Refrigerator door lock catch

Abstract

The utility model discloses a refrigerator door lock catch which comprises a refrigerator body, a refrigerator door rotationally arranged on the refrigerator body, a mechanical locking assembly arranged between the refrigerator body and the refrigerator door, a magnetic locking assembly arranged between the refrigerator body and the refrigerator door and a limiting assembly arranged between the mechanical locking assembly and the magnetic locking assembly. And a sealing material is arranged between the box body and the box door. By combining the mechanical lock catch and the magnetic lock catch, under the normal condition, the magnetic lock catch can automatically close the refrigerator door through magnetic force, but once the magnetism of the permanent magnet is weakened or invalid due to external factors (such as temperature change or long-term use), the electromagnet automatically triggers the mechanical lock catch to perform physical locking; and the problem that the refrigerator door cannot be closed due to magnetism weakening is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of refrigerator switches, and in particular to a refrigerator door latch. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of modern home appliance technology, the design of refrigerator door lock systems has received increasing attention as an indispensable device in daily life. Existing refrigerator door lock systems generally use permanent magnets to control the opening and closing of the refrigerator door, primarily relying on the magnetic attraction force of the permanent magnets to achieve automatic door closure and maintain the door's locked state. While permanent magnets can provide stable attraction force, the closing effect of the refrigerator door will be affected when the magnetism weakens due to temperature changes, long-term use, or other external factors. This may lead to the refrigerator door failing to close effectively, thus affecting the refrigerator's insulation performance and energy efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this section is to outline some aspects of embodiments of the present invention and to briefly describe some preferred embodiments. Simplifications or omissions may be made in this section, as well as in the abstract and title of this application, to avoid obscuring the purpose of these documents; however, such simplifications or omissions should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0004] In view of the problems existing in the current refrigerator door latches, a new refrigerator door latch is proposed.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a refrigerator door lock, comprising: a refrigerator body; a door rotatably mounted on the refrigerator body; a mechanical locking assembly disposed between the refrigerator body and the door; a magnetic locking assembly disposed between the refrigerator body and the door; and a limiting assembly disposed between the mechanical locking assembly and the magnetic locking assembly; a sealing material is disposed between the refrigerator body and the door. The limiting assembly restricts the movement of the mechanical locking assembly. The refrigerator body and the door are locked together by the magnetic locking assembly. After the limiting assembly senses the disappearance of the magnetism of the magnetic locking assembly, the limiting assembly releases the mechanical locking assembly, and the refrigerator body and the door are locked together by the mechanical locking assembly.

[0006] As a preferred embodiment of the refrigerator door lock of this utility model, the mechanical locking assembly includes: a mounting groove formed on the door; a mounting block disposed on the body; a rotating shaft disposed on the mounting block; a rotating block rotatably disposed on the rotating shaft; a snap-fit ​​block slidably disposed on the rotating block; a compression spring disposed between the rotating block and the mounting block; and a snap-fit ​​rod disposed on the door; the mounting block is disposed within the mounting groove.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the refrigerator door lock of this utility model, the mechanical locking assembly further includes an unlocking component disposed on the rotating block. The unlocking component includes a pull block disposed on the rotating block, a tensioning spring disposed between the pull block and the rotating block, and a handle disposed on the door.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the refrigerator door latch of this utility model, the magnetic locking assembly includes a permanent magnet disposed between the cabinet body and the door, and a magnetic material disposed on the cabinet body; the permanent magnet is disposed in the sealing material.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the refrigerator door latch of this utility model, the limiting component includes: a sliding groove formed on the door, an elastic spring disposed in the sliding groove, an electromagnet disposed on one side of the locking rod, and a reed switch disposed near the permanent magnet; the electromagnet and the reed switch are connected by a circuit.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the refrigerator door lock of this utility model, the mechanical locking assembly further includes a guide member disposed on the mounting block, the guide member including a guide block disposed on one side of the mounting block.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the refrigerator door lock of this utility model, the mechanical locking assembly further includes a fastener disposed between the mounting block and the snap-fit ​​block. The fastener includes an arc-shaped opening on the mounting block and a snap-fit ​​interface on the snap-fit ​​block. The snap-fit ​​rod can be snapped between the arc-shaped opening and the snap-fit ​​interface.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this refrigerator door lock are as follows: By combining the mechanical lock with the magnetic lock, under normal circumstances, the magnetic lock can automatically close the refrigerator door through magnetic force. However, once the magnetism of the permanent magnet weakens or fails due to external factors (such as temperature changes or long-term use), the electromagnet automatically triggers the mechanical lock to physically lock, thus avoiding the problem of the refrigerator door being unable to close due to weakened magnetism. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments 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. Among them:

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the refrigerator door lock of this utility model.

[0015] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the overall structure of the refrigerator door lock of this utility model.

