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, the refrigerator comprises a refrigerator body and a door body rotationally arranged on the refrigerator body, the hinge assembly comprises a hinge seat and a bridging piece, the hinge seat comprises a mounting seat and a hinge shaft arranged on the mounting seat, and the mounting seat is provided with a mounting position used for being connected with the refrigerator body; the bridging piece comprises a rotating part and a mounting part which are connected, the rotating part is rotationally connected with the hinge shaft, a mounting hole for mounting the mounting part is formed in the end face of the door body, and the mounting part is arranged on the side, close to the mounting position, of the hinge shaft. According to the technical scheme, the hinge shaft and the door body are connected through the bridging piece, and the mounting part is arranged on the side, close to the mounting position, of the hinge shaft, so that the refrigerator can achieve the structural design that the handle is transversely pulled through on the premise that the original rotating path of the door body is kept, and the manufacturing cost of the refrigerator is reduced.

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] A refrigerator consists of a cabinet and a door, with the door rotatably connected to the cabinet via hinges. A refrigerator with an upper and lower door typically has a central hinge on the central beam of the cabinet. This central hinge has two opposing hinge shafts: one protruding upwards is rotatably inserted into a mounting hole on the lower end face of the upper door, and the other protruding downwards is rotatably inserted into a mounting hole on the upper end face of the lower door.

[0003] Existing refrigerators typically place the mounting holes at the corners where the front and side of the door intersect. This ensures that the door's rotation path for opening and closing meets design requirements: firstly, to allow the door to open to a maximum of 120° to 130°, thus meeting the need for a large opening angle; secondly, to ensure that when the door is opened to 90°, its front does not extend beyond the side of the refrigerator, or the extension is not excessive, thereby preventing the door from failing to open properly in situations where the side space of the refrigerator is limited (i.e., the gap between the refrigerator's side and obstacles such as walls is very small).

[0004] For refrigerators with handles on the front of the door, taking the lower handle on the bottom door as an example, this lower handle is usually located near the upper surface of the bottom door. Because the mounting holes and the hinge pins within them are close to the front of the bottom door, a horizontally continuous handle design is not possible, meaning the handle cannot have a straight shape. Using an irregularly shaped handle to avoid the hinge pin mounting holes would increase the overall material and manufacturing costs of the refrigerator. Utility Model Content

[0005] The main purpose of this invention is to propose a hinge assembly and a refrigerator, which aims to enable the refrigerator to achieve a horizontally sliding handle structure while ensuring that the door maintains its original rotation path, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the refrigerator.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a hinge assembly applied to a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising a cabinet and a door rotatably disposed on the cabinet, the hinge assembly comprising:

[0007] A hinge base includes a mounting base and a hinge shaft disposed on the mounting base, the mounting base having a mounting position for connecting the housing; and

[0008] A bridging component includes a rotating part and a mounting part connected to each other. The rotating part is rotatably connected to the hinge shaft. The end face of the door body is provided with a mounting hole for mounting the mounting part. The mounting part is located on the side of the hinge shaft near the mounting position.

[0009] In one embodiment, the mounting part is plate-shaped, with the plate surface extending along the axial direction of the hinge shaft and arranged parallel to the front of the door body.

[0010] In one embodiment, the rotating part is provided with a plate-like structure, and the plate surface of the rotating part intersects with the plate surface of the mounting part.

[0011] In one embodiment, the rotating part and the mounting part are integrally formed by stamping.

[0012] In one embodiment, the portion of the mounting part that inserts into the mounting hole has a first hole, and the first hole is connected to the door body by a fastener.

[0013] In one embodiment, the rotating part is provided with a rotating hole for the hinge shaft to be rotatably inserted.

[0014] In one embodiment, the mounting base includes an intersecting first plate portion and a second plate portion, the mounting position is disposed on the first plate portion, and the second plate portion has the hinge shaft on a side edge away from the first plate portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, the mounting position includes at least two second holes spaced apart on the first plate portion, the second holes being connected to the housing by fasteners.

[0016] In one embodiment, the mounting part is provided in a columnar structure and has a threaded section, and the mounting part is screwed to the mounting hole through the threaded section.

[0017] In one embodiment, the mounting part is configured as a snap-fit ​​and engages with the mounting hole.

