Hinge assembly and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model discloses a hinge assembly and a refrigerator, and relates to the technical field of refrigerators, the hinge assembly is applied to the refrigerator, and the hinge assembly comprises a first fixed seat, a second fixed seat, a connecting rod assembly and a protective part, the hinge assembly has an unfolded state that the first fixing seat is far away from and unfolded relative to the third connecting rod and a folded state that the hinge assembly is folded on one side of the third connecting rod, and in the unfolded state, a gap is formed between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod; the two ends of the protection piece are rotationally connected with the first fixing base and the third connecting rod correspondingly, and the protection piece covers the gap. According to the technical scheme, the protective part rotationally connected with the first fixing base and the third connecting rod is arranged, the protective part can cover the gap between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod when the hinge assembly is in the unfolded state, the appearance of a product is improved through the protective part, and the safety of the hinge assembly is improved; fingers are prevented from being accidentally pinched in the using process, and meanwhile, the internal mechanical structure of the hinge assembly can be protected from being influenced by the external environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigerator technology, and in particular to a hinge assembly and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigerator doors are typically opened and closed using hinge assemblies. At different opening angles, gaps of varying sizes may form between the links of the hinge assembly. Fingers could potentially be accidentally inserted into these gaps, posing a risk of pinching and injury, thus presenting a safety hazard. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide a hinge assembly and a refrigerator, which aims to improve the safety of the hinge assembly.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a hinge assembly for use in a refrigerator, the hinge assembly comprising:

[0005] The first fixing seat is used for installation on the door of the refrigerator;

[0006] The second mounting bracket is used for installation on the refrigerator body;

[0007] A linkage assembly includes a first link, a second link, and a third link. The two ends of the first link are rotatably connected to the first fixed seat and the third link, respectively. The two ends of the second link are rotatably connected to the first fixed seat and the third link, respectively. The third link is rotatably connected to the second fixed seat, so that the first fixed seat can rotate relative to the second fixed seat.

[0008] The first link and the second link are spaced apart, and the hinge assembly has an unfolded state in which the first fixing seat is away from and unfolded relative to the third link, and a folded state in which it is folded to one side of the third link. In the unfolded state, a gap is formed between the first link and the second link.

[0009] The protective component has two ends that are rotatably connected to the first fixed base and the third connecting rod, respectively, and the protective component covers the gap.

[0010] In one embodiment, the protective member has axle protrusions at both ends in its extension direction, and the first fixing seat and the third connecting rod are respectively provided with shaft holes corresponding to the axle protrusions. The axle protrusions extend into the shaft holes, and the extension line of the connecting line of the two shaft holes extends in the same direction as the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod.

[0011] In one embodiment, the outer peripheral wall of the axon is provided with a locking protrusion, which engages with the shaft hole.

[0012] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the shaft hole is provided with a stepped surface, and the locking protrusion is matched with the stepped surface for positioning.

[0013] In one embodiment, the stepped surface is inclined.

[0014] In one embodiment, the axle includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are spaced apart on the protective member along the circumferential direction of the shaft hole and abut against the inner wall of the shaft hole. The locking protrusion is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the first connecting portion and engages with the shaft hole. The first connecting portion can elastically deform along the radial direction of the shaft hole at the end where the locking protrusion is provided.

[0015] In one embodiment, the length of the second connecting portion in the axial direction of the shaft hole is less than the length of the first connecting portion.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first connecting portion and / or the second connecting portion are arc-shaped.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first fixing base includes a first body portion and first flanges disposed on opposite sides of the first body portion, and the third connecting rod includes a second body portion and second flanges disposed on opposite sides of the second body portion. The first body portion, the first flange, the second body portion, and the second flange form a receiving space. The first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are received within the receiving space and connected to the first flange and the second flange. The protective member is disposed outside the receiving space and connected to the first flange and the second flange.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first fixing seat includes a separate inner fixing seat and an outer fixing seat. The inner fixing seat includes the first body part and the first flange. The outer fixing seat includes a first mounting part and a second mounting part that are bent and connected. The first mounting part is disposed opposite to the first body part and connected to the first body part. The second mounting part is disposed on the outside of the first flange.

[0019] In one embodiment, the protective component is integrally injection molded.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first fixing base is made of metal.

[0021] This utility model also proposes a refrigerator, including the aforementioned hinge assembly.

