Cover plate device and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model provides a cover plate device and a refrigerator, the cover plate device is used for being matched with a hidden handle for use, and the cover plate device comprises a base, a cover body, a connecting assembly, an elastic reset piece and a damper. The base and the hidden handle are relatively fixed; the connecting assembly is connected with the cover body and the base, so that the cover body can move towards the base from a first position to a second position under the action of external pressing force, the cover body covers the hidden handle at the first position, and the hidden handle is exposed relative to the cover body at the second position; the elastic reset piece is connected with the connecting assembly and is used for resetting the cover body from the second position to the first position after the external pressing force is cancelled; the damper is connected with the connecting assembly and used for providing damping force for the cover body in the process that the cover body is reset to the first position from the second position. By means of the mode, the probability that hands are clamped by the cover body can be effectively reduced, and then the use experience of the refrigerator is effectively improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of refrigerators, in particular to a cover plate device and a refrigerator. BACKGROUND

[0002] In order to improve the appearance, most of the existing refrigerator doors, such as refrigerator cabinet doors, refrigerator storage cabinet doors and the like, adopt hidden handles. The existing hidden door handle needs to reserve a groove structure on the door body to provide an operating space for a human hand. The groove structure needs to be blocked by a cover body of a cover plate device to hide the hidden door handle inside the door body. When the door is opened, the cover body is pressed to move towards the inside of the door body to expose the hidden door handle. However, the existing cover plate device has a high probability of hand clamping during use, which greatly affects the use experience of the refrigerator. CONTENT OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0003] In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical scheme adopted by the present application is as follows: the present application provides a cover plate device, which is used in cooperation with a hidden handle. The cover plate device comprises a base, a cover body, a connecting assembly, an elastic reset member and a damper. The base is relatively fixed with the hidden handle. The connecting assembly connects the cover body and the base, so that the cover body can move towards the base from a first position to a second position under the action of external pressing force. In the first position, the cover body covers the hidden handle. In the second position, the hidden handle is exposed relative to the cover body. The elastic reset member is connected with the connecting assembly and is used to reset the cover body from the second position to the first position after the external pressing force is cancelled. The damper is connected with the connecting assembly and is used to provide a damping force for the cover body during the process of resetting the cover body from the second position to the first position.

[0004] In some embodiments, the cover plate device further comprises a transmission member, which is arranged on the base and translates along the base with the cover body moving between the first position and the second position. The connecting assembly is connected with the elastic reset member and the damper through the transmission member.

[0005] In some embodiments, the transmission member comprises a main body part and an extension part. The first end of the main body part is connected with the connecting assembly. The extension part is connected with the second end of the main body part and further connected with the damper. The second end of the main body part is further connected with the elastic reset member.

[0006] In some embodiments, the damper is arranged to be able to rotate relative to the base around a preset rotation shaft. The second end of the main body part has an end face. The extension part is connected with the first part of the end face and further connected with the damper in a tooth engagement manner. The second part of the end face is connected with the first end of the elastic reset member in an abutting manner.

[0007] In some embodiments, the main body is provided with a guide channel, a port of the guide channel is located at the second part of the end face, the cover plate device further comprises a guide column, the guide column is arranged on the base, and an elastic reset member is sleeved on the guide column, the guide column is further inserted into the guide channel from the port of the guide channel.

[0008] In some embodiments, the connecting assembly comprises: a first connecting rod, a first end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the cover body, and a second end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the first end of the main body; and a second connecting rod, a first end of the second connecting rod is hinged to the base, and a second end of the second connecting rod is hinged to a predetermined position between the first end and the second end of the first connecting rod.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first end of the first connecting rod and the second end of the second connecting rod have a first interval distance, the second end of the first connecting rod and the second end of the second connecting rod have a second interval distance, and the first end and the second end of the second connecting rod have a third interval distance, and the first interval distance, the second interval distance and the third interval distance are equal.

