Door closing device and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model discloses a door closing device and a refrigerator, and the door closing device comprises a hinge structure through which a refrigerator door is connected to a refrigerator body; the hinge structure is provided with a first boss structure and a clamping groove. The door closer is fixedly connected to the box door, the door closer rotates along with the box door, the door closer is matched with the hinge structure in a relatively rotating mode, a second boss structure is arranged on the door closer, and the second boss structure can elastically deform; in the rotating process of the door closer, the second boss structure at least has a first position state and a second position state; when the second boss structure is in the first position state, the second boss structure is in interference fit with the first boss structure; when the second boss structure is in the second position state, the second boss structure is clamped into the clamping groove. According to the door closing device and the refrigerator, the problems that in the prior art, a refrigerator door hovering structure of a refrigerator is complex in part assembly and high in part cost are effectively solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and more specifically, to a door closing device and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigerator doors are mainly divided into two categories: glass doors and steel doors. Mid-to-high-end refrigerators primarily use glass doors. These doors are heavy, and the door closer and hinges are designed for a seamless, flat fit. The mainstream hinges are made of bent sheet metal, which means there are dimensional tolerances in the hinge seat during manufacturing, resulting in a slight tilt angle. When the refrigerator door is open, it is in a free-moving state. If the hinge seat is tilted upwards, the door's weight prevents it from stopping at a specific angle, potentially causing it to self-close and posing a risk of injury to the user. If the hinge seat is tilted downwards, the door may open outwards, potentially colliding with cabinets, walls, or other objects, damaging its appearance.

[0003] The solutions proposed in the industry to address the above problems mainly revolve around the design of refrigerator door hinges. The problem of refrigerator doors not being able to stop is solved by using spun-type refrigerator hinges. Spun-type hinges add separate upper and lower closing parts and springs to the hinge. The springs engage the racks or steps of the upper and lower closing parts, allowing the door to stop at a specific angle. However, spun-type hinges are complex to assemble, have high component costs, and affect production efficiency.

[0004] In summary, the existing refrigerator door suspension structure suffers from problems such as complex parts assembly and high parts cost. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model provides a door closing device and a refrigerator to solve the problems of complex parts assembly and high parts cost in the existing refrigerator door suspension structure.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a door closing device, comprising: a hinge structure, wherein a door is connected to a box body via the hinge structure; the hinge structure has a first boss structure and a slot; a door closer, the door closer being fixedly connected to the door, the door closer rotating with the door, the door closer rotating relative to the hinge structure, the door closer having a second boss structure that is elastically deformable; during the rotation of the door closer, the second boss structure has at least a first position state and a second position state; in the first position state, the second boss structure is interference-fitted with the first boss structure; in the second position state, the second boss structure is engaged in the slot.

[0007] Furthermore, the top surface of the first boss structure is a plane; when the second boss structure slides on the top surface of the first boss structure, the deformation of the second boss structure is the same.

[0008] Furthermore, the first boss structure also has two inclined surfaces connected to both sides of the top surface, and the top surface of the first boss structure and the inclined surfaces have a smooth transition.

[0009] Furthermore, when the second boss structure is in the second position state, the second boss structure can be fully inserted into the slot.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes: a pivot assembly connected to the hinge structure, the door closer connected to the pivot assembly, the hinge structure having a plurality of first boss structures formed at the pivot assembly, the first boss structures being spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the pivot assembly, and the rotation axis of the door closer being collinear with the axis of the pivot assembly.

[0011] Furthermore, the hinge structure includes an upper hinge and a lower hinge. The upper hinge engages with the top of the door, and the lower hinge engages with the bottom of the door. The lower hinge is provided with a first boss structure, and the door closer is connected to the lower hinge.

[0012] Furthermore, there are multiple first boss structures and multiple slots, with the slots being arranged adjacent to the first boss structures;

[0013] The positions of the plurality of slots are configured such that when the cabinet door is opened to 90° to 95° and 130° to 140°, the second boss structure engages with the slot.