[0018] This utility model also proposes a refrigerator, including the aforementioned hinge assembly.

[0019] In one embodiment, the door body includes an upper door body and a lower door body, the housing is provided with a central beam located between the upper door body and the lower door body, the hinge assembly is installed on the central beam, and at least one bridging member is provided, with at least one of the bridging members installed on the upper door body or the lower door body.

[0020] In one embodiment, two hinge shafts and one-to-one bridging members are provided and installed, with one bridging member installed on the lower door body and the other bridging member installed on the upper door body.

[0021] In one embodiment, the mounting base includes an intersecting first plate portion and a second plate portion. The first plate portion is used to mount the door body, and the second plate portion has the hinge shaft on its side edge away from the first plate portion. The second plate portion has a snap-fit ​​notch for a buckle on the upper door body to engage, so as to secure the upper door body in a closed state.

[0022] In one embodiment, the door body includes a door body and an end cap, the end cap being disposed on the end face of the door body, and the mounting hole being disposed on the end cap.

[0023] In one embodiment, the end cap includes a cap body and a handle, the mounting hole is provided in the cap body, and the handle is connected to the side edge of the cap body away from the hinge assembly and at least partially protrudes from the front of the cap body.

[0024] The technical solution of this utility model connects the hinge shaft and the door body through a bridging component. Since the mounting part is located on the side of the hinge shaft near the mounting position, when the hinge assembly is installed in the refrigerator and the door is closed, the mounting part is located on the side of the hinge shaft near the refrigerator body and on the side of the hinge shaft near the back of the door body. Therefore, during the design phase, while ensuring that the position of the hinge shaft axis relative to the front of the door body remains unchanged, the mounting hole on the door body can be moved a certain distance towards the refrigerator body (i.e., towards the back of the door body), increasing the distance between the mounting hole and the front of the door body, thus providing sufficient design space for the handle on the front of the door body. Therefore, compared to refrigerators with irregularly shaped handle designs, the hinge assembly of this utility model allows the mounting hole on the door body to be moved backward to provide sufficient design space while ensuring that the door body maintains its original rotation path, enabling the refrigerator to achieve a horizontally sliding handle structure design, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the refrigerator. Attached Figure Description

[0025] 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.

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the refrigerator provided by this utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the connection between the central hinge assembly and the end cap;

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Exploded view;

[0029] Figure 4 for Figure 2 The main view;

[0030] Figure 5 for Figure 2 Side view;

[0031] Figure 6 for Figure 2 Top view.

[0032] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0033] 10. Hinge assembly; 20. Housing; 30. Door; 40. End cap; 100. Mounting base; 200. Hinge shaft; 300. Bridging component; 110. First plate; 111. Second hole; 120. Second plate; 121. Snap-fit ​​notch; 310. Rotating part; 311. Rotating hole; 320. Mounting part; 321. First hole; 410. Cover body; 411. Mounting hole; 420. Handle.

[0034] 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

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] This utility model proposes a hinge assembly 10.

[0039] Please see Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment of this utility model, the hinge assembly 10 is applied to a refrigerator, which includes a cabinet 20 and a door 30 rotatably disposed on the cabinet 20. The hinge assembly 10 includes a hinge seat and a bridging member 300. The hinge seat includes a mounting base 100 and a hinge shaft 200 disposed on the mounting base 100. The mounting base 100 is provided with a mounting position for connecting the cabinet 20 (see reference). Figure 3 The second hole 111 in the middle); the bridging member 300 includes a rotating part 310 and a mounting part 320 connected to each other. The rotating part 310 is rotatably connected to the hinge shaft 200. The end face of the door body 30 is provided with a mounting hole 411 for mounting the mounting part 320. The mounting part 320 is located on the side of the hinge shaft 200 near the mounting position.

[0040] The hinge assembly 10 in this solution is not limited to use in the middle hinge, but can also be applied to the upper hinge or lower hinge, etc. To facilitate understanding of the solution, the following explanation will take the application of the hinge assembly 10 in the middle hinge as an example.

