge assembly, 1-hinge axis, 11-damping attenuation structure, 111-avoidance surface, 12-outer circumferential surface, 2-hovering mechanism, 21-base, 211-first accommodating chamber, 212-second accommodating chamber, 22-damping member, 221-pressing portion, 222-adjusting portion, 2221-first end, 2222-intersection end, 2223-second end, 23-support seat, 24-damping compensation structure, 241-main body, 242-elastic tongue, 25-damping adjustment structure, 251-driving member, 252-transmission structure, 2521-transmission block, 25211-first inclined surface, 2522-first connecting rod, 2523-second connecting rod, 253-pressing block, 2531-second inclined surface, 26-cover, 27-fastener, 3-hinge seat, 100-notch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] The following describes the specific embodiments of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to illustrate and explain the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0061] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, directional words such as "upper" and "lower" refer to the direction of gravity of the refrigerator and hinge assembly. "Inside" and "outside" refer to the inside and outside of the contours of each component. Figure 12 The left and right directions of the central axis can be referred to Figure 12 The terms "first" and "second" are used to distinguish one element from another and do not have order or importance. In addition, when the following description refers to the drawings, the same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same or similar elements, and this disclosure will not repeat them. It is additionally noted that Figures 12 to 22 The dotted box shown in FIG is used to refer to the damping member 22 and the support seat 23 of the present disclosure, wherein the specific structure of the damping member 22 and the specific structure of the support seat 23 can be referred to. Figures 5 to 11 .

[0062] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator is provided, Figures 1 to 4 As shown in , the refrigerator may include a cabinet 10 and a door 20, wherein the cabinet 10 may be provided with a storage space with an opening on one side, and the number of the storage space may be multiple; the door 20 may close the opening of the storage space, and the number of the door 20 may be multiple. In some embodiments, each door 20 of the multiple door bodies 20 may respectively close each opening in the multiple storage spaces, that is, one door body 20 may close a corresponding opening, or the multiple door bodies 20 may close the opening of the storage space as a whole, in which case the number of the storage space is one, or the door 20 may close the opening of multiple storage spaces, in which case the number of the door bodies 20 is one, and the present disclosure does not limit this. In an optional embodiment, referring to Figure 1 As shown in , two doors 20 arranged up and down can be provided on both sides of the width direction of the box body 10, that is, the refrigerator of the present disclosure can include four doors 20, and the present disclosure does not limit this.

[0063] In some embodiments, in order to facilitate the opening and closing of the door body 20, the present disclosure designs a hinge assembly 30, which can be connected to the door body 20 and the box body 10 respectively, that is, it can be understood that the hinge assembly 30 is arranged between the door body 20 and the box body 10, and the hinge assembly 30 is used to pivotally mount the door body 20 to the box body 10. Figures 1 to 4 As shown in , the refrigerator may include multiple door bodies 20, and each door body 20 may be provided with a hinge assembly 30 on both the upper and lower sides. This disclosure is not limited to this. In some embodiments, the hinge assembly 30 may include a hinge seat 3, and the hinge shaft 1 may be fixed to the hinge seat 3. In some embodiments, the hovering mechanism 2 may be mounted on the door body 20, and the hinge seat 3 may be mounted on the cabinet 10; alternatively, the hovering mechanism 2 may be mounted on the cabinet 10, and the hinge seat 3 may be mounted on the door body 20. This disclosure only uses the former as an example for illustrative description.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reference Figures 5 to 22 As shown in the figure, the hinge assembly 30 includes: a hinge shaft 1; and a hovering mechanism 2, which is rotatably arranged on the hinge shaft 1 around the central axis of the hinge shaft 1, and the hovering mechanism 2 includes a base 21 and a damping member 22, and the damping member 22 is arranged on the base 21. The damping member 22 is configured to abut against the hinge shaft 1 through its own elastic deformation to limit the free rotation between the hovering mechanism 2 and the hinge shaft 1.