[0010] In some embodiments, the number of connecting assemblies and transmission members is two groups, the number of dampers is one, and the damper is located between the two groups of connecting assemblies, each group of connecting assemblies is connected with a corresponding transmission member, the translation directions of the two groups of transmission members are opposite to each other, and the two groups of transmission members are respectively connected with the damper.

[0011] In some embodiments, the damper is arranged to be able to rotate relative to the base around a preset rotation axis, and the two groups of transmission members are arranged to be connected with each other in a tooth meshing manner on opposite sides of the damper.

[0012] The application also provides a refrigerator comprising the cover plate device described in any of the above embodiments.

[0013] The cover plate device provided by the application has the damper, the cover body is connected with the damper through the connecting assembly, the damper provides damping force for the cover body when the cover body is reset from the second position to the first position, the movement speed of the cover body during the reset is reduced, the probability of the cover body pinching hands is effectively reduced, and the use experience of the refrigerator is effectively improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is an exploded structural schematic view of the cover plate device and the door body of an embodiment of the application;

[0015] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional structural schematic view of the cover plate device of an embodiment of the application after being assembled on the door body;

[0016] Figure 3 is Figure 2 is a structural schematic view of the cross section A of the cover plate device shown in the door body after being assembled.

[0017] Figure 4 is Figure 2 a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the cover plate device shown in

[0018] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a structural schematic diagram of the cover plate device in the front view direction shown in

[0019] Figure 6 is Figure 4 a structural schematic diagram of the cover plate device, showing the cooperation relationship between the transmission member and the damper. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, but not all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0021] The terms "first", "second" in the present application are only for descriptive purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "multiple" is at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically limited. In addition, the terms "include" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but can optionally include steps or units that are not listed, or can optionally include other steps or units inherent to the process, method, product or device.

[0022] As Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the present application provides a cover plate device 10 for use with a hidden handle 21 (not shown in the figure). Specifically, in the embodiments of the present application, the cover plate device 10 is applied to the door body 20 of a refrigerator or a storage box, for providing a user with a gripping point to open or close the door body 20, of course, the cover plate device 10 of the present application can also be applied to the door body 20 of other objects provided with a hidden handle 21.

[0023] The hidden handle 21 is a pull groove structure arranged inside the door body 20 and used for holding. Therefore, compared with the handle protruding on the surface of the door body 20, the hidden handle 21 can ensure that the surface of the door body 20 is simple and flat, so as to improve the appearance of the door body 20. While the hidden handle 21 is arranged on the door body 20, an operation space for human hand operation is also reserved on the door body 20 to realize the door opening action. The cover plate device 10 is arranged in the operation space. When the door is opened, the cover body 100 of the cover plate device 10 moves inward relative to the surface of the door body 20, so as to expose the hidden handle 21 relative to the cover body 100. Therefore, the operation hand of the user can extend into the area where the hidden handle 21 is located through the operation space, hold the hidden handle 21, and realize the door opening and closing action.

[0024] For example Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the embodiments of the present application, the hidden handle 21 is arranged at the end of the door body 20. Specifically, the door body 20 includes a door main body 22 and a mounting portion 23. The mounting portion 23 is connected to the end of the door main body 22 along the height direction x2 of the door main body 22. The mounting portion 23 is recessed relative to the door surface of the door main body 22 along the thickness direction x3 of the door main body 22, so as to form an operation space. The hidden handle 21 is formed on the end wall of the door main body 22 adjacent to the mounting portion 23 along the height direction x2, and extends along the width direction x4 of the door main body 22. The cover plate device 10 is arranged on the mounting portion 23. The base 200 of the cover plate device 10 is fixed relative to the mounting portion 23. The cover plate is arranged to move relative to the base 200 in the operation space along the thickness direction x3, so as to expose the hidden handle 21 relative to the cover body 100. Therefore, the operation hand of the user can extend into the area where the hidden handle 21 is located through the operation space, hold the hidden handle 21, and realize the door opening and closing action.