[0041] Specifically, the hinge base is used to fix the refrigerator body 20, and the bridging component 300 is used to connect the door body 30 and the hinge base. The door body 30 is rotatably connected to the refrigerator body 20 through the hinge assembly 10, so that the door body 30 can rotate relative to the refrigerator body 20, thereby realizing the opening and closing function of the door body 30 and ensuring the normal opening and closing of the door body 30.

[0042] The rotating part 310 achieves rotation through its cooperation with the hinge shaft 200, allowing the door 30 to open and close around the hinge shaft 200. Since the mounting part 320 is located on the side of the hinge shaft 200 near the mounting position, when the hinge assembly 10 is installed in the refrigerator and the door 30 is closed, the mounting part 320 is located on the side of the hinge shaft closer to the refrigerator body 20, and also on the side of the hinge shaft closer to the back of the door 30. Therefore, during the design phase, while ensuring that the position of the axis of the hinge shaft 200 relative to the front of the door 30 remains unchanged, the mounting hole 411 on the door 30 can be moved a certain distance towards the refrigerator body 20 (i.e., towards the back of the door 30) to increase the distance between the mounting hole 411 and the front of the door 30, thereby providing sufficient design space for the handle 420 on the front of the door 30. Therefore, compared with refrigerators that use irregular handles 420, the hinge assembly 10 of this utility model can allow the mounting holes 411 on the door 30 to be moved backward to make room for sufficient design space while ensuring that the door 30 maintains its original rotation path. This allows the refrigerator to achieve a horizontally continuous handle structure design, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the refrigerator.

[0043] In one embodiment, the mounting part 320 is plate-shaped, the plate surface of the mounting part 320 extends along the axial direction of the hinge shaft 200 and is arranged parallel to the front of the door body 30, and the mounting part 320 is used to insert into the mounting hole 411 on the end face of the door body 30.

[0044] It should be noted that the front of the door 30 is the side facing the user when the refrigerator is in normal use; the end face of the door 30 includes the upper end face and the lower end face in the height direction of the door 30; the parallelism between the plate surface of the mounting part 320 and the front of the door 30 means that the two are parallel or approximately parallel.

[0045] In this embodiment, the hinge shaft 200 of the hinge assembly 10 is indirectly installed on the end face of the door body 30 via the mounting part 320. Since the plate surface of the mounting part 320 is parallel to the front of the door body 30, it means that the thickness direction of the mounting part 320 is parallel to the thickness direction of the door body 30. The mounting part 320 is plate-shaped, and the shape of the mounting hole 320 is adapted to the shape of the mounting part 411. As a result, the width of the mounting hole 411 is small, and the space it occupies on the end face of the door body 30 is small. This reduces the installation space requirements of the hinge assembly 10 on the door body 30, especially the installation space requirements in the thickness direction of the door body 30, which is conducive to achieving a thinner and lighter design of the door body 30. At the same time, since the space occupied by the mounting hole 411 on the end face of the door body 30 is small, the space of the handle 420 on the end face of the door body 30 is effectively increased, which is more conducive to realizing the lateral pull-through design of the handle 420.

[0046] In another embodiment, the mounting portion 320 is provided with a columnar structure and a threaded section, and the mounting portion 320 is screwed into the mounting hole 411 through the threaded section. The mounting hole 411 is configured as a threaded hole. By using the columnar mounting portion 320 to screw into the mounting hole 411, a more stable connection can be provided, reducing the possibility of loosening or displacement of the door body 30 during long-term use. Moreover, the screwed connection between the mounting portion 320 and the mounting hole 411 simplifies the assembly method and improves the assembly efficiency of the bridging component 300 and the door body 30.

[0047] In another embodiment, the mounting part 320 is configured as a snap-fit ​​and snaps into the mounting hole 411. The mounting part 320 and the mounting hole 411 are installed by snap-fit, which makes installation faster and easier to operate, without the need for additional tools or fasteners. This can greatly simplify the connection process between the door body 30 and the bridging member 300, thereby improving the overall assembly efficiency.

[0048] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 3 The rotating part 310 is provided with a plate-shaped structure, and the plate surface of the rotating part 310 intersects with the plate surface of the mounting part 320.

