Handle structure and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model discloses a handle structure and a refrigerator. The handle structure comprises a handle box and a handle box driving mechanism. The handle box is embedded in the door body, an opening is formed in one side of the handle box, and the handle is arranged at the opening and is driven by a driving mechanism in the handle box to extend out of the handle box or retract into the handle box. The hidden handle design enables the appearance of the refrigerator to be more concise and smooth, and meanwhile, the automatic stretching and retracting functions of the handle facilitate door opening and closing of a user. And the handle is automatically hidden when not used, so that the opportunities of dust accumulation and bacterium breeding are effectively reduced, and the pursuit of modern families for healthy life is better met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of handles, and in particular to a handle structure and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] With the accelerating pace of modern life and the significant improvement in residents' living standards, home appliances, as an indispensable part of modern family life, are increasingly becoming the focus of consumers' attention in terms of user-friendly design, functional diversity, and aesthetic appeal. Refrigerators, as essential equipment for daily food preservation and storage, are directly related to users' daily quality of life and satisfaction through their rational design and optimized user experience.

[0003] In traditional refrigerator designs, handles are often fixed and recessed. While this design fulfills the basic function of opening and closing the door to some extent, it has gradually revealed many shortcomings in practical applications. The primary problem is that the recessed handle often disrupts the overall integrity and smoothness of the refrigerator's appearance. Especially in the current trend of minimalist and integrated home décor, the abrupt handle design appears out of place and affects the overall aesthetics of the home environment.

[0004] Furthermore, fixed, recessed handles are constantly exposed to the external environment, especially in the kitchen where oil and moisture are prevalent. This makes them prone to accumulating dust and grime, affecting hygiene and adding an extra burden to daily cleaning. Due to the handle's unique structure, its crevices are often difficult to clean thoroughly. Over time, this not only affects aesthetics but can also become a breeding ground for bacteria, posing a potential threat to the health of family members. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to solve the technical problem that dust easily accumulates in the recessed refrigerator handle in the prior art, this utility model proposes a handle structure and a refrigerator.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is:

[0007] This utility model proposes a handle structure, including: a handle box, a handle, and a drive mechanism; wherein, the handle box is embedded in the door body, an opening is provided on one side of the handle box, the handle is disposed at the opening, the drive mechanism is disposed in the handle box, and the drive mechanism is connected to the handle for driving the handle to extend or retract from the opening.

[0008] Furthermore, the drive mechanism includes a drive component and a linkage assembly connected to the handle, wherein the drive component drives the linkage assembly to swing, causing the handle to extend or retract from the opening.

[0009] Furthermore, the linkage assembly includes: a first fixed shaft disposed within the handle housing; a first fixed rod rotatably connected at one end to the first fixed shaft; a second fixed rod rotatably connected at one end to the bottom of the handle; and a drive assembly connected to the other ends of the first fixed rod and the second fixed rod, driving the first fixed rod and the second fixed rod to move around the first fixed shaft, thereby pushing out the handle or pulling back the handle.

[0010] Furthermore, the two side walls inside the handle box are respectively provided with arc-shaped first sliding grooves, and a sliding rod that can slide along the first sliding groove is provided between the two first sliding grooves. The other ends of the first fixing rod and the second fixing rod are rotatably connected to the sliding rod. The driving assembly is connected to the sliding rod and drives the sliding rod to move in the first sliding groove.

[0011] Furthermore, the linkage assembly is provided in two sets, and the two sets of linkage assemblies are connected by a transmission rod so that the two sets of linkage assemblies move synchronously.

[0012] Furthermore, the two sets of the linkage assemblies are respectively connected to both ends of the handle.

[0013] Furthermore, the drive assembly includes a motor and a drive rod, the motor being disposed within the handle box, one end of the drive rod being connected to the motor, and the other end being connected to the linkage assembly.

[0014] Furthermore, the handle is also equipped with a switch button for adjusting the operation of the drive mechanism.

[0015] Furthermore, the handle is rectangular and has connecting blocks at both ends that extend into the handle box for connection with the drive mechanism. One of the connecting blocks has a bevel on one side, and the handle box has a corresponding bevel.