[0025] Of course, in other embodiments, the arrangement position of the hidden handle 21 on the door body 20 can be arranged according to actual needs. Here, the embodiments in which the hidden handle 21 is arranged at the end of the door body 20 are mainly used to elaborate the cover plate device 10 of the present application.

[0026] As Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the cover plate device 10 comprises a base 200, a cover 100, a connecting assembly 300, an elastic reset member 600 and a damper 500. The base 200 is relatively fixed with the concealed handle 21; the connecting assembly 300 connects the cover 100 and the base 200, so that the cover 100 can be moved towards the base 200 from a first position to a second position under the action of external pressing force, wherein in the first position, the cover 100 covers the concealed handle 21, and in the second position, the concealed handle 21 is exposed relative to the cover 100; the elastic reset member 600 is connected with the connecting assembly 300, and is used to reset the cover 100 from the second position to the first position after the external pressing force is cancelled; the damper 500 is connected with the connecting assembly 300, and is used to provide damping force for the cover 100 in the process of resetting the cover 100 from the second position to the first position.

[0027] Specifically, the base 200 is a component for providing support for the cover 100, and the cover 100 is connected with the base 200 through the connecting assembly 300, wherein the base 200 can be a part of the extended structure of the door body 20, or can be an independent component assembled on the door body 20. In the embodiment of the present application, the base 200 is an independent component assembled on the mounting portion 23 of the door body 20, and the base 200 is fixedly connected with the mounting portion 23 to be relatively fixed with the concealed handle 21.

[0028] The cover 100 is a manual device driven by external pressing force and reset by the elastic reset member 600, and the cover plate is arranged to be moved from the first position to the second position under the action of external pressing force to expose the concealed handle 21 relative to the cover 100, so that the user's operating hand can extend into the area where the concealed handle 21 is located through the operating space and hold the concealed handle 21 to realize the door opening and closing action. The elastic reset member 600 is a component for providing reset force for the cover 100, and the elastic reset member 600 is connected with the connecting assembly 300. In the process of moving the cover 100 from the first position to the second position, the cover 100 drives the elastic reset member 600 through the connecting assembly 300, the elastic reset member 600 stores elastic potential energy, and after the external pressing force is cancelled, the elastic reset member 600 generates reset force to push the cover 100 from the second position to the first position through the connecting assembly 300, so that the cover 100 can cover the concealed handle 21 and be flatly combined with the surface of the door body 20.

[0029] The damper 500 is a component used to provide damping force. The damper 500 is connected to the connecting assembly 300. During the process of the lid 100 resetting from the second position to the first position, the damper 500 provides damping force to the lid 100 through the connecting assembly 300 to slow down the movement speed of the lid 100 during this process. If the lid 100 resets too quickly after the external pressure is released, it increases the probability of pinching a hand, thus affecting the user experience of the refrigerator. Therefore, the lid 100 is connected to the damper 500 through the connecting assembly 300. The damper 500 provides damping force to the lid 100 when it resets from the second position to the first position, thereby slowing down the movement speed of the lid 100 during reset, effectively reducing the probability of pinching a hand, and thus effectively improving the user experience of the refrigerator.

[0030] Optionally, the elastic reset element 600 can be an elastic element such as a spring.

[0031] In some embodiments, the cover plate device 10 further includes a transmission member 400, which is disposed on the base 200 and moves along the base 200 as the cover 100 moves between a first position and a second position. The connecting component 300 is connected to the elastic reset member 600 and the damper 500 respectively through the transmission member 400.

[0032] Specifically, the transmission component 400 is mounted on the base 200 and moves along the first base 200 as the cover 100 moves between the first and second positions. This effectively reduces the space occupied by the transmission component 400, allowing the transmission component 400 to connect the cover plate with the elastic reset component 600 and the damper 500 within a relatively small installation space.

[0033] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the transmission member 400 includes a main body 430 and an extension 440. A first end of the main body 430 is connected to the connecting assembly 300, the extension 440 is connected to a second end of the main body 430 and further connected to the damper 500, and the second end of the main body 430 is further connected to the elastic reset member 600.