[0049] The bridging member 300 is generally L-shaped. The rotating part 310 is plate-shaped to provide a larger contact area for rotatable connection with the hinge shaft 200, while also helping to distribute stress, making the door 30 more stable during opening and closing. The plate surface of the rotating part 310 intersects with the plate surface of the mounting part 320, allowing the hinge shaft 200 to pass through the rotating part 310, while the mounting part 320 can extend along the axial direction of the hinge shaft 200, thereby enabling the bridging member 300 to connect with the hinge seat and the door 30.

[0050] In other embodiments, the rotating part 310 is block-shaped, and the mounting part 320 is provided on one side of the rotating part 310 and is located near the center of the rotating part 310.

[0051] In one embodiment, the rotating part 310 and the mounting part 320 are integrally formed by stamping.

[0052] The entire bridging component 300 is formed from a single material block through a stamping process. There are no additional connection points or seams between the rotating part 310 and the mounting part 320, which not only simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces manufacturing costs, but also improves the overall strength and durability of the bridging component 300. This makes the connection between the rotating part 310 and the mounting part 320 more robust and able to withstand greater stress without being easily damaged.

[0053] In other embodiments, the rotating part 310 and the mounting part 320 are connected by welding.

[0054] In one implementation, please refer to Figures 1 to 3The mounting part 320 is provided with a first hole 321, which is connected to the door body 30 by fasteners.

[0055] The position and size of the first hole 321 are precisely designed according to actual needs to ensure accurate alignment with the corresponding position on the door body 30. Fasteners pass through the first hole 321 and are screwed into the pre-drilled threaded hole inside the door body 30 or used with a corresponding nut, allowing the mounting part 320 to be securely inserted into the mounting hole 411. This ensures a firm connection between the mounting part 320 and the door body 30, preventing loosening or detachment due to daily door opening and closing. The mounting part 320 is fixedly connected to the door body 30 via fasteners passing through the first hole 321, making the installation process simple and quick. Simultaneously, it facilitates rapid disassembly when maintenance or replacement of parts is required, reducing maintenance difficulty and time costs.

[0056] In other embodiments, the mounting part 320 is magnetically connected, snap-fitted, or interference-fitted to the mounting hole 411.

[0057] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 3 The rotating part 310 is provided with a rotating hole 311, which is used for the hinge shaft 200 to be rotatably inserted.

[0058] The diameter of the rotating hole 311 is slightly larger than the diameter of the hinge shaft 200 to maintain an appropriate gap between the rotating hole 311 and the hinge shaft 200. This ensures that the hinge shaft 200 can be smoothly inserted and that the mounting part 320 can rotate smoothly relative to the hinge shaft 200. This guarantees flexibility of movement while reducing wear caused by excessive tight contact, thus extending service life. The rotational fit between the rotating hole 311 and the hinge shaft 200 ensures smooth operation of the door 30 during opening and closing, avoiding operational inconvenience caused by jamming or excessive friction.

[0059] In other embodiments, the rotating part 310 is cylindrical, sleeved on the outer periphery of the hinge shaft 200, and is capable of rotating relative to the hinge shaft 200.

[0060] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 3 The mounting base 100 includes an intersecting first plate portion 110 and a second plate portion 120. The mounting position is located on the first plate portion 110, and the second plate portion 120 has a hinge shaft 200 on its side edge away from the first plate portion 110.

[0061] The mounting base 100 is generally L-shaped. The first plate portion 110 and the second plate portion 120 are perpendicular to each other or intersect at a certain angle, which more effectively disperses the force, improves the structural strength of the mounting base 100, and improves the stability of the connection between the mounting base 100 and the housing 20. The first plate portion 110 is used to be directly fixed to the housing 20; the second plate portion 120 has a hinge shaft 200 on its side away from the first plate portion 110.

[0062] In other embodiments, the mounting base 100 further includes a third plate portion spaced apart from the second plate portion 120. The mounting base 100 is generally U-shaped, with the hinge shaft 200 passing through the second plate portion 120 and the third plate portion, and the rotating portion 310 disposed between the second plate portion 120 and the third plate portion.

[0063] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The mounting position includes at least two second holes 111 spaced apart on the first plate portion 110, and the second holes 111 are connected to the housing 20 by fasteners.