[0065] Through the above technical solution, in the hinge assembly 30 provided by the present invention, when the damping member 22 abuts against the hinge shaft 1, the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1 can generate a damping force by friction, and the damping force can limit the free rotation of the hovering mechanism 2 and the hinge shaft 1. That is to say, in the absence of external force, the damping force generated between the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1 can make the hovering mechanism 2 and the hinge shaft 1 relatively stationary. In this way, when the user needs to take or place items, the user can apply external force to overcome the above damping force to make the hovering mechanism 2 and the hinge shaft 1 rotate relative to each other, and then open the door body 20. After that, the user can remove the external force, that is, the user does not need to hold the door body 20 with his hands. At this time, the damping force generated between the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1 can make the hovering mechanism 2 and the hinge shaft 1 relatively stationary, thereby achieving the hovering of the door body 20, which is convenient for the user to take or place items. In addition, the damping member 22 also abuts against the hinge shaft 1 through its own elastic deformation. In this way, the damping force between the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1 can be adjusted by adjusting the degree of deformation of the damping member 22 during assembly. In this way, it can adapt to the usage habits of different users and improve the user experience. While achieving adjustable damping force, it simplifies the structure of the hinge assembly 30 and reduces the manufacturing cost of the hinge assembly 30.

[0066] It should be noted that when the damping member 22 abuts the hinge shaft 1, a damping force is generated between the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1 based on the positive pressure therebetween and the coefficient of friction therebetween. This damping force can hinder the free rotation of the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1, thereby keeping the hovering mechanism 2 and the hinge shaft 1 relatively stationary. Furthermore, the free rotation of the hovering mechanism 2 and the hinge shaft 1 can be understood as the relative rotation between the hovering mechanism 2 and the hinge shaft 1 occurring when no force is generated between the hovering mechanism 2 and the hinge shaft 1 to hinder their relative rotation.

[0067] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reference Figures 5 to 11 As shown in , the damping member 22 includes a connected pressing portion 221 and an adjusting portion 222. The pressing portion 221 is configured to abut against the hinge shaft 1 and generate sliding friction with the hinge shaft 1. The adjusting portion 222 is configured to be elastically deformable to provide an adjustable pressure between the pressing portion 221 and the hinge shaft 1. The pressing portion 221 can be used to achieve pressure between the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1, and the sliding friction between the pressing portion 221 and the hinge shaft 1 hinders the rotation of the hovering mechanism 2, thereby facilitating the hovering of the door body 20. Furthermore, the elastic deformation of the adjusting portion 222 can provide an adjustable pressure between the pressing portion 221 and the hinge shaft 1, thereby making the positive pressure between the pressing portion 221 and the hinge shaft 1 adjustable, thereby adjusting the damping force. The adjusting portion 222 can be made of an elastically deformable material, for example, plastic or metal, without further limitation in this disclosure.

[0068] In some embodiments, reference Figures 5 to 11 As shown in , the damping member 22 is provided with a support seat 23, and an adjusting portion 222 is connected between the support seat 23 and the pressing portion 221. The adjusting portion 222 is configured to be elastically deformable so that the support seat 23 and the pressing portion 221 have an adjustable spacing in a preset direction, which is perpendicular to the central axis of the hinge shaft 1. Here, when the spacing between the support seat 23 and the pressing portion 221 decreases, the degree of deformation of the adjusting portion 222 increases, thereby increasing the pressure between the pressing portion 221 and the hinge shaft 1; when the spacing between the support seat 23 and the pressing portion 221 increases, the degree of deformation of the adjusting portion 222 decreases, thereby reducing the pressure between the pressing portion 221 and the hinge shaft 1.

[0069] In some embodiments, reference Figures 9 to 11 As shown in , the pressing portion 221 can be configured as a cylinder, and the cross-section of the adjusting portion 222 is configured as a V-shape, and has a first end 2221, a junction end 2222, and a second end 2223 connected in sequence. The first end 2221 is connected to the pressing portion 221, and the second end 2223 is connected to the support base 23. In this way, when the degree of deformation of the adjusting portion 222 increases, the first end 2221 and the second section approach each other; when the degree of deformation of the adjusting portion 222 decreases, the first end 2221 and the second section move away from each other.