[0034] Specifically, the base 200 is provided with a first guide portion 110, the main body portion 430 is provided with a second guide portion 410 movably matched with the first guide portion 110, and the transmission member 400 can realize smooth translational movement on the base 200 under the guidance and limiting action of the first guide portion 110 and the second guide portion 410. The connecting assembly 300 is connected with the first end of the main body portion 430, the second end of the main body portion 430 is connected with the elastic reset member 600, and the main body portion 430 is connected with the damper 500 through the extension portion 440. In this way, the connecting assembly 300 can be connected with the elastic reset member 600 and the damper 500 through the same transmission member 400, so as to effectively improve the reuse rate of the transmission member 400, and further effectively reduce the structural complexity between the cover plate devices 10.

[0035] Optionally, as shown in Figure 6 The damper 500 is arranged to be capable of rotating relative to the base 200 around a preset rotation shaft. The second end of the main body portion 430 has an end face 420. The extension portion 440 is connected with a first part of the end face 420, and further connected with the damper 500 in a tooth meshing manner. A second part of the end face 420 is connected with a first end of the elastic reset member 600 in an abutting manner. A second end of the elastic reset member 600 is in abutment with the base 200.

[0036] Specifically, the base 200 is provided with an abutting portion 450 opposite to the end face 420, wherein the elastic reset member 600 is arranged between the abutting portion 450 and the end face 420, the first end of the elastic reset member 600 abuts against the second portion of the end face 420, and the second end of the elastic reset member 600 abuts against the abutting portion 450. Thus, when the cover body 100 moves from the first position to the second position, the connecting assembly 300 pushes the transmission member 400 to move towards the abutting portion 450 to compress the elastic reset member 600. After the external pressing force is cancelled, the elastic reset member 600 pushes the transmission member 400 to move towards the abutting portion 450 to reset the cover body 100. The damper 500 is a gear damper capable of rotating relative to the base 200 about a preset rotation shaft. The extension portion 440 is provided with a rack portion (not marked in the figure), and the extension portion 440 is connected to the gear portion (not marked in the figure) of the damper 500 in a toothed manner. When the cover body 100 moves from the first position to the second position, the extension portion 440 drives the damper 500 to rotate relative to the base 200 about the rotation shaft in a first rotation direction. When the external pressing force is cancelled, the extension portion 440 drives the damper 500 to rotate about the rotation shaft in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. The damper 500 does not provide damping force for the cover body 100 when it rotates in the first rotation direction, so that the external pressing force required for pressing the cover body 100 can be effectively reduced, thereby effectively improving the user experience of the refrigerator. During the resetting process of the cover body 100, the damper 500 rotates in the second rotation direction, and the damper 500 can provide damping force for the cover body 100, thereby slowing down the resetting speed of the cover body 100.

[0037] As shown in Figure 6 some embodiments, the main body portion 430 is provided with a guide channel (not shown in the figure), and the port of the guide channel is located at the second portion of the end face 420. The cover plate device 10 further comprises a guide column 700 arranged on the base 200, and the elastic reset member 600 is sleeved on the guide column 700. The guide column 700 is further inserted into the guide channel from the port of the guide channel.

[0038] Specifically, one end of the guide column 700 away from the end face 420 is connected to the abutting portion 450, and the other end extends towards the end face 420 and is inserted into the guide channel along the port of the guide channel to movably cooperate with the transmission member 400. The guide column 700 is used to limit the elastic reset member 600, so that the elastic reset member 600 can stably abut between the transmission member 400 and the abutting portion 450, thereby effectively improving the working stability of the cover plate device 10.

[0039] Of course, in some embodiments, the abutting portion 450 and the guide column 700 can be an integral structure and are detachably connected to the base 200.

[0040] AsFigure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the number of connecting components 300 and transmission components 400 is two sets arranged at intervals, the number of dampers 500 is one, and it is located between the two sets of connecting components 300. Each set of connecting components 300 is connected to the corresponding transmission component 400. The translation directions of the two sets of transmission components 400 are opposite to each other, and they are respectively connected to the dampers 500.