[0064] The first plate portion 110 is provided with at least two second holes 111, wherein at least one second hole 111 is connected to the center beam of the housing 20 by fasteners, and the other at least one second hole 111 is connected to the outer shell of the housing 20 by fasteners. The first plate portion 110 is fixed by at least two second holes 111, which increases the connection strength between the mounting base 100 and the housing 20 and ensures the overall stability of the hinge assembly 10.

[0065] In other embodiments, the first plate portion 110 is fixedly connected to the housing 20 by welding.

[0066] 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.

[0067] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 1 The door body 30 includes an upper door body and a lower door body. The housing 20 is provided with a central beam located between the upper door body and the lower door body. The hinge assembly 10 is installed on the central beam. At least one bridging member 300 is provided, and at least one bridging member 300 is installed on the upper door body or the lower door body.

[0068] The refrigerator body 20 includes an upper storage space and a lower storage space. An upper door is positioned to open or close the upper storage space; a lower door is positioned to open or close the lower storage space. A central beam is located between the upper and lower storage spaces, enhancing the overall rigidity of the refrigerator and providing an installation location for the hinge assembly 10. The hinge assembly 10 is mounted on the central beam. It can be connected to the upper or lower door by a single bridging member 300, ensuring smooth opening and closing of the upper or lower door; or it can be connected to a hinge seat by two bridging members 300, reducing the number of hinge seats required and improving space utilization.

[0069] In other embodiments, the hinge assembly 10 may also be mounted on the top or bottom of the housing 20.

[0070] In one embodiment, two hinge shafts 200 and bridging members 300 are provided and installed in a one-to-one correspondence, with one bridging member 300 installed on the lower door body and the other bridging member 300 installed on the upper door body.

[0071] Two hinge shafts 200 are respectively located on opposite sides of the second plate 120. One hinge shaft 200 is located on the upper surface of the second plate 120 and is rotatably connected to the upper door body via a bridging member 300; the other hinge shaft 200 is located on the lower surface of the second plate 120 and is rotatably connected to the lower door body via another bridging member 300. Both the upper and lower door bodies are equipped with their own bridging members 300 and hinge shafts 200, allowing them to open and close independently. Users can choose to open only a portion of the door body 30 as needed, reducing cold air loss and improving energy efficiency. The two hinge shafts 200 and two bridging members 300 are integrated into a single mounting base 100, making the hinge assembly 10 not only compact but also reducing the number of mounting bases 100 and lowering production costs.

[0072] In other embodiments, there is one hinge shaft 200 and two bridging members 300. The hinge shaft passes through the second plate portion 120. One end of the hinge shaft 200 that extends out of the upper surface of the second plate portion 120 is rotatably connected to the upper door body through one of the bridging members 300. The other end of the hinge shaft that extends out of the lower surface of the second plate portion 120 is rotatably connected to the lower door body through the other bridging member 300.

[0073] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 6 The mounting base 100 includes an intersecting first plate portion 110 and a second plate portion 120. The mounting position is located on the first plate portion 110. The second plate portion 120 has a hinge shaft 200 on its side edge away from the first plate portion 110. The second plate portion 120 has a snap-fit ​​notch 121 for the buckle on the upper door to be engaged so as to secure the upper door in the closed state.

[0074] The buckle is a component installed on the lower end face or bottom inside of the upper door. When the upper door is closed, the buckle will be inserted into the locking notch 121 to form a mechanical lock. It can fasten the upper door when it is closed, which not only helps to maintain the stability of the door 30 in the closed state, but also prevents the upper door from being opened accidentally due to accidental collisions or other external forces, and reduces wear caused by frequent opening and closing.

[0075] In other embodiments, the lower end of the upper door is provided with a slot, and the second plate 120 is provided with a buckle corresponding to the slot to secure the upper door in the closed state.

[0076] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 1 The door body 30 includes a door body and an end cover 40. The end cover 40 is located on the end face of the door body, and the mounting hole 411 is located on the end cover 40.

[0077] End cap 40 is a cover installed on the end face of the door body. It not only serves a decorative purpose, making the refrigerator's appearance more aesthetically pleasing and neat, but also serves to secure the bridging component 300. Mounting holes 411 are located on the end cap 40, avoiding the need to drill holes directly in the door body, thus simplifying the door body's manufacturing process and reducing manufacturing difficulty and cost. End cap 40 can be customized in different styles and colors according to different models or user needs, increasing product design diversity. Furthermore, for different sizes or types of door bodies 30, only the design of the end cap 40 needs to be adjusted without changing the design of the door body itself.