[0014] Furthermore, the top of the second boss structure is provided with ribs to increase friction.

[0015] Furthermore, the first boss structure is a separate component, and the first boss structure is detachably connected to the hinge structure;

[0016] The second boss structure is a separate component and is detachably connected to the door closer.

[0017] Furthermore, the pivot assembly includes a shaft structure and a bushing. The shaft structure is fixedly connected to the hinge structure, and the bushing is fixedly connected to the door closer. The shaft structure is rotatably inserted into the bushing, and the shaft structure and the bushing are interference-fitted.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator is provided, including the aforementioned door closing device.

[0019] This utility model's door closing device achieves door suspension through the cooperation of a hinge structure and a door closer. A second protrusion is added to the door closer. When the door rotates, the door closer rotates, causing the second protrusion to enter a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second protrusion is interference-fitted with the first protrusion on the fixed hinge structure. This interference fit provides sufficient elastic deformation and friction for the second protrusion, counteracting the door's weight and preventing free rotation, thus achieving door suspension. In the second position, the second protrusion engages in a slot, which acts as a locking mechanism, preventing the door from rotating freely and achieving door stopping and suspension. By incorporating a first protrusion and a slot on the hinge structure, and cooperating with the door closer, the door suspension effect is achieved. The door closing device of this utility model can achieve the suspension of the box door by optimizing the hinge structure and the door closer's matching structure. Compared with the complex component matching in the prior art, the door closing device of this utility model has a simple structure, direct and efficient component matching, lower component cost, and does not occupy structural space in other locations. The suspension work can be completed only in the hinge structure and door closer, which greatly improves the utilization rate of structural space. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the door closing device according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the door closing device according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge structure and the door closer of the door closing device according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge structure of the door closing device according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the door closing device according to one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the door closing device according to one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the door closing device according to one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the door closing device according to one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the door closing device according to one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the door closing device according to one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the door closing device according to one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the door closing device according to one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the door closer of the door closing device according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0033] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the door closer of the door closing device according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0034] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the door closer of the door closing device according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0035] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of the door closer of the door closing device according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0036] Figure 17 This is an exploded view of the refrigerator structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0038] See Figures 1 to 16 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a door closing device is provided, including a hinge structure 10 and a door closer 20. The door is connected to the box body through the hinge structure 10. The hinge structure 10 has a first boss structure 11 and a slot 12. The door closer 20 is fixedly connected to the door and rotates with the door. The door closer 20 and the hinge structure 10 rotate relative to each other. The door closer 20 is provided with a second boss structure 21, which is elastically deformable. During the rotation of the door closer 20, the second boss structure 21 has at least a first position state and a second position state.

[0039] When the second boss structure 21 is in the first position state, the second boss structure 21 is in an interference fit with the first boss structure 11;

[0040] When the second boss structure 21 is in the second position state, the second boss structure 21 is engaged in the slot 12.

[0041] This utility model's door closing device achieves door suspension through the cooperation of a hinge structure and a door closer. A second protrusion structure 21 is added to the door closer 20. When the door rotates, the door closer 20 rotates, causing the second protrusion structure 21 to enter a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second protrusion structure 21 is in an interference fit with the first protrusion structure on the fixed hinge structure. This interference fit provides sufficient elastic deformation and friction for the second protrusion structure of the door closer, counteracting the weight of the door and preventing free rotation, thus achieving the door suspension effect. In the second position, the second protrusion structure 21 is engaged in a slot 12. The slot 12 acts as a locking mechanism, preventing the door from rotating freely, achieving door stopping and suspension. By setting the first protrusion structure 11 and the slot 12 on the hinge structure, and cooperating with the door closer, the door suspension effect is achieved. The door closing device of this utility model can achieve the suspension of the box door by optimizing the hinge structure and the door closer's matching structure. Compared with the complex component matching in the prior art, the door closing device of this utility model has a simple structure, direct and efficient component matching, lower component cost, and does not occupy structural space in other locations. The suspension work can be completed only in the hinge structure and door closer, which greatly improves the utilization rate of structural space.