[0041] Specifically, there are two elastic reset members 600, each connected to the corresponding connection method described in the above embodiments. The two sets of connecting components 300 are spaced apart along the length x1 of the cover 100, which effectively improves the movement stability of the cover 100 between the first and second positions, and also effectively improves the connection stability between the cover 100 and the base 200. Two sets of transmission components 400 are respectively arranged along the length x1 of the connecting components 300, and are configured to be connected to the damper 500 on opposite sides of the damper 500 in an engaging manner. Thus, when the two sets of transmission components 400 move in opposite translational directions, they simultaneously push the damper 500 to rotate in the same direction, so that the damper 500 can provide the same damping force to both sets of transmission components 400 during the cover 100 reset process, thereby effectively improving the movement smoothness of the cover 100. Furthermore, the sharing of the same damper 500 by the two sets of transmission components 400 can effectively improve the reuse rate of the damper 500, thereby effectively reducing the number of parts in the cover plate device 10. In this embodiment, the length direction x1 is parallel to the width direction x4 of the door body 22. Of course, since the spatial relationship of the cover 100 is related to the concealed handle 21, in other embodiments, the concealed handle 21 can also be configured as a structure extending along the height direction x2 of the door body 22. In this case, the width direction x1 of the cover 100 should be parallel to the height direction x2 of the door body 22.

[0042] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the connecting assembly 300 includes a first connecting rod 320 and a second connecting rod 310. A first end of the first connecting rod 320 is hinged to the cover 100, and a second end of the first connecting rod 320 is hinged to a first end of the main body 430. A first end of the second connecting rod 310 is hinged to the base 200, and a second end of the second connecting rod 310 is hinged at a predetermined position between the first and second ends of the first connecting rod 320. Thus, the first connecting rod 320 and the second connecting rod 310 cooperate through the above-described connection relationship, allowing the cover 100 to remain connected to the base 200 while also enabling the cover 100 to move relative to the base 200.

[0043] like Figure 5As shown, in some embodiments, the connecting assembly 300 is configured such that the movement trajectory of the cover 100 is a straight line movement trajectory, so that the cover 100 can move relative to the base 200 in a more limited space, thereby effectively reducing the space occupancy of the cover plate device 10.

[0044] Specifically, the first end of the first connecting rod 320 and the second end of the second connecting rod 310 have a first interval distance, the second end of the first connecting rod 320 and the second end of the second connecting rod 310 have a second interval distance, and the first end and the second end of the second connecting rod 310 have a third interval distance, wherein the first interval distance, the second interval distance and the third interval distance are equal, based on which the connecting assembly 300 composed of the first connecting rod 320 and the second connecting rod 310 can ensure that the cover 100 and the base 200 are stably connected, and at the same time, the cover 100 can move relative to the base 200 in a straight line movement manner, so that the movement trajectory of the cover 100 is a straight line movement trajectory. For example, in the embodiment of the present application, under the limitation of the connecting assembly 300, the movement trajectory of the cover 100 is a straight line movement trajectory parallel to the thickness direction x3.

[0045] The present application also provides a refrigerator, which comprises the cover plate device 10 described in any of the above embodiments.

[0046] In summary, the present application provides a cover plate device 10 used in cooperation with a hidden handle 21, which comprises a base 200, a cover 100, a connecting assembly 300, an elastic reset member 600 and a damper 500. The base 200 is relatively fixed with the hidden handle 21; the connecting assembly 300 connects the cover 100 and the base 200, so that the cover 100 can move towards the base 200 from a first position to a second position under the action of external pressing force, wherein in the first position, the cover 100 covers the hidden handle 21, and in the second position, the hidden handle 21 is exposed relative to the cover 100; the elastic reset member 600 is connected with the connecting assembly 300, and is used to reset the cover 100 from the second position to the first position after the external pressing force is removed; the damper 500 is connected with the connecting assembly 300, and is used to provide a damping force for the cover 100 during the process of resetting the cover 100 from the second position to the first position. The cover 100 is connected with the damper 500 through the connecting assembly 300, and the damper 500 provides a damping force for the cover 100 when the cover 100 is reset from the second position to the first position, so as to slow down the movement speed of the cover 100 during the resetting process, thereby effectively reducing the probability of hand clamping of the cover 100, and further effectively improving the use experience of the refrigerator.