[0078] In other embodiments, the door body 30 includes a door body, and the mounting hole 411 is provided on the end face of the door body or on the inner side of the door body.

[0079] In one implementation, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The end cap 40 includes a cap body 410 and a handle 420. A mounting hole 411 is provided in the cap body 410, and the handle 420 is connected to the side edge of the cap body 410 away from the hinge assembly 10 and at least partially protrudes from the front of the cap body 410.

[0080] The cover body 410 covers the end face of the door body and has mounting holes 411 for connection with the bridging member 300 in the hinge assembly 10. The handle 420 is integrated into the cover body 410 and is attached to the edge of the cover body 410 away from the hinge assembly 10, and at least a portion of it protrudes from the front of the cover body 410 to make it easier for the user to grip and operate the door 30.

[0081] The handle 420 is designed with a slot and a horizontal extension. By installing the mounting part 320 of the hinge assembly 10 into the mounting hole 411 on the cover body 410, the hinge assembly 10 can allow the mounting hole 411 on the door body 30 to move backward to make room for sufficient design space while ensuring that the door body 30 maintains its original rotation path. This facilitates the horizontal extension design of the handle 420, avoids the use of irregular handle 420 design, reduces the process cost of the handle 420 parts, and thus reduces the material cost and process cost of the refrigerator.

[0082] 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 refrigerator includes a cabinet and a door rotatably disposed on the cabinet, and the hinge assembly includes: A hinge base includes a mounting base and a hinge shaft disposed on the mounting base, the mounting base having a mounting position for connecting the housing; and A bridging component includes a rotating part and a mounting part connected to each other. The rotating part is rotatably connected to the hinge shaft. The end face of the door body is provided with a mounting hole for mounting the mounting part. The mounting part is located on the side of the hinge shaft near the mounting position.

2. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting part is plate-shaped, and the plate surface of the mounting part extends along the axial direction of the hinge shaft and is arranged parallel to the front of the door body.

3. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The portion of the mounting part that inserts into the mounting hole has a first hole, and the first hole is connected to the door body by a fastener.

4. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating part is provided with a plate-shaped structure, and the plate surface of the rotating part intersects with the plate surface of the mounting part; And / or, the rotating part and the mounting part are integrally formed by stamping; And / or, the rotating part is provided with a rotating hole for the hinge shaft to be rotatably inserted.

5. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting base includes an intersecting first plate portion and a second plate portion, the mounting position is located on the first plate portion, and the second plate portion has the hinge shaft on its side edge away from the first plate portion.

6. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, The mounting position includes at least two second holes spaced apart on the first plate, the second holes being connected to the housing by fasteners.

7. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting part is provided in a columnar structure and has a threaded section. The mounting part is screwed to the mounting hole through the threaded section. Alternatively, the mounting part may be configured as a snap-fit ​​and snapped into the mounting hole.

8. A refrigerator, characterized in that, Includes the hinge assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The refrigerator as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The door body includes an upper door body and a lower door body. The housing is provided with a central beam located between the upper door body and the lower door body. The hinge assembly is installed on the central beam. At least one bridging member is provided, and at least one of the bridging members is installed on the upper door body or the lower door body.

10. The refrigerator as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The hinge shaft and the bridging component are provided in two and installed in a one-to-one correspondence. One bridging component is installed on the lower door body and the other bridging component is installed on the upper door body. And / or, the mounting base includes an intersecting first plate portion and a second plate portion, the first plate portion being used to mount on the door body, the second plate portion having the hinge shaft on a side edge away from the first plate portion, and the second plate portion having a snap-fit ​​notch for a buckle on the upper door body to engage, so as to secure the upper door body in a closed state.

11. The refrigerator as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The door body includes a door body and an end cap. The end cap is located on the end face of the door body, and the mounting hole is located on the end cap.

12. The refrigerator as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The end cap includes a cap body and a handle, the mounting hole is provided in the cap body, and the handle is connected to the side edge of the cap body away from the hinge assembly and at least partially protrudes from the front of the cap body.

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