[0016] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of the limiting component structure of the refrigerator door lock of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view of the mounting block structure of the refrigerator door lock of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of the mechanical locking component structure of the refrigerator door lock according to this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0021] Secondly, the term "an embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single or selective embodiment that excludes other embodiments.

[0022] Secondly, this utility model is described in detail with reference to the schematic diagrams. When describing the embodiments of this utility model, for ease of explanation, the cross-sectional views illustrating the device structure may be partially enlarged, not adhering to the usual scale. Furthermore, the schematic diagrams are merely examples and should not limit the scope of protection of this utility model. In addition, actual manufacturing should include the three-dimensional spatial dimensions of length, width, and depth.

[0023] Example 1

[0024] Reference Figures 1 to 5A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a refrigerator door lock is provided. The refrigerator door lock includes: a refrigerator body 100; a door 101 rotatably mounted on the refrigerator body 100; a mechanical locking assembly 102 disposed between the refrigerator body 100 and the door 101; a magnetic locking assembly 103 disposed between the refrigerator body 100 and the door 101; and a limiting assembly 104 disposed between the mechanical locking assembly 102 and the magnetic locking assembly 103. A sealing material is disposed between the refrigerator body 100 and the door 101. The limiting assembly 104 restricts the movement of the mechanical locking assembly 102. The refrigerator body 100 and the door 101 are locked together by the magnetic locking assembly 103. After the limiting assembly 104 senses the disappearance of the magnetism of the magnetic locking assembly 103, the limiting assembly 104 releases the mechanical locking assembly 102, and the refrigerator body 100 and the door 101 are locked together by the mechanical locking assembly 102.

[0025] Furthermore, the mechanical locking assembly 102 includes: a mounting groove 102a on the door 101; a mounting block 102b on the body 100; a rotating shaft 102c on the mounting block 102b; a rotating block 102d rotatably mounted on the rotating shaft 102c; a locking block 102e slidably mounted on the rotating block 102d; a compression spring 102f between the rotating block 102d and the mounting block 102b; and a locking rod 102g on the door 101. The mounting block 102b is disposed within the mounting groove 102a. The locking rod 102g passes through the locking block 102e and enters the mounting block 102b to engage, closing the door 101 with the body 100. The locking rod 102g is made of a magnetic material 103b.

[0026] Furthermore, the mechanical locking assembly 102 also includes an unlocking component 102h disposed on the rotating block 102d. The unlocking component 102h includes a pull block 102h-1 disposed on the rotating block 102d, a tensioning spring 102h-3 disposed between the pull block 102h-1 and the rotating block 102d, and a handle 102h-2 disposed on the door 101. The handle 102h-2 is disposed above the mounting groove 102a, and the pull block 102h-1 is disposed in the upper half of the handle 102h-2.

[0027] The magnetic locking assembly 103 includes a permanent magnet 103a disposed between the housing 100 and the door 101, and a magnetic material 103b disposed on the housing 100; the permanent magnet 103a is disposed within the sealing material. The magnetic material 103b is disposed on the door 101, and the permanent magnet 103a and the magnetic material 103b are respectively disposed at the same position on the door 101 and the housing 100. When the door 101 is closed, the permanent magnet 103a attracts the magnetic material 103b, locking the door 101.

[0028] Furthermore, the limiting component 104 includes a sliding groove 104a formed on the door 101, an elastic spring 104b disposed within the sliding groove 104a, an electromagnet 104c disposed on one side of the latching rod 102g, and a reed switch 104d disposed near the permanent magnet 103a; the electromagnet 104c and the reed switch 104d are connected by a circuit. The reed switch 104d is an electronic component that uses a magnetic field to control the switching state of a circuit. It contains a metal reed with electrical contacts at both ends. When an external magnetic field acts on the reed switch 104d, the reed is attracted or repelled by the magnetic force, thereby closing or opening the electrical contacts of the switch. When the reed switch 104d is near the permanent magnet 103a, the reed switch 104d is turned on, the electromagnet 104c is energized, the electromagnet 104c attracts the latching rod 102g, compresses the elastic spring 104b, and moves towards it, and the latching rod 102g is sucked into the sliding groove 104a.

[0029] Furthermore, the mechanical locking assembly 102 also includes a guide member 102i disposed on the mounting block 102b. The guide member 102i includes a guide block 102i-1 disposed on one side of the mounting block 102b. The guide block 102i-1 is disposed at the lower part of the mounting block 102b and serves to guide the locking rod 102g when the mechanical locking assembly 102 is used.

[0030] Furthermore, the mechanical locking assembly 102 also includes a fastener 102j disposed between the mounting block 102b and the locking block 102e. The fastener 102j includes an arc-shaped opening 102j-1 on the mounting block 102b and a locking interface 102j-2 on the locking block 102e. The locking rod 102g can be engaged between the arc-shaped opening 102j-1 and the locking interface 102j-2. When the locking rod 102g passes through the locking block 102e and enters the mounting block 102b for engagement, the locking interface 102j-2 abuts against the locking rod 102g, thereby fixing the position of the locking rod 102g.