[0047] It is worth noting that the drawings in the present application are only used to show the structural relationship and connection relationship of the utility model product of the present application, and do not limit the specific structural size of the utility model product of the present application.

[0048] The above are only embodiments of the present application, and do not limit the patent scope of the present application, and any equivalent structure or equivalent process transformation, or direct or indirect application in other related technical fields, are also included in the patent protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A cover arrangement, characterized in that The cover plate device is used in cooperation with a concealed handle, and comprises: a base which is kept relatively fixed with the concealed handle; a cover body and a connecting assembly which connects the cover body and the base so that the cover body can be moved towards the base from a first position to a second position under the action of external pressing force, wherein in the first position, the cover body covers the concealed handle, and in the second position, the concealed handle is exposed relative to the cover body; a resilient reset member which is connected with the connecting assembly and is used to reset the cover body from the second position to the first position after the external pressing force is cancelled; a damper which is connected with the connecting assembly and is used to provide damping force for the cover body during the process of resetting the cover body from the second position to the first position.

2. The cover arrangement of claim 1, wherein The cover plate device further comprises a transmission member which is arranged on the base and translates along the base as the cover body moves between the first position and the second position, and the connecting assembly is connected with the resilient reset member and the damper through the transmission member.

3. The cover arrangement of claim 2, wherein The transmission member comprises a main body and an extension, a first end of the main body is connected with the connecting assembly, the extension is connected with a second end of the main body and further connected with the damper, and the second end of the main body is further connected with the resilient reset member.

4. The cover arrangement of claim 3, wherein The damper is arranged to be able to rotate relative to the base around a preset rotation axis, the second end of the main body has an end face, a first part of the end face is connected with the extension, and the damper is connected with each other in a tooth engagement manner, and a second part of the end face is connected with a first end of the resilient reset member in an abutting manner.

5. The cover arrangement of claim 4, wherein A guide channel is arranged on the main body, a port of the guide channel is located at the second part of the end face, the cover plate device further comprises a guide column which is arranged on the base, the resilient reset member is sleeved on the guide column, and the guide column is further inserted into the guide channel from the port of the guide channel.

6. The cover arrangement of claim 3, wherein The connecting assembly comprises: a first connecting rod, a first end of the first connecting rod is hinged with the cover body, and a second end of the first connecting rod is hinged with a first end of the main body; a second connecting rod, a first end of the second connecting rod is hinged with the base, and a second end of the second connecting rod is hinged with a predetermined position between the first end and the second end of the first connecting rod.

7. The cover arrangement of claim 6, wherein The first end of the first connecting rod and the second end of the second connecting rod have a first interval distance, the second end of the first connecting rod and the second end of the second connecting rod have a second interval distance, and the first end and the second end of the second connecting rod have a third interval distance, and the first interval distance, the second interval distance and the third interval distance are arranged equally.

8. The cover arrangement according to any one of claims 2-7, characterized in that The number of the connecting assembly and the transmission member is two groups which are arranged at intervals, the number of the damper is one, and the damper is located between the two groups of the connecting assembly, each group of the connecting assembly is connected with the corresponding transmission member, the translation directions of the two groups of the transmission member are opposite to each other, and the two groups of the transmission member are connected with the damper.

9. The cover arrangement of claim 8, wherein The damper is arranged to be rotatable relative to the base about a preset rotation axis, and the two groups of transmission members are arranged to be connected to each other in a toothed engagement manner with the damper on opposite sides of the damper.

10. A refrigerator characterized by comprising: A cover arrangement comprising the cover arrangement according to any one of claims 1-9.

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