[0042] The number of the aforementioned first boss structures 11 can be multiple, and the number of the slots 12 can be at least one. The distribution and adjacency relationship of the first boss structures 11 and the slots 12 can be adjusted according to specific needs. The material of the second boss structure 21 is rubber or soft plastic, which allows for elastic deformation and provides high wear resistance.

[0043] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the top surface 11a of the first boss structure 11 is a plane; when the second boss structure 21 slides on the top surface 11a of the first boss structure 11, the deformation of the second boss structure 21 is the same.

[0044] During the movement of the second boss structure (the door drives the door closer, which in turn moves the second boss structure relative to the hinge structure), after entering the first position, the top surfaces of the second boss structure and the first boss structure 21 form an interference fit. The resulting elastic deformation and friction can counteract the weight of the door, allowing the door to hover. When the top surfaces of the second boss structure and the first boss structure are in a surface-to-surface friction and interference fit, to improve the user's experience of opening the door, the top surface 11a of the first boss structure 11 is set as a plane. This ensures that the deformation and friction of the second boss structure 21 are the same, so that the user uses a consistent rotational force when turning the door, preventing sudden inability to turn the door or inconsistent rotational force, thus improving the user experience.

[0045] Preferably, see Figure 4 The first boss structure 11 also has two inclined surfaces 11b connected to both sides of the top surface 11a, and the top surface 11a and the inclined surfaces 11b of the first boss structure 11 have a smooth transition.

[0046] When the refrigerator door is opened to a certain angle (e.g., 53.5°), the inclined surface of the second boss structure on the door closer is tangent to the inclined surface of the first boss structure of the hinge structure. See also Figure 3 At the position shown, the deformation of the second protrusion structure is relatively small, resulting in less friction during the opening of the door. This allows the user to turn the door with less force, avoiding an overly heavy feeling when opening and closing the door, thus increasing user satisfaction. The smooth transition (which can be a rounded corner) between the top surface 11a and the inclined surface 11b makes the change in friction more linear and gentle, reducing jerking and enhancing the user experience.

[0047] Combination Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, when the second boss structure 21 is in the second position state, the second boss structure 21 can be fully inserted into the slot 12.

[0048] The width of the slot 12 is greater than the width of the second protrusion structure, ensuring that when the refrigerator door is opened to a certain angle (such as 90° or more), the door can be stopped and suspended by the cooperation of the second protrusion structure and the slot, making it convenient for users to take out food.

[0049] The door closing device also includes a pivot assembly 30, which is connected to the hinge structure 10. The door closer 20 is connected to the pivot assembly 30. The hinge structure 10 has a plurality of first boss structures 11 formed at the pivot assembly 30. The first boss structures 11 are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the pivot assembly 30. The rotation axis of the door closer 20 is collinear with the axis of the pivot assembly 30.

[0050] The function of the pivot assembly 30 is to enable the door closer 20 to rotate stably around the hinge structure 10. This makes the cooperation between the second boss structure of the door closer 20 and the first boss structure more stable and the route more fixed, which facilitates the planning of the door opening angle and the selection of the door suspension angle.

[0051] Combination Figure 17 As shown, the hinge structure 10 includes an upper hinge 51 and a lower hinge 52. The upper hinge engages with the top of the door, and the lower hinge engages with the bottom of the door. A first boss structure 11 is provided on the lower hinge, and the door closer 20 is connected to the lower hinge 52.

[0052] The lower hinge is designed with a first protrusion and a slot, which engages with the door closer 20. The advantage of choosing a lower hinge is that the weight of the door is applied to it, ensuring stability and preventing wobbling during door closer 20 rotation, even with the interference fit and some friction. The lower hinge not only supports the door but also provides a door-hovering engagement with the door closer, maintaining structural stability and achieving a multi-functional design.

[0053] See Figures 6 to 12 The first boss structure 11 is multiple, the slot 12 is located in multiple positions, and the slot 12 is arranged adjacent to the first boss structure 11.