[0016] This utility model also proposes a refrigerator, including the aforementioned handle structure.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, this utility model proposes a handle structure, including a handle box and a handle box drive mechanism. The handle box is embedded in the door body, and an opening is provided on one side of the handle box. The handle is positioned at the opening, and is driven by the drive mechanism inside the handle box to extend or retract the handle. The concealed handle design makes the refrigerator's appearance more concise and streamlined. At the same time, the automatic extension and retraction function of the handle makes it convenient for users to open and close the door. The handle automatically hides when not in use, effectively reducing the chance of dust accumulation and bacterial growth, which is more in line with the modern family's pursuit of a healthy life. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the handle retracted state in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the handle extended state in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] 01. Handle box;

[0023] 02. Handle;

[0024] 03. Switch;

[0025] 04. Drive lever;

[0026] 05. Connectors;

[0027] 06. Electric motor;

[0028] 07. First fixing rod;

[0029] 08. Second fixing rod;

[0030] 09. Transmission rod. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0032] The principle and structure of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0033] In modern society, with the accelerated pace of life and improved living standards, home appliances have become an indispensable element of family life. Consumers are paying increasing attention to the user-friendly design, functional versatility, and aesthetic appeal of home appliances. Refrigerators, as key equipment for preserving and storing food in the home, are crucial for improving the quality and satisfaction of daily life through rational design and optimized user experience.

[0034] However, traditional refrigerator designs have some shortcomings in terms of handles. Traditional refrigerator handles are mostly fixed and recessed. While this design meets the basic requirement of opening and closing the door, it has gradually revealed several problems in practical use.

[0035] First, the concave handle disrupts the refrigerator's overall aesthetic and smoothness. In today's increasingly minimalist and integrated home décor style, this abrupt handle design clashes with the environment and detracts from the overall beauty.

[0036] Secondly, fixed, recessed handles are constantly exposed to the external environment, especially in the kitchen where oil and moisture are prevalent, easily accumulating dust and grime. This not only affects hygiene but also increases the difficulty of daily cleaning. Due to the handle's unique structure, its crevices are often difficult to clean thoroughly, which over time not only affects aesthetics but can also become a breeding ground for bacteria, posing a potential threat to the health of family members.

[0037] like Figure 1-3 As shown, this utility model proposes a handle structure, including: handle box 01, handle 02 and drive mechanism.

[0038] Handle box 01 is used to install handle 02. Handle box 01 is embedded in the refrigerator door where handle 02 needs to be installed. Handle box 01 is rectangular and has an opening on one side for installing handle 02. Handle 02 is located at the opening. Handle box 01 has a drive mechanism connected to handle 02. When the drive mechanism is turned, it causes handle 02 to extend out of or retract into handle box 01, thus achieving the function of hiding handle 02.

[0039] The handle structure of this utility model drives the mechanism to operate when needed, and the handle 02 extends out of the handle box 01 for easy operation. When not in use, the mechanism drives the mechanism to operate, and the handle 02 retracts into the handle box 01 to prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime.

[0040] The concealed handle 02 design gives the refrigerator a cleaner, more streamlined look, aligning with modern home aesthetics. The handle's automatic extension and retraction function makes opening and closing the door convenient. When not in use, the handle automatically retracts, effectively reducing dust accumulation and bacterial growth, better meeting the health-conscious lifestyle of modern families. Furthermore, the easy-to-clean materials and design simplify daily maintenance.

[0041] The drive mechanism is located below the handle 02 and includes a drive assembly and a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly is connected to the handle. When the drive assembly is running, it drives the linkage assembly to move, causing the handle 02 to extend outward from the opening or retract into the handle box 01.

[0042] The linkage assembly includes: a first fixed shaft, a first fixed rod 07, and a second fixed rod 08.

[0043] The first fixed shaft is disposed inside the handle box 01 and is arranged along the width direction of the handle box 01. One end of the first fixed rod 07 is rotatably connected to the first fixed shaft, and one end of the second fixed rod 08 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the handle 02. The driving component is rotatably connected to the other ends of the first fixed rod 07 and the second fixed rod 08. When the driving component is running, the first fixed rod 07 and the second fixed rod 08 move around the first fixed shaft. When the first fixed rod 07 and the second fixed rod 08 move upward, the handle hidden inside the handle box extends out. When the first fixed rod 07 and the second fixed rod 08 move downward, the handle extending out of the handle box retracts into the handle box. After the handle retracts into the handle box, the outer surface of the handle is flush with the opening of the handle box to prevent dust from entering the handle box from the opening.

[0044] The first fixed axis ensures stable movement trajectories for the first fixed rod 07 and the second fixed rod 08. Rotation around the fixed axis precisely controls the extension and retraction of the handle 02, ensuring smooth and seamless movement. When the handle 02 retracts into the handle box, its outer surface is flush with the opening. This concealed design not only maintains the overall aesthetics of the refrigerator door or related equipment but also effectively prevents dust from entering through the handle box opening, reducing cleaning and maintenance workload. The linkage assembly design fully utilizes the internal space of the handle box. The extension and retraction of the handle 02 are achieved through the rotatable connection of the first fixed rod 07 and the second fixed rod 08, eliminating the need for additional space to accommodate a complex transmission mechanism.