[0070] In other embodiments, reference Figures 5 to 8 As shown in , the adjusting portion 222 can be configured in a hook shape, with the free end of the adjusting portion 222 and the support seat 23 defining a notch 100 of variable width. The pressing portion 221 is formed on the adjusting portion 222. Thus, when the degree of deformation of the adjusting portion 222 increases, the free end of the adjusting portion 222 approaches the support seat 23, narrowing the notch 100. When the degree of deformation of the adjusting portion 222 decreases, the free end of the adjusting portion 222 moves away from the support seat 23, widening the notch 100. Of course, the adjusting portion 222 of the present disclosure can also be configured in any suitable shape, and this disclosure does not impose any limitations thereto.

[0071] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reference Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 as well as Figures 12 to 22As shown in the figure, a damping and attenuation structure 11 can be provided on the hinge shaft 1, and the hinge assembly 30 can have an initial state and a hovering state that can be switched with each other. In the initial state, the damping member 22 is disengaged from the abutment with the outer circumferential surface 12 of the hinge shaft 1 and cooperates with the damping and attenuation structure 11; in the hovering state, the damping member 22 abuts against the outer circumferential surface 12 of the hinge shaft 1, wherein the damping force between the damping member 22 and the damping and attenuation structure 11 is smaller than the damping force between the damping member 22 and the outer circumferential surface 12. In this way, the hinge assembly 30 can be designed to be in the initial state when the door body 20 is initially opened to a preset angle, and the hinge assembly 30 can be designed to be in a hovering state when the door body 20 is opened to an angle greater than the preset angle. Since the damping force in the initial state is relatively small, the user only needs to apply a small external force to the door body 20 before initially opening the door to the preset angle. In this way, the user can open the door effortlessly when initially opening the door; in the hovering state, since the damping force between the damping member 22 and the outer circumferential surface 12 is relatively large, the hovering of the door body 20 can be better achieved.

[0072] In some embodiments, the preset angle may be 10°, for example, 5°. That is, when the angle between the cabinet 10 and the door 20 is between 0° and 10°, the hinge assembly 30 is in the initial state; when the angle between the cabinet 10 and the door 20 is greater than 10°, the hinge assembly 30 is in a suspended state. The preset angle may be adaptively designed as needed, and this disclosure does not impose any limitations thereon.

[0073] In some embodiments, reference Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 9 as well as Figure 10As shown in , the damping and attenuation structure 11 can be constructed as an avoidance groove, and the hinge shaft 1 has an avoidance surface 111 that forms the avoidance groove, and the avoidance surface 111 is closer to the central axis than the outer circumferential surface 12. In this way, when the damping member 22 is elastically deformable and abuts against the avoidance surface 111 in the initial state and abuts against the outer circumferential surface 12 in the hovering state, since the avoidance surface 111 is closer to the central axis than the outer circumferential surface 12, the degree of deformation of the damping member 22 in the initial state is smaller than the degree of deformation in the hovering state. This makes the positive pressure between the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1 in the initial state smaller than the positive pressure between the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1 in the hovering state. As a result, the damping force between the damping member 22 and the damping and attenuation structure 11 can be smaller than the damping force between the damping member 22 and the outer circumferential surface 12. Of course, in the initial state, the damping member 22 and the avoidance surface 111 can also be spaced apart. That is, in the initial state, the damping force between the damping member 22 and the damping attenuation structure 11 is zero. In this way, the damping force between the damping member 22 and the damping attenuation structure 11 can be smaller than the damping force between the damping member 22 and the outer circumferential surface 12. Furthermore, the zero damping force can also prevent the self-locking force between the door body 20 and the cabinet 10 from changing when the door is closed, thereby improving the reliability of the refrigerator during use.

[0074] In other embodiments, the damping and attenuation structure 11 may include a smooth surface provided on the outer circumferential surface 12, wherein the surface roughness of the smooth surface is less than the surface roughness of the outer circumferential surface 12. In the initial state, the damping member 22 abuts the smooth surface; in the hovering state, the damping member 22 abuts the outer circumferential surface 12. In this way, the friction coefficient between the damping member 22 and the smooth surface is less than the friction coefficient between the damping member 22 and the outer circumferential surface 12. Thus, the damping force between the damping member 22 and the damping and attenuation structure 11 can also be less than the damping force between the damping member 22 and the outer circumferential surface 12. In some embodiments, the smooth surface can be at the same distance from the outer circumferential surface 12 as the outer circumferential surface 12 to the central axis.