[0054] The positions of the plurality of slots 12 are configured such that when the cabinet door is opened to 90° to 95° and 130° to 140°, the second boss structure 21 engages with the slot 12.

[0055] Given that items are most frequently retrieved when the door is opened to 90° to 95° and 130° to 140°, the slot 12 is positioned to correspond to the opening angle of the door, thus improving the user experience.

[0056] The door closer's boss and the refrigerator hinge structure utilize friction and elastic deformation generated by the interference fit to overcome the door's weight, allowing the door to hover at any angle between 0° and 135°. Considering that users typically open the refrigerator door to at least 90° or to its maximum opening angle during normal use, the slots at these two specific angles are designed to prevent the door from being opened to these angles frequently and for extended periods. To avoid prolonged exposure to friction and elastic deformation, which could shorten the lifespan of the components, slots are specifically designed at these two angles. When the door is opened to these angles, the door closer's boss does not experience elastic deformation or friction, thus extending the component's lifespan.

[0057] Setting up multiple boss structures to form multiple slots can achieve hovering in multiple positions. However, due to the limitations of the assembly space and the size of the parts themselves, it is not possible to set multiple slots on the side of the parts for hovering when the overall size of the parts is relatively small. This utility model makes full use of the structural space and structural size.

[0058] In this embodiment, the opening angle and the fitting process are illustrated as follows: When the door is opened to 53.5°, the inclined surfaces of the second boss structure and the first boss structure are tangent. The top of the first boss structure is designed as a flat surface. After the door is opened to more than 53.5°, the top flat surfaces of the second boss structure and the first boss structure of the door closer are fitted together with an interference fit, providing sufficient elastic deformation and friction for the door closer to counteract the weight of the door and prevent the door from rotating freely. After the door continues to rotate 36°, the inclined surface of the second boss structure of the door closer is tangent to the other side of the first boss structure. When the door rotates more than 90°, the second boss structure stops in the groove between the first boss structures, achieving a stopping effect. When the door is opened to 97.5°, the second boss structure is tangent to another first boss structure, and the structural fit is the same as before. The refrigerator door opens at an angle greater than 97.5°. The top planes of the second boss structure and the first boss structure are interference-fitted, and the door is suspended by elastic deformation and friction. The refrigerator door opens at an angle greater than 133.5°, and the refrigerator door is stopped by a slot (the slot is formed by the edge protrusions of the first boss structure and the hinge structure) to achieve the suspension of the door.

[0059] Combination Figures 13 to 16 As shown, the top of the second boss structure 21 is provided with ribs to increase friction. The shape of the ribs can be selected and designed according to the actual structural space, and the shape and position of the second boss structure can also be selected and designed according to the actual structural space.

[0060] Preferably, the first boss structure 11 is a separate component, and the first boss structure 11 is detachably connected to the hinge structure 10;

[0061] The second boss structure 21 is a separate component and is detachably connected to the door closer 20.

[0062] The first boss structure 11 and the second boss structure 21 are designed as separate injection molded parts, which facilitates replacement after the parts wear out due to long-term use.

[0063] Combination Figures 9 to 16 As shown, the pivot assembly 30 includes a shaft structure 31 and a bushing 32. The shaft structure 31 is fixedly connected to the hinge structure 10, and the bushing 32 is fixedly connected to the door closer 20. The shaft structure 31 is rotatably inserted into the bushing 32, and the shaft structure 31 and the bushing 32 are interference-fitted.

[0064] The interference fit between the shaft structure 31 and the bushing 32 assists in the suspension of the refrigerator door, increases friction, and ensures the smoothness of the door opening. The bushing 32 is fixedly connected to the door closer 20, making the manufacturing process more flexible and convenient, reducing manufacturing difficulty, and lowering production costs.

[0065] The first boss structure has a trapezoidal shape and slopes on both sides to ensure that the second boss structure of the door closer makes smooth transition contact with the first boss structure during movement, preventing large interference that could prevent the door from opening easily.