[0031] Operating Procedure: Under normal circumstances, the magnetic latch can lock the refrigerator door using magnetic force. However, if the magnetism of the permanent magnet 103a weakens or fails due to external factors such as temperature changes or long-term use, the reed switch 104d closes, the electromagnet 104c loses its magnetism due to power de-energization, and the elastic spring 104b ejects the locking rod 102g from the sliding groove 104a. When using mechanical locking, pulling up the pull block 102h-1 separates the locking block 102e from the locking rod 102g, thereby opening the refrigerator door. When closing the refrigerator door, the locking rod 102g first contacts the locking block 102e, lifting the locking block 102e and entering the mounting block 102b. Subsequently, the locking block 102e resets, locking the locking rod 102g and locking the door 101 to the cabinet 100.

[0032] Beneficial effect: It avoids the problem of refrigerator doors failing to close due to weakened magnetism in daily life.

[0033] It is important to note that the constructions and arrangements of this application shown in several different exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those who consult this disclosure will readily understand that many modifications are possible (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion of various elements, as well as parameter values ​​(e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.), mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described in this application). For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be inverted or otherwise altered, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be changed or altered. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this utility model. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any "device plus function" clause is intended to cover the structure described herein that performs the function, and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Without departing from the scope of this invention, other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may be made in the design, operation, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, but extends to various modifications that still fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0034] Furthermore, in order to provide a concise description of exemplary embodiments, not all features of actual embodiments (i.e., those features that are not relevant to the best mode of carrying out the present invention as currently considered, or those features that are not relevant to the implementation of the present invention) may be omitted.

[0035] It should be understood that numerous specific implementation decisions can be made during the development of any practical implementation, such as in any engineering or design project. Such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, the development effort will be a routine work of design, manufacturing, and production without requiring much experimentation.

[0036] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A refrigerator door latch, characterized in that: include, The enclosure (100) includes a door (101) rotatably mounted on the enclosure (100), a mechanical locking assembly (102) disposed between the enclosure (100) and the door (101), a magnetic locking assembly (103) disposed between the enclosure (100) and the door (101), and a limiting assembly (104) disposed between the mechanical locking assembly (102) and the magnetic locking assembly (103); a sealing material is provided between the enclosure (100) and the door (101). The limiting component (104) restricts the movement of the mechanical locking component (102). The box (100) and the door (101) are locked together by the magnetic locking component (103). After the limiting component (104) senses that the magnetism of the magnetic locking component (103) has disappeared, the limiting component (104) releases the mechanical locking component (102). The box (100) and the door (101) are locked together by the mechanical locking component (102).

2. The refrigerator door latch as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The mechanical locking assembly (102) includes: a mounting groove (102a) opened on the door (101); a mounting block (102b) disposed on the housing (100); a rotating shaft (102c) disposed on the mounting block (102b); a rotating block (102d) rotatably disposed on the rotating shaft (102c); a snap-fit ​​block (102e) slidably disposed on the rotating block (102d); a compression spring (102f) disposed between the rotating block (102d) and the mounting block (102b); and a snap-fit ​​rod (102g) disposed on the door (101). The mounting block (102b) is disposed within the mounting groove (102a).

3. The refrigerator door latch as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The mechanical locking assembly (102) further includes an unlocking component (102h) disposed on the rotating block (102d). The unlocking component (102h) includes a pull block (102h-1) disposed on the rotating block (102d), a tensioning spring (102h-3) disposed between the pull block (102h-1) and the rotating block (102d), and a handle (102h-2) disposed on the door (101).

4. The refrigerator door latch as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The magnetic locking assembly (103) includes a permanent magnet (103a) disposed between the housing (100) and the door (101), and a magnetic material (103b) disposed on the housing (100); The permanent magnet (103a) is disposed in the sealing material.

5. The refrigerator door latch as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The limiting component (104) includes a sliding groove (104a) opened on the door (101), an elastic spring (104b) disposed in the sliding groove (104a), an electromagnet (104c) disposed on one side of the latching rod (102g), and a reed switch (104d) disposed near the permanent magnet (103a). The electromagnet (104c) and the reed switch (104d) are connected by a circuit.

6. The refrigerator door latch as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The mechanical locking assembly (102) further includes a guide (102i) disposed on the mounting block (102b), the guide (102i) including a guide block (102i-1) disposed on one side of the mounting block (102b).

7. The refrigerator door latch as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The mechanical locking assembly (102) further includes a fastener (102j) disposed between the mounting block (102b) and the snap-fit ​​block (102e). The fastener (102j) includes an arc-shaped opening (102j-1) on the mounting block (102b) and a snap-fit ​​interface (102j-2) on the snap-fit ​​block (102e). The locking rod (102g) can be locked between the arc-shaped opening (102j-1) and the locking interface (102j-2).

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