[0022] The technical solution of this utility model is to set a protective component that is rotatably connected to the first fixed seat and the third connecting rod. The protective component can cover the gap between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod when the hinge assembly is in the unfolded state. The setting of the protective component not only improves the appearance of the product, but also improves the safety of the hinge assembly, preventing users from accidentally pinching their fingers during use. At the same time, it can also protect the internal mechanical structure of the hinge assembly from the influence of the external environment. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, 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 the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 A top view of an embodiment of the hinge assembly provided by this utility model in a folded state;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly along line MM;

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0027] Figure 4 A top view of an embodiment of the hinge assembly provided by this utility model in the unfolded state;

[0028] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Exploded view of the hinge assembly in the image;

[0029] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of a section at point B.

[0030] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0031] 10. Hinge assembly; 100. First fixed seat; 200. Second fixed seat; 300. Link assembly; 400. Protective component; 110. Inner fixed seat; 111. First body part; 112. First flange; 120. Outer fixed seat; 121. First mounting part; 122. Second mounting part; 310. First connecting rod; 320. Second connecting rod; 330. Third connecting rod; 331. Second body part; 332. Second flange; 340. Clearance; 350. Shaft hole; 351. Stepped surface; 410. Axle projection; 411. First connecting part; 412. Second connecting part; 413. Locking protrusion.

[0032] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0034] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0035] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0036] This utility model proposes a hinge assembly 10.

[0037] Please see Figures 1 to 4In one embodiment of this utility model, the hinge assembly 10 is applied to a refrigerator. The hinge assembly 10 includes a first fixed seat 100, a second fixed seat 200, a connecting rod assembly 300, and a protective member 400. The first fixed seat 100 is used to install on the door of the refrigerator; the second fixed seat 200 is used to install on the refrigerator body; the connecting rod assembly 300 includes a first connecting rod 310, a second connecting rod 320, and a third connecting rod 330. The two ends of the first connecting rod 310 are rotatably connected to the first fixed seat 100 and the third connecting rod 330, respectively, and the two ends of the second connecting rod 320 are rotatably connected to the first fixed seat 100 and the third connecting rod 330, respectively. The first fixed seat 100 is rotatably connected to the second fixed seat 200, allowing the first fixed seat 100 to rotate relative to the second fixed seat 200. The first connecting rod 310 and the second connecting rod 320 are spaced apart. The hinge assembly 10 has an unfolded state where the first fixed seat 100 is away from and unfolded relative to the third connecting rod 330, and a folded state where it is folded to one side of the third connecting rod 330. In the unfolded state, a gap 340 is formed between the first connecting rod 310 and the second connecting rod 320. The two ends of the protective member 400 are rotatably connected to the first fixed seat 100 and the third connecting rod 330, respectively, and the protective member 400 covers the gap 340.

[0038] Specifically, the first fixing seat 100 is used to connect with the refrigerator door, and the second fixing seat 200 is used to install on the refrigerator body. The first fixing seat 100 is rotatably connected to the second fixing seat 200 through the connecting rod assembly 300, so that the refrigerator door can rotate relative to the refrigerator body, thereby realizing the opening and closing function of the refrigerator door and ensuring the normal opening and closing of the refrigerator door.

[0039] The linkage assembly 300 includes a first link 310, a second link 320, and a third link 330. The first link 310 and the second link 320 are respectively connected to the first fixed base 100 and the third link 330, while the third link 330 is connected to the second fixed base 200. The first link 310, the second link 320, and the third link 330, along with the first fixed base 100, form a four-bar linkage through a rotatable connection, providing a stable motion path and controlling the opening angle and closing torque of the refrigerator door. When the refrigerator door is closed, the first fixed base 100 folds to one side of the third link 330, and the hinge assembly 10 is in a folded state to reduce the space occupied by the hinge assembly 10. When the refrigerator door is opened, there is a certain distance between the first fixed base 100 and the third link 330, and the door is in an unfolded state. At this time, a certain gap 340 is formed between the first link 310 and the second link 320, which can easily pinch fingers that accidentally stick inside.

[0040] The protective component 400 is rotatably connected to the first fixed base 100 and the third connecting rod 330 at both ends. During the opening and closing of the refrigerator door, the protective component 400 can rotate relative to the first fixed base 100 and the third connecting rod 330, and can cover the gap 340 between the first connecting rod 310 and the second connecting rod 320 when the refrigerator door is open. This not only improves the appearance quality of the hinge assembly 10, but also prevents fingers from accidentally entering the gap 340, avoiding finger injuries caused by the first connecting rod 310 and the second connecting rod 320 during the opening and closing of the refrigerator door, thereby improving the safety of the hinge assembly 10. At the same time, it can also prevent foreign objects from entering the gap 340 between the first connecting rod 310 and the second connecting rod 320, causing damage to the hinge assembly 10 or hindering the normal opening and closing of the refrigerator door.