[0075] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reference Figures 12 to 22As shown in FIG, the hovering mechanism 2 includes a damping compensation structure 24. The damping member 22 is provided with a support seat 23. The support seat 23 is slidably disposed on the base 21 along a predetermined direction perpendicular to the central axis. The damping compensation structure 24 is disposed between the support seat 23 and the base 21 and is configured to undergo elastic deformation. Here, during prolonged use of the hinge assembly 30, the positive pressure between the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1 may be partially lost. For example, when the elastic deformation performance of the damping member 22 weakens, a portion of the damping member 22 may change from elastic deformation to plastic deformation, or the damping member 22 may move along a predetermined direction. Therefore, by disposing the damping compensation structure 24 between the support seat 23 and the base 21, the elastic deformation of the damping compensation structure 24 can be used to adaptively compensate for the loss of positive pressure between the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1, thereby adaptively compensating for the damping force between the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1. This can prevent the hovering function of the hovering mechanism 2 from weakening or even failing.

[0076] In some embodiments, reference Figure 12 as well as Figures 14 to 22 As shown in FIG, the damping compensation structure 24 is configured as a compression spring, which extends along a predetermined direction. Thus, the elastic force of the compression spring in the predetermined direction can adaptively compensate for the loss of positive pressure between the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1. Of course, the damping compensation structure 24 can also be configured as a tension spring.

[0077] In some embodiments, reference Figure 13 As shown in , the damping compensation structure 24 includes a main body 241 and an elastic tongue 242 connected to the main body 241. The free end of the elastic tongue 242 is spaced apart from the main body 241 and abuts against the support base 23. Here, as the distance between the free end of the elastic tongue 242 and the main body 241 changes, the degree of deformation of the elastic tongue 242 changes. Thus, the deformation of the elastic tongue 242 can also be used to adaptively compensate for the loss of positive pressure between the damping element 22 and the hinge shaft 1. Here, the elastic tongue 242 can be made of metal or other materials such as plastic, and this disclosure is not limited to this.

[0078] In some embodiments, reference Figure 13 As shown in FIG, the damping compensation structure 24 includes at least two elastic tongues 242, which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the central axis. In this way, the elastic deformation of the at least two elastic tongues 242 can improve the reliability of the damping compensation structure 24 in compensating the damping force.

[0079] Optionally, there are two elastic tongues 242, and the two elastic tongues 242 are spaced apart from each other in a direction approaching the support base 23. This allows the free ends of the two elastic tongues 242 to be as far apart as possible, thereby further improving the reliability of the damping compensation structure 24 in compensating for the damping force. Of course, the number of elastic tongues 242 can also be one, and the present disclosure does not impose any excessive restrictions on the specific number of elastic tongues 242.

[0080] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reference Figures 14 to 22 As shown in , the hovering mechanism 2 includes a damping adjustment structure 25, and a support seat 23 is provided on the damping member 22. The support seat 23 is slidably provided on the base 21 along a preset direction perpendicular to the central axis; the damping adjustment structure 25 is used to apply an adjustable preset pressure arranged along the preset direction to the support seat 23. Here, by sliding the support seat 23, the preset pressure can be applied between the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1. In this way, by adjusting the magnitude of the preset pressure, the deformation degree of the damping member 22 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the magnitude of the positive pressure between the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1, and then the magnitude of the damping force between the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1 can be adjusted. Therefore, by adjusting the magnitude of the damping force, it is possible to adapt to the usage habits of different users, thereby effectively improving the user experience. In addition, based on the elastic deformation of the damping member 22, the adjustment range of the damping force can be increased.

[0081] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reference Figures 14 to 22 As shown in FIG, the damping adjustment structure 25 includes a driving member 251, a transmission structure 252, and a pressure block 253. The pressure block 253 is slidably disposed on the base 21 along a preset direction. The driving member 251 is used to drive the pressure block 253 to slide via the transmission structure 252, so that the pressure block 253 applies a preset pressure to the support seat 23. Thus, the driving member 251 and the transmission structure 252 can drive the slider to slide. When the pressure block 253 moves away from the hinge axis 1 along the preset direction, the preset pressure can be reduced. When the pressure block 253 moves toward the hinge axis 1 along the preset direction, the preset pressure can be increased. The damping member 22 can be elastically deformed. Thus, the sliding of the pressure block 253 can adjust the degree of deformation of the damping member 22, and thereby adjust the magnitude of the preset pressure. Alternatively, the damping compensation structure 24 described above can be disposed between the pressure block 253 and the support seat 23. Thus, the sliding of the pressure block 253 can adjust the degree of deformation of the damping compensation structure 24, and thereby adjust the magnitude of the preset pressure.