[0066] The door closing device of this utility model can effectively solve the problem that the refrigerator door cannot be suspended at any angle, and avoid the refrigerator door from bumping into other items or affecting the user's access to items due to the inability to be suspended. In addition, the door closing device of this utility model uses fewer types of parts, has a simple structure, and the parts are easy to assemble directly. It can achieve low-cost and high-efficiency production while satisfying the function of the refrigerator door suspension.

[0067] See Figure 17 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator is provided, which includes the aforementioned door closing device.

[0068] The refrigerator is composed of a refrigerator body 41, a door 42, an upper hinge 51, and a lower hinge 52. The door is connected and fixed to the refrigerator body via the upper and lower hinges. The door closer is fixed to the door with hexagonal bolts, while the upper and lower hinges are fixed to the refrigerator body with flathead bolts. The door closer and the lower hinge are connected by a pivot assembly, allowing the door to move in a circular motion around the lower hinge, thus opening and closing the door. Assembly of the various parts is simple, and the cost of the parts is lower than that of a spin-formed hinge.

[0069] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0070] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0071] Of course, the above are preferred embodiments of this utility model. It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the basic principles of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A door closing device, characterized in that, include: A hinge structure (10) is provided, through which the door is connected to the box body; the hinge structure (10) has a first boss structure (11) and a slot (12); A door closer (20) is fixedly connected to the box door. The door closer (20) rotates with the box door. The door closer (20) rotates relative to the hinge structure (10). The door closer (20) is provided with a second boss structure (21). The second boss structure (21) is elastically deformable. During the rotation of the door closer (20), the second boss structure (21) has at least a first position state and a second position state. When the second boss structure (21) is in the first position state, the second boss structure (21) is in an interference fit with the first boss structure (11); When the second boss structure (21) is in the second position state, the second boss structure (21) is engaged in the slot (12).

2. The door closing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top surface (11a) of the first boss structure (11) is a plane; when the second boss structure (21) slides on the top surface (11a) of the first boss structure (11), the deformation of the second boss structure (21) is the same.

3. The door closing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first boss structure (11) also has two inclined surfaces (11b) connected to both sides of the top surface (11a), and the top surface (11a) and the inclined surfaces (11b) of the first boss structure (11) are smoothly transitioned.

4. The door closing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the second boss structure (21) is in the second position state, the second boss structure (21) can be fully inserted into the slot (12).

5. The door closing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A pivot assembly (30) is connected to the hinge structure (10), and a door closer (20) is connected to the pivot assembly (30). The hinge structure (10) has a plurality of first boss structures (11) formed at the pivot assembly (30). The first boss structures (11) are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the pivot assembly (30). The rotation axis of the door closer (20) is collinear with the axis of the pivot assembly (30).

6. The door closing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hinge structure (10) includes an upper hinge and a lower hinge. The upper hinge engages with the top of the door, and the lower hinge engages with the bottom of the door. The lower hinge is provided with a first boss structure (11), and the door closer (20) is connected to the lower hinge.

7. The door closing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are multiple first boss structures (11), and multiple slots (12) are located in different positions. The slots (12) are arranged adjacent to the first boss structures (11). The positions of the plurality of slots (12) are configured such that when the cabinet door is opened to 90° to 95° and 130° to 140°, the second boss structure (21) engages in the slots (12).

8. The door closing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the second boss structure (21) is provided with ribs to increase friction.

9. The door closing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first boss structure (11) is a separate component, and the first boss structure (11) is detachably connected to the hinge structure (10); The second boss structure (21) is a separate component and is detachably connected to the door closer (20).

10. The door closing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The pivot assembly (30) includes a shaft structure (31) and a bushing (32). The shaft structure (31) is fixedly connected to the hinge structure (10), and the bushing (32) is fixedly connected to the door closer (20). The shaft structure (31) is rotatably inserted into the bushing (32), and there is an interference fit between the shaft structure (31) and the bushing (32).

11. A refrigerator, characterized in that, Includes the door closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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