[0041] The technical solution of this utility model is to provide a protective member 400 that is rotatably connected to the first fixed seat 100 and the third connecting rod 330. The protective member 400 can cover the gap 340 between the first connecting rod 310 and the second connecting rod 320 when the hinge assembly 10 is in the unfolded state. The provision of the protective member 400 not only improves the appearance of the product, but also improves the safety of the hinge assembly 10, preventing users from accidentally pinching their fingers during use. At the same time, it can also protect the internal mechanical structure of the hinge assembly 10 from the influence of the external environment.

[0042] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 The protective component 400 has axle protrusions 410 at both ends in its extension direction. The first fixed seat 100 and the third connecting rod 330 are respectively provided with shaft holes 350 corresponding to the axle protrusions 410. The axle protrusions 410 extend into the shaft holes 350. The extension line of the connecting line of the two shaft holes 350 extends in the same direction as the first connecting rod 310 and the second connecting rod 320.

[0043] The protective component 400 has axle protrusions 410 at both ends in its extending direction. Correspondingly, the first fixed seat 100 and the third connecting rod 330 have shaft holes 350. One axle protrusion 410 extends into the shaft hole 350 of the first fixed seat 100, and the other axle protrusion 410 extends into the shaft hole 350 of the third connecting rod 330. The size and shape of the shaft hole 350 match the axle protrusion 410, ensuring smooth insertion and rotation of the axle protrusion 410. The protective component 400 can rotate within a certain range, thus achieving a rotatable connection between the protective component 400 and the first fixed seat 100 and the third connecting rod 330 to accommodate the opening and closing of the door. The fit between the axle protrusion 410 and the shaft hole 350 simplifies the installation process of the protective component 400; it only requires aligning the axle protrusion 410 with the shaft hole 350 and inserting it, eliminating the need for additional fasteners and reducing assembly difficulty and cost. The smooth surfaces of the axle 410 and the shaft hole 350 can reduce friction during relative movement, reduce wear, and thus extend the service life of the guard 400 and the hinge assembly 10.

[0044] The extension line connecting the centers of the two shaft holes 350 is aligned with the extension direction of the first connecting rod 310 and the second connecting rod 320, ensuring that their direction of movement is consistent with the direction of movement of the connecting rod assembly 300. The distance between the centers of the two shaft holes 350 remains constant during the opening and closing of the refrigerator door, ensuring that the protective component 400 maintains synchronous movement with the connecting rod assembly 300 during the opening and closing of the refrigerator door, without interference or offset. The protective component 400 can naturally unfold and retract with the opening and closing of the door, ensuring that the protective component 400 always covers the gap 340 between the first connecting rod 310 and the second connecting rod 320, preventing foreign objects from entering or fingers from being pinched, thus improving the safety and aesthetics of the hinge assembly 10.

[0045] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6 The outer peripheral wall of the axle 410 is provided with a retaining protrusion 413, which engages with the shaft hole 350.

[0046] A locking protrusion 413 is located on the outer peripheral wall of the axle protrusion 410 and is used to engage with the shaft hole 350. It can engage with the edge of the shaft hole 350 or with the inner wall of the shaft hole 350 to prevent the axle protrusion 410 from dislodging from the shaft hole 350, ensuring the secure installation of the protective component 400. The locking protrusion 413 is made of a material with a certain degree of elasticity. It can deform during installation, return to its original shape after entering the shaft hole 350, and lock firmly into the shaft hole 350. The elastic deformation of the locking protrusion 413 makes the installation process simple and quick, requiring no additional tools or fasteners, reducing assembly difficulty and cost. The engagement of the locking protrusion 413 with the shaft hole 350 ensures that the protective component 400 will not easily detach from the first fixed seat 100 or the third connecting rod 330, providing high reliability.

[0047] In other embodiments, the axle 410 can be magnetically connected to the shaft hole 350. The axle 410 is configured as a first magnetic element, and a second magnetic element is provided in the shaft hole 350 for magnetic connection with it.

[0048] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 3 The inner wall of the shaft hole 350 is provided with a stepped surface 351, and the locking protrusion 413 is matched with the stepped surface 351 for limiting.