[0045] An arc-shaped first slide groove is provided on two opposite sides of the handle box 01, located below the first fixed shaft. The first slide groove is arc-shaped and obliquely upward, and its shape restricts the running trajectory of the first fixed rod 07 and the second fixed rod 08. A slide rod is provided between the first slide grooves, which can slide along the first slide grooves. The other ends of the first fixed rod 07 and the second fixed rod 08 are rotatably connected to the slide rod. The drive assembly is connected to the slide rod. That is, the first fixed rod 07, the second fixed rod 08 and the drive assembly are connected by the slide rod. Since the slide rod is located in the first slide groove, it not only serves as a connection but also restricts the movement trajectory of the first fixed rod 07 and the second fixed rod 08. This prevents the first fixed rod 07 and the second fixed rod 08 from moving excessively due to over-driving of the drive assembly, which could cause the handle to extend or retract excessively into the handle box, resulting in the handle not being flush with the opening of the handle box.

[0046] The sliding of the slide bar within the first groove restricts the movement trajectory of the first fixed rod 07 and the second fixed rod 08, ensuring their smoothness and accuracy during extension and retraction. This design effectively prevents loss of control due to over-driving of the drive components, thus ensuring that the handle 02 accurately reaches the intended position. The stable sliding of the slide bar within the first groove provides an additional support point for the entire linkage assembly, enhancing structural stability. This design helps reduce loosening or deformation caused by long-term use, thereby extending the service life of the assembly.

[0047] In a further embodiment, the linkage assembly has two sets, with each set of linkages connected to both ends of the handle 02. The two sets of linkage assemblies are connected via a transmission rod 09, enabling them to move synchronously. The design of the two sets of linkage assemblies ensures more even force distribution at both ends of the handle 02, preventing one side from being pushed out of the handle box 01 while the other side remains unpushed. Furthermore, the linkage assembly design allows both sets of linkage assemblies to move using a single drive component, saving energy.

[0048] Two sets of linkage assemblies are connected to both ends of the handle 02, allowing the handle 02 to distribute force more evenly when subjected to force. This avoids the situation where one side is pushed out while the other side is not, due to uneven force distribution, thereby improving the reliability and safety of use.

[0049] In a further embodiment, the drive assembly includes a motor 06 and a drive rod 04. The motor 06 is disposed inside the handle box 01. One end of the drive rod 04 is connected to the motor 06 via a connector 05, and the other end is connected to a linkage assembly. Specifically, both the drive rod 04 and the linkage assembly are connected to the slide rod. The drive rod 04 transmits the motion of the motor 06 to the slide rod, thereby driving the linkage assembly to move.

[0050] In a further embodiment, a switch 03 button is provided on the handle. Switch 03 can be a touch button or a laser button. Switch 03 is electrically connected to the drive mechanism, controlling its operation. When the motor 06 of the drive mechanism rotates forward, the linkage assembly moves upward, pushing the handle out. When the motor 06 rotates in reverse, the linkage assembly moves downward, pulling the handle back. The switch button facilitates user operation of extending and retracting the handle.

[0051] In a further embodiment, the handle is rectangular strip-shaped, and connecting blocks extending into the handle box 01 are provided at both ends of the handle. The connecting blocks are used to connect with the drive mechanism. The connecting blocks are rectangular blocks, and one of the connecting blocks has a beveled side. The handle box 01 has an inclined surface corresponding to the connecting block, which serves as a guide to prevent the handle from running off the expected trajectory.

[0052] This utility model also proposes a refrigerator that uses the handle structure of this utility model.

[0053] The refrigerator door has a pre-drilled mounting position for a rectangular, box-shaped handle box 01. This handle box 01 is embedded inside the door body, flush with or slightly recessed from the door surface to maintain a clean and streamlined appearance. An opening is provided on the user-facing side of the handle box 01. The size and shape of this opening match the handle 02, ensuring that the handle 02 completely covers the opening when extended and is completely concealed within the handle box 01 when retracted. The handle 02 is a rectangular strip with connecting blocks extending into the handle box 01 at both ends. These connecting blocks are used to connect to the linkage assembly in the drive mechanism. One side of one of the connecting blocks is designed with a bevel, matching the inclined surface inside the handle box 01, serving a guiding function to ensure that the handle 02 moves along a predetermined trajectory during extension and retraction.

[0054] The drive mechanism is located below the handle box 01 and includes a motor 06 and a drive rod 04. The motor 06 is fixed inside the handle box 01, and one end of the drive rod 04 is connected to the motor 06, while the other end is connected to the handle 02 via a linkage assembly.