[0082] In some embodiments, reference Figures 14 to 18As shown in , the transmission structure 252 includes a transmission block 2521 and a first connecting rod 2522. The driving member 251 is used to drive the transmission block 2521 to move along the extension direction of the central axis. The first connecting rod 2522 is hinged between the pressure block 253 and the transmission block 2521. In this way, when the transmission block 2521 moves along the extension direction of the central axis, it will drive the first connecting rod 2522 to swing, thereby adjusting the distance between the transmission block 2521 and the pressure block 253 in the preset direction. As a result, the pressure block 253 can slide along the preset direction. The structure is simple and easy to operate. In addition, the step of disassembling and assembling the hinge assembly 30 is eliminated. Among them, the hinge axis of the first connecting rod 2522 and the pressure block 253 needs to be perpendicular to the preset direction and the extension direction of the central axis. Similarly, the hinge axis of the first connecting rod 2522 and the transmission block 2521 also needs to be perpendicular to the preset direction and the extension direction of the central axis.

[0083] In some embodiments, reference Figure 18 As shown in , the transmission structure 252 includes a second connecting rod 2523, which is hinged between the transmission block 2521 and the base 21, and the second connecting rod 2523 is slidably connected to the transmission block 2521 or the base 21 along a preset direction. In this way, by adding the second connecting rod 2523, the stability of the transmission block 2521 when moving along the above-mentioned extension direction can be improved.

[0084] In other embodiments, reference Figures 19 to 22 As shown in , the transmission structure 252 includes a transmission block 2521, which is provided with a first inclined surface 25211. The pressure block 253 is provided with a second inclined surface 2531. The first inclined surface 25211 and the second inclined surface 2531 are arranged in a close relationship. The driving member 251 is used to drive the transmission block 2521 to move along the extension direction of the central axis so that the first inclined surface 25211 and the second inclined surface 2531 slide relative to each other. In this way, the movement of the transmission block 2521 along the extension direction causes the first inclined surface 25211 and the second inclined surface 2531 to slide relative to each other, thereby allowing the pressure block 253 to slide along a predetermined direction. The damping compensation structure 24 can be provided between the pressure block 253 and the support seat 23.

[0085] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reference Figures 14 to 22As shown in , the driving member 251 is constructed as a screw, which extends along the extension direction of the central axis and is threadedly connected to the transmission block 2521. In this way, by rotating the screw, the transmission block 2521 can be moved along the above-mentioned extension direction, and the damping force can be adjusted. Such an arrangement can facilitate the user to adjust the damping force. Of course, in other embodiments, the driving member 251 can be threadedly connected to the base 21, and the transmission block 2521 can be fixed to the driving member 251. In this way, by rotating the screw, the transmission block 2521 can also be moved along the above-mentioned extension direction.

[0086] In other embodiments, the damping adjustment structure 25 may include a pressure block 253, a first magnetic member, and a second magnetic member. The pressure block 253 is slidably disposed on the base 21 along a preset direction. The first magnetic member and the second magnetic member are both constructed as electromagnets, wherein the first magnetic member is disposed on the pressure block 253 and the second magnetic member is disposed on the base 21. The magnetic pole of at least one of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member is variable or the magnetic force is adjustable. In this way, when the magnetic poles of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member are the same, increasing the magnetic force of at least one of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member can cause the pressure block 253 to slide in a direction close to the hinge axis 1; when the magnetic poles of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member are opposite, increasing the magnetic force of at least one of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member can cause the pressure block 253 to slide in a direction away from the hinge axis 1. The above-mentioned damping compensation structure 24 can be disposed between the pressure block 253 and the support base 23.