[0049] The stepped surface 351 is formed on the inner peripheral wall of the shaft hole 350, serving as a limiting surface to engage with the locking protrusion 413. This ensures that the locking protrusion 413 accurately engages and remains fixed after entering the shaft hole 350, preventing the protective component 400 from easily detaching from the first fixed seat 100 or the third connecting rod 330, thus providing high reliability. The locking protrusion 413 and the stepped surface 351 are matched and fitted, allowing the locking protrusion 413 to be housed within the shaft hole 350 without protruding beyond the edge of the shaft hole 350, thus avoiding interference or wear between the locking protrusion 413 and other structures of the hinge assembly 10.

[0050] In other embodiments, the snap-fit ​​413 may also be engaged with the edge of the shaft hole 350.

[0051] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 3 The step surface 351 is set at an angle.

[0052] When the locking protrusion 413 enters the shaft hole 350, it is temporarily compressed through elastic deformation, allowing it to pass smoothly through the entrance of the shaft hole 350. When the locking protrusion 413 reaches the inclined stepped surface 351, it gradually returns to its original shape and tightly engages with the inclined stepped surface 351, forming a limiting structure to prevent the shaft protrusion 410 from coming out or moving along the axial direction of the shaft hole 350. The inclined design of the stepped surface 351 helps guide the locking protrusion 413 into and out of the shaft hole 350 and reduces the force required for disassembly and assembly, making the disassembly and assembly process smoother.

[0053] In other embodiments, the stepped surface 351 may also be a straight surface that extends parallel to the plate surface of the protective member 400.

[0054] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6 The axle 410 includes a first connecting part 411 and a second connecting part 412. The first connecting part 411 and the second connecting part 412 are spaced apart on the protective member 400 along the circumferential direction of the shaft hole 350 and abut against the inner wall of the shaft hole 350. The locking protrusion 413 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the first connecting part 411 and engages with the shaft hole 350. The end of the first connecting part 411 with the locking protrusion 413 can undergo elastic deformation along the radial direction of the shaft hole 350.

[0055] The first connecting portion 411 and the second connecting portion 412 provide support and guidance to ensure the stable rotation of the axle 410 within the shaft hole 350. The first connecting portion 411 engages with the shaft hole 350 via a locking protrusion 413 on its outer peripheral wall to prevent the axle 410 from dislodging. The end of the first connecting portion 411 with the locking protrusion 413 can elastically deform radially along the shaft hole 350, allowing the locking protrusion 413 to smoothly enter and lock into the shaft hole 350 during installation. The first connecting portion 411 has the locking protrusion 413, while the second connecting portion 412 does not, resulting in a larger space for elastic deformation between the second connecting portion 412 and the first connecting portion 411, making elastic deformation easier and thus facilitating the installation of the protective component 400. In other embodiments, both the outer walls of the first connecting portion 411 and the second connecting portion 412 are provided with locking protrusions 413.

[0056] The second connecting portion 412 and the first connecting portion 411 are spaced apart circumferentially along the shaft hole 350, forming a double-point support. This further improves the positioning accuracy and rotational stability of the axle protrusion 410 within the shaft hole 350, avoiding deflection or instability that may be caused by single-point support. The spaced arrangement of the second connecting portion 412 and the first connecting portion 411 facilitates elastic deformation of these portions during installation, making it easier for the axle protrusion 410 to be inserted into the shaft hole 350 for installation. In other embodiments, the first connecting portion 411 and the second connecting portion 412 can be integrated, making the axle protrusion 410 cylindrical or columnar.

[0057] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6 The length of the second connecting part 412 in the axial direction of the shaft hole 350 is less than the length of the first connecting part 411.

[0058] The first connecting portion 411 is longer in the axial direction of the shaft hole 350, providing a larger contact area and more stable support for the locking protrusion 413. It also enhances the friction with the inner wall of the shaft hole 350, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the support. The second connecting portion 412 is shorter in the axial direction of the shaft hole 350, reducing material usage, lowering costs, and also reducing the overall weight, making the hinge assembly 10 lighter. Despite its shorter length, the second connecting portion 412 still ensures stable rotation of the axle protrusion 410 within the shaft hole 350.

[0059] In other embodiments, the first connecting portion 411 and the second connecting portion 412 have the same length in the axial direction of the shaft hole 350.

[0060] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 6 The first connecting portion 411 and / or the second connecting portion 412 are arc-shaped.