[0055] The linkage assembly includes a first fixed shaft, a first fixed rod 07, a second fixed rod 08, and a slide rod. The first fixed shaft is arranged along the width direction of the handle box 01. One end of the first fixed rod 07 and the second fixed rod 08 are rotatably connected to the connecting block of the first fixed shaft and the handle 02, respectively, and the other end is rotatably connected to the slide rod. The slide rod is set in an arc-shaped first groove and can slide stably along the groove, thereby limiting the movement trajectory of the linkage assembly.

[0056] To ensure even force distribution at both ends of the handle 02, two sets of linkage assemblies are provided, each connected to one end of the handle 02. The two sets of linkage assemblies are connected via transmission rod 09 to achieve synchronous movement.

[0057] A switch 03 button is located at a suitable position on the refrigerator door. This button can be a touch button or a laser button for convenient user operation. The button is electrically connected to the drive mechanism, controlling the forward and reverse rotation of the motor 06, thereby enabling the extension and retraction of the handle 02. When the user needs to open the refrigerator door, simply touch the switch 03 button, and the motor 06 of the drive mechanism will start rotating forward, pushing the handle 02 out of the handle box 01 through the linkage assembly. When the user closes the refrigerator door, touching the switch 03 button again will cause the motor 06 to rotate in reverse, and the linkage assembly will pull the handle 02 back into the handle box 01.

[0058] The automatic extension and retraction function makes it convenient for users to open and close the door, while effectively reducing the chance of dust accumulation and bacterial growth.

[0059] Compared with existing technologies, this utility model proposes a handle structure, including a handle box 01 and a handle box 01 drive mechanism. The handle box 01 is embedded in the door body, and an opening is provided on one side of the handle box 01. The handle 02 is disposed at the opening, and is driven by the drive mechanism inside the handle box 01 to extend or retract into the handle box 01. The concealed handle 02 design makes the refrigerator appearance more concise and streamlined. At the same time, the automatic extension and retraction function of the handle 02 makes it convenient for users to open and close the door. The handle 02 automatically hides when not in use, effectively reducing the chance of dust accumulation and bacterial growth, which is more in line with the pursuit of a healthy life by modern families.

[0060] It should be noted that the terminology used above is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this utility model. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0061] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0062] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of each component itself.

[0063] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0064] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0065] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A handle structure, characterized in that, The handle structure comprises a handle box, a handle, and a driving mechanism; the handle box is embedded in a door body, one side of the handle box is provided with an opening, the handle is arranged at the opening, the driving mechanism is arranged in the handle box, and the driving mechanism is connected with the handle to drive the handle to extend out of or retract into the opening. The driving mechanism comprises a driving assembly and a connecting rod assembly connected with the handle; the driving assembly drives the connecting rod assembly to swing to drive the handle to extend out of or retract into the opening.

2. The handle structure of claim 1, wherein The connecting rod assembly comprises a first fixed shaft arranged in the handle box, a first fixed rod having one end rotatably connected with the first fixed shaft, and a second fixed rod having one end rotatably connected with the bottom of the handle; the driving assembly is connected with the other end of the first fixed rod and the second fixed rod to drive the first fixed rod and the second fixed rod to move around the first fixed shaft, thereby driving the handle to extend out of or retract into the opening.

3. The handle structure of claim 2, wherein Two side walls in the handle box are respectively provided with arc-shaped first sliding grooves, and a sliding rod is arranged between the two first sliding grooves and can slide along the first sliding grooves; the other end of the first fixed rod and the second fixed rod is rotatably connected with the sliding rod, and the driving assembly is connected with the sliding rod to drive the sliding rod to move in the first sliding grooves.

4. The handle structure of claim 3, wherein The connecting rod assembly is provided with two groups, and the two groups of connecting rod assemblies are connected through a transmission rod to make the two groups of connecting rod assemblies move synchronously.

5. The handle structure of claim 4, wherein The two groups of connecting rod assemblies are respectively connected with two ends of the handle.

6. The handle structure of claim 4, wherein The driving assembly comprises a motor and a driving rod; the motor is arranged in the handle box, one end of the driving rod is connected with the motor, and the other end of the driving rod is connected with the connecting rod assembly.

7. The handle structure of claim 2, wherein The handle is further provided with a switch key for adjusting the operation of the driving mechanism.

8. The handle structure of claim 1 wherein, The handle is in a rectangular shape, and two ends of the handle are provided with connecting blocks extending into the handle box and used for being connected with the driving mechanism; one side of one of the connecting blocks is provided with an inclined surface, and the handle box is provided with a corresponding inclined surface.

9. The handle structure of claim 1 wherein, The handle structure comprises the handle structure according to any one of claims 1-9.

10. A refrigerator characterized by comprising: ​

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