[0087] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reference Figure 12 As shown in FIG, the base 21 is provided with a first accommodating cavity 211 and a second accommodating cavity 212 that are connected to each other. The hinge shaft 1 extends into the first accommodating cavity 211, and the damping member 22 is disposed in the second accommodating cavity 212, with the damping member 22 partially extending into the first accommodating cavity 211. In this way, the damping member 22 and the hinge shaft 1 can be prevented from being exposed to the external environment.

[0088] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reference Figure 12 As shown in FIG, the hovering mechanism 2 further includes a cover 26, which is mounted on the base 21. The cover 26 and the base 21 form a damping member 22, providing a position limiter along the extension direction of the central axis. Thus, the cover 26 and the base 21 can limit the movement of the hovering mechanism 2 in the extension direction, thereby improving the reliability of the hinge assembly 30.

[0089] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reference Figures 1 to 4As shown in FIG, a limiting groove 201 is provided on the door body 20, and the hovering mechanism 2 is disposed in a form-fitting manner within the limiting groove 201. The limiting groove 201 provides a position limit for the hovering mechanism 2 along an extension direction perpendicular to the central axis. Thus, the limiting groove 201 can limit movement of the hovering mechanism 2 in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction. The limiting groove 201 can include various positioning structures such as positioning posts, positioning grooves, and positioning protrusions to provide positioning for the hovering mechanism 2, and this disclosure does not impose any additional limitations thereon.

[0090] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reference Figure 4 As shown in , the hovering mechanism 2 further includes a cover 26, which is provided on the base 21 and fixed to the door body 20 by a fastener 27. In this way, the door body 20 and the hovering mechanism 2 can be fixed.

[0091] The present disclosure will now provide a detailed description of the refrigerator door opening and closing process in conjunction with the above-mentioned specific embodiments. First, when the door 20 is closed, the angle between the door 20 and the housing 10 is 0°. At this time, the hinge assembly 30 is in an initial state, and the damping member 22 is partially disposed in the avoidance groove and spaced apart from the avoidance surface 111. That is, the damping force between the damping member 22 and the hinge axis 1 is zero. Before the user applies external force to open the door 20 to a preset angle, the damping force between the damping member 22 and the hinge axis 1 remains zero. When the user applies external force to open the door 20 to a value greater than the preset angle, the hinge assembly 30 switches to a hovering state. After the user rotates the door 20 to a suitable angle and removes the external force, the pressing portion 221 of the damping member 22 abuts against the hinge axis 1. The damping force between the two restricts the door 20 from rotating freely. That is, at this time, the door 20 and the housing 10 are relatively stationary. Thus, the door 20 can be hovered, making it convenient for the user to take and put items. When the door body 20 is opened and closed for a long time, the damping compensation structure 24 will adaptively deform to adaptively compensate for the damping force between the pressing portion 221 and the hinge shaft 1. When the user needs to adjust the damping force between the pressing portion 221 and the hinge shaft 1, they can rotate the screw to adjust the position of the pressure block 253, thereby adjusting the deformation degree of the damping compensation structure 24, thereby adjusting the deformation degree of the adjustment portion 222, and thus adjusting the preset pressure applied to the pressing portion 221.

[0092] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the technical concept of the present disclosure, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of the present disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0093] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any appropriate manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the present disclosure will not further describe various possible combinations.

[0094] In addition, the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be arbitrarily combined, and as long as they do not violate the concept of the present disclosure, they should also be regarded as the contents disclosed by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly, characterized in that: include: Hinge axis; as well as A hovering mechanism is rotatably arranged on the hinge shaft around the central axis of the hinge shaft. The hovering mechanism includes a base and a damping member. The damping member is arranged on the base, and the damping member is configured to abut against the hinge shaft through its own elastic deformation to limit free rotation between the hovering mechanism and the hinge shaft.

2. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The damping member has a pressing portion and an adjusting portion connected to each other, the pressing portion is configured to abut against the hinge shaft and generate sliding friction with the hinge shaft; the adjusting portion is configured to be able to undergo elastic deformation so that there is adjustable pressure between the pressing portion and the hinge shaft.

3. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, wherein: A support seat is provided on the damping member, and the adjustment part is connected between the support seat and the pressing part. The adjustment part is configured to be able to undergo elastic deformation so that the support seat and the pressing part have an adjustable interval in a preset direction, and the preset direction is perpendicular to the central axis of the hinge shaft.