[0061] The arc-shaped design of the first connecting part 411 and the second connecting part 412 allows for a closer fit between their contact surfaces within the shaft hole 350, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the support. The arc-shaped surface better disperses stress, reduces localized stress concentration, and extends service life. During elastic deformation, the arc-shaped structure distributes the deformation force more evenly, making it easier for the locking protrusion 413 to enter and lock into the shaft hole 350.

[0062] In other embodiments, the first connecting portion 411 and / or the second connecting portion 412 are elongated.

[0063] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 5The first fixed base 100 includes a first body portion 111 and first flanges 112 disposed on opposite sides of the first body portion 111. The third connecting rod 330 includes a second body portion 331 and second flanges 332 disposed on opposite sides of the second body portion 331. The first body portion 111, the first flanges 112, the second body portion 331 and the second flanges 332 form a receiving space. The first connecting rod 310 and the second connecting rod 320 are received in the receiving space and connected to the first flanges 112 and the second flanges 332. The protective member 400 is disposed outside the receiving space and connected to the first flanges 112 and the second flanges 332.

[0064] The first body portion 111, the first flange 112, the second body portion 331, and the second flange 332 together form a receiving space to accommodate the first connecting rod 310 and the second connecting rod 320. This receiving space not only protects the first connecting rod 310 and the second connecting rod 320, reducing the impact of the external environment on them, but also makes the entire hinge assembly 10 more compact and aesthetically pleasing. A protective member 400 is located outside the receiving space, covering the space between the first flange 112 and the second flange 332, and is connected to the first flange 112 and the second flange 332 via axle protrusions 410 at both ends. This ensures that the protective member 400 always covers the gap 340 between the connecting rods during door opening and closing, providing both protection and aesthetics. The first flange 112 increases the structural strength of the first fixing seat 100, and the second flange 332 increases the structural strength of the third connecting rod 330, preventing deformation or damage to the first fixing seat 100 and the third connecting rod 330 during frequent use. The first flange 112 and the second flange 332 make the installation of the protective component 400, the first connecting rod 310 and the second connecting rod 320 more convenient, reduce alignment difficulties and improve assembly efficiency. Moreover, the shaft hole 350 is opened on the first flange 112 and the second flange 332, making machining more convenient.

[0065] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 5 The first fixing seat 100 includes a separate inner fixing seat 110 and an outer fixing seat 120. The inner fixing seat 110 includes a first body part 111 and a first flange 112. The outer fixing seat 120 includes a first mounting part 121 and a second mounting part 122 that are bent and connected. The first mounting part 121 is disposed opposite to the first body part 111 and connected to the first body part 111. The second mounting part 122 is disposed on the outside of the first flange 112.

[0066] The inner fixing seat 110 includes a first body portion 111 and a first flange 112. The inner fixing seat 110 is used to connect with the protective member 400, the first connecting rod 310, and the second connecting rod 320. The outer fixing seat 120 includes a first mounting portion 121 and a second mounting portion 122 that are bent together. The first mounting portion 121 is disposed opposite to and connected to the first body portion 111. The function of the first mounting portion 121 is to firmly combine the inner fixing seat 110 and the outer fixing seat 120 together, ensuring a tight fit between the two. The second mounting portion 122 is located on the outside of the first flange 112 to further enhance the stability and aesthetics of the structure. The second mounting portion 122 can also provide additional mounting points, allowing the entire first fixing seat 100 to be more firmly fixed to the refrigerator door. The first mounting portion 121 and the second mounting portion 122 are bent together, allowing the outer fixing seat 120 to better conform to the shape of the refrigerator door, improving the convenience and aesthetics of installation. The bending design also increases the structural strength of the outer fixing seat 120, preventing deformation during use. The separate design of the inner fixing seat 110 and the outer fixing seat 120 allows each part to focus on a specific function: the inner fixing seat 110 is responsible for connecting to the connecting rod assembly 300, and the outer fixing seat 120 is responsible for fixing to the refrigerator door, thereby improving the overall structural strength. The separate design allows the inner fixing seat 110 and the outer fixing seat 120 to be manufactured separately, reducing processing difficulty, and they can also be installed separately, reducing alignment difficulties and improving assembly efficiency.

[0067] In one embodiment, the protective component 400 is integrally injection molded.

[0068] In one embodiment, the protective component 400 is made of materials such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and ABS resin. These materials have good mechanical properties, chemical corrosion resistance, and impact resistance, and possess a certain degree of elasticity, allowing the first connecting part 411, the second connecting part 412, and the locking protrusion 413 to undergo elastic deformation during installation. The protective component 400 is injection molded as a single piece, without seams or splicing points, avoiding structural failures caused by weak seams. It can easily achieve complex geometric shapes and fine structural details, such as the first connecting part 411, the second connecting part 412, and the locking protrusion 413, without additional processing steps. Multiple functional components, such as the first connecting part 411, the second connecting part 412, and the locking protrusion 413, can be integrated in a single molding process, reducing subsequent assembly steps and improving production efficiency.

[0069] In one embodiment, the first fixing base 100 is made of metal.

[0070] The first fixing seat 100 can be made of metal materials such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or galvanized steel. The inner fixing seat 110 and the outer fixing seat 120 can be made of the same metal material or different metal materials. Metal materials have high rigidity and strength, and can withstand greater forces and stresses, ensuring that the first fixing seat 100 will not deform or be damaged during long-term use. The high rigidity of the metal material allows the first fixing seat 100 to remain stable when subjected to external impacts or vibrations, reducing the risk of loosening or falling off and improving overall reliability. The metal first fixing seat 100 can be manufactured through processes such as stamping, casting, and machine tool processing to ensure dimensional accuracy and consistency, meeting the requirements of high-precision installation.

[0071] In other embodiments, the first mounting base 100 may also be made of high-strength engineering plastic.

[0072] This utility model also proposes a refrigerator, which includes a hinge assembly 10. The specific structure of the hinge assembly 10 is as described in the above embodiments. Since this refrigerator adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0073] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly for use in a refrigerator, characterized in that, The hinge assembly includes: The first fixing seat is used for installation on the door of the refrigerator; The second mounting bracket is used for installation on the refrigerator body; A linkage assembly includes a first link, a second link, and a third link. The two ends of the first link are rotatably connected to the first fixed seat and the third link, respectively. The two ends of the second link are rotatably connected to the first fixed seat and the third link, respectively. The third link is rotatably connected to the second fixed seat, so that the first fixed seat can rotate relative to the second fixed seat. The first link and the second link are spaced apart, and the hinge assembly has an unfolded state in which the first fixing seat is away from and unfolded relative to the third link, and a folded state in which it is folded to one side of the third link. In the unfolded state, a gap is formed between the first link and the second link. The protective component has two ends that are rotatably connected to the first fixed base and the third connecting rod, respectively, and the protective component covers the gap.

2. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The protective component has axle protrusions at both ends in its extension direction. The first fixing seat and the third connecting rod are respectively provided with shaft holes corresponding to the axle protrusions. The axle protrusions extend into the shaft holes. The extension line of the connecting line of the two shaft holes extends in the same direction as the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod.

3. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The outer peripheral wall of the axon is provided with a locking protrusion, which engages with the shaft hole.

4. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The inner wall of the shaft hole is provided with a stepped surface, and the locking protrusion is matched with the stepped surface for limiting.

5. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, The stepped surface is inclined.

6. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The axle includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are spaced apart on the protective member along the circumferential direction of the shaft hole and abut against the inner wall of the shaft hole. The locking protrusion is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the first connecting portion and engages with the shaft hole. The first connecting portion can undergo elastic deformation along the radial direction of the shaft hole at the end where the locking protrusion is provided.

7. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The length of the second connecting part in the axial direction of the shaft hole is less than the length of the first connecting part.

8. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The first connecting portion and / or the second connecting portion are arc-shaped.

9. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first fixing base includes a first body portion and first flanges disposed on opposite sides of the first body portion. The third connecting rod includes a second body portion and second flanges disposed on opposite sides of the second body portion. The first body portion, the first flange, the second body portion, and the second flange form a receiving space. The first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are received within the receiving space and connected to the first flange and the second flange. The protective member is disposed outside the receiving space and connected to the first flange and the second flange.

10. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The first fixing seat includes a separate inner fixing seat and an outer fixing seat. The inner fixing seat includes the first body part and the first flange. The outer fixing seat includes a first mounting part and a second mounting part that are bent and connected. The first mounting part is disposed opposite to the first body part and connected to the first body part. The second mounting part is disposed on the outside of the first flange.

11. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The protective component is injection molded as a single piece; And / or, the first fixing base is made of metal.

12. A refrigerator, characterized in that, Includes the hinge assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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