4. The hinge assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The pressing portion is cylindrical in structure, the cross-section of the adjusting portion is V-shaped, and has a first end, a junction end and a second end connected in sequence, the first end is connected to the pressing portion, and the second end is connected to the support seat.

5. The hinge assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The adjusting portion is constructed in a hook shape, and a free end of the adjusting portion and the supporting seat form a gap with a variable width, and the pressing portion is formed on the adjusting portion.

6. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein: A damping and attenuation structure is provided on the hinge shaft, and the hinge assembly has an initial state and a hovering state that can be switched with each other. In the initial state, the damping member is disengaged from the abutment with the outer circumferential surface of the hinge shaft and cooperates with the damping and attenuation structure; in the hovering state, the damping member abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the hinge shaft, wherein the damping force between the damping member and the damping and attenuation structure is smaller than the damping force between the damping member and the outer circumferential surface.

7. The hinge assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The damping attenuation structure is configured as an avoidance groove, and the hinge shaft has an avoidance surface surrounding the avoidance groove, wherein the avoidance surface is closer to the central axis than the outer circumferential surface.

8. The hinge assembly according to claim 7, wherein: In the initial state, the damping member is spaced apart from the avoidance surface.

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

10. The hinge assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The damping compensation structure is configured as a compression spring, and the compression spring is arranged to extend along the preset direction.

11. The hinge assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The damping compensation structure includes a main body and an elastic tongue connected to the main body. The free end of the elastic tongue is spaced apart from the main body, and the free end abuts against the support seat.

12. The hinge assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The damping compensation structure includes at least two elastic tongues, and the at least two elastic tongues are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the central axis.

13. The hinge assembly according to claim 12, wherein: There are two elastic tongues, and the two elastic tongues are spaced apart from each other in a direction approaching the support seat.

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

15. The hinge assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The damping adjustment structure includes a driving member, a transmission structure and a pressure block. The pressure block is slidably arranged on the base along the preset direction. The driving member is used to drive the pressure block to slide through the transmission structure to apply the preset pressure to the support seat through the pressure block.

16. The hinge assembly according to claim 15, wherein: The transmission structure includes a transmission block and a first connecting rod. The driving member is used to drive the transmission block to move along the extension direction of the central axis. The first connecting rod is hinged between the pressing block and the transmission block.

17. The hinge assembly according to claim 16, wherein: The transmission structure includes a second connecting rod, which is hinged between the transmission block and the base, and the second connecting rod is slidably connected to the transmission block or the base along the preset direction.

18. The hinge assembly according to claim 15, wherein: The transmission structure includes a transmission block, a first inclined surface is provided on the transmission block, and a second inclined surface is provided on the pressure block. The first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are arranged in close contact with each other. The driving member is used to drive the transmission block to move along the extension direction of the central axis so that the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface slide relative to each other.

19. The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein: The driving member is configured as a screw, which is extended along the extension direction of the central axis and is threadedly connected to the transmission block.

20. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein: A first accommodating cavity and a second accommodating cavity that are in communication are provided on the base. The hinge shaft extends into the first accommodating cavity. The damping member is provided in the second accommodating cavity, and the damping member partially extends into the first accommodating cavity.

21. The hinge assembly according to claim 20, wherein: The suspension mechanism further includes a cover, which is arranged on the base. The cover and the base serve as the damping member, providing position limiting along the extension direction of the central axis.

22. A refrigerator, characterized in that: include: The box body is provided with a accommodating space with an opening on one side; a door body, used for closing the opening of the accommodating space; as well as The hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the hinge assembly is connected to the box body and the door body respectively so as to pivotally mount the door body on the box body.

23. The refrigerator according to claim 22, characterized in that: A limiting groove is provided on the door body, and the hovering mechanism is arranged in the limiting groove in a shape-fitting manner, wherein the limiting groove is the hovering mechanism, providing limitation along an extension direction perpendicular to the central axis.

24. The refrigerator according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that: The suspension mechanism further includes a cover, which is disposed on the base and fixed to the door body via fasteners.

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