Hinge, driving device and refrigerator

Abstract

The utility model discloses a hinge, a driving device and a refrigerator. The driving device comprises a connecting rod mechanism, a telescopic mechanism and a connecting assembly. The connecting rod mechanism comprises a first mounting part fixedly connected with the refrigerator body, a second mounting part fixedly connected with the refrigerator door and a connecting rod assembly arranged between the first mounting part and the second mounting part, and the second mounting part can swing relative to the first mounting part through the connecting rod assembly, so that the refrigerator has a closed state and an open state. The connecting rod assembly comprises a first connecting arm, and the first connecting arm comprises a first connecting part and a second connecting part arranged in a spaced mode in the direction away from the second connecting arm. The connecting assembly comprises a connecting piece and a limiting piece. The connecting piece is fixedly connected with the second connecting part, and the connecting piece is provided with a connecting body protruding relative to the second connecting part. The hinge and the driving device are low in maintenance and replacement cost, and the maintenance cost of the refrigerator can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a hinge, a drive mechanism, and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of society and the economy and the improvement of people's living standards, refrigerators have gradually become an indispensable household appliance. As intelligent technology continues to expand into the home appliance field, consumers are increasingly demanding ease of use and intelligent features in their appliances. Automatic door opening and closing, as a fundamental intelligent function of refrigerators, is becoming increasingly widespread.

[0003] In related technologies, a drive device is usually used to realize the automatic opening and closing of refrigerator doors. However, the assembly of the drive device is currently quite difficult, which is not conducive to improving the production efficiency of the drive device. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a hinge, a drive device, and a refrigerator. The assembly method of the hinge and drive device is simple and easy to implement, which is conducive to improving the manufacturing efficiency of the drive device and the refrigerator.

[0005] Specifically, this disclosure is achieved through the following technical solution.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a hinge is provided for use in a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet and a door rotatably connected to the cabinet. The hinge includes a linkage mechanism and a connecting assembly. The linkage mechanism includes a first mounting member fixedly connected to the cabinet, a second mounting member fixedly connected to the door, and a connecting rod assembly disposed between the first mounting member and the second mounting member. The second mounting member is oscillating relative to the first mounting member via the connecting rod assembly to allow the refrigerator to have a closed state and an open state. The connecting rod assembly includes a first connecting arm, a second connecting arm, a first connecting rod, and a second connecting rod. The first connecting arm includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion spaced apart in a direction away from the second connecting arm. The first mounting member is hinged to the first connecting arm, the first connecting arm is hinged to the second connecting arm via the first connecting portion, and the second connecting arm is hinged to the second mounting member. The first end and the second end of the first connecting rod are respectively hinged to the first mounting member and the second connecting arm, and the first end and the second end of the second connecting rod are respectively hinged to the first connecting rod and the second mounting member. The connecting assembly includes a connecting member fixedly connected to the second connecting portion, and the connecting member has a connecting body protruding from the second connecting portion.

[0007] The technical solution disclosed herein will be further explained below.

[0008] In one embodiment, the connecting assembly further includes two limiting members respectively disposed on both sides of the second connecting portion, one of the two limiting members being detachably and fixedly connected to the connecting body, and the other being integrally formed with the connecting body.

[0009] In one embodiment, the connecting body is a non-cylinder, and the limiting member is provided with a non-circular hole that fits into the non-cylinder. The non-cylinder fits into the non-circular hole to fix the connecting body and the limiting member in place.

[0010] In one embodiment, the second connecting part is provided with a mounting hole, and the connector passes through the mounting hole and is interference-fitted with the mounting hole so that the connector is fixedly connected to the second connecting part.

[0011] In one embodiment, the connector has a connecting hole. And / or, the first connecting arm has a protrusion protruding away from the second connecting arm, the second connecting portion is disposed on the protrusion, and a lever arm is formed between the second connecting portion and the first connecting portion.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a driving device is provided, comprising a fastener, a telescopic assembly, and a hinge as described in any of the above embodiments. The telescopic mechanism includes a driving rod capable of telescoping along a predetermined direction. The driving rod is mounted on a connecting body, the fastener is fixedly connected to the connecting body, and the driving rod is located between a second connecting portion and a portion of the fastener to prevent the driving rod from disengaging from the connecting body.

[0013] The technical solution disclosed herein will be further explained below.

[0014] In one embodiment, the fastener includes a connecting body and a limiting portion protruding from the connecting body. The fastener is fixedly connected to the connector via the connecting body, and the drive rod is located between the second connecting portion and the limiting portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, the connector has an internal threaded hole, and the connecting body has an external thread; the connector and the connecting body are screwed together and fixed. Alternatively, the connector and the connecting body are riveted together and fixed.

[0016] In one embodiment, the drive rod is provided with a rotating hole that fits into the connector. The drive rod rotates with the connector through the rotating hole.

[0017] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator is provided, comprising a door, a body, a control device, and a drive device as described in any of the above embodiments. A first mounting member is fixedly connected to the body, and a second mounting member is fixedly connected to the door, so that the door rotates relative to the body to open or close the body. The control device is communicatively connected to the drive device and is capable of controlling the drive device to open or close the body.

[0018] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure may include the following beneficial effects:

[0019] When assembling the drive unit, the linkage mechanism and the telescopic mechanism are assembled. The drive rod of the telescopic mechanism is connected to the second connecting part of the first connecting arm via a connecting component and fasteners. The connecting component is fixedly connected to the second connecting part, and then the drive rod is installed on the connecting body and fixedly connected to the connecting body using fasteners. This connects the drive rod to the linkage mechanism, enabling the refrigerator to open or close automatically via the drive unit. This drive unit assembly method is simple, easy to implement, and helps improve the manufacturing efficiency of the drive unit.

[0020] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this disclosure, are used to provide a further understanding of this disclosure. The illustrative embodiments of this disclosure and their descriptions are used to explain this disclosure and do not constitute an undue limitation of this disclosure.

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structural schematic of the refrigerator's drive mechanism.

[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structural schematic of the refrigerator's drive mechanism.

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the hinge of the drive device.

[0027] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the drive device shown.

[0028] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A partial structural schematic diagram of the drive device is shown.

[0029] Figure 7 for Figure 3 A partial structural schematic diagram of the drive device is shown.

[0030] Figure 8 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the fasteners for the drive unit.

[0031] Figure 9 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structural schematic of the refrigerator's drive mechanism.

[0032] Figure 10 for Figure 9 The shown is a cross-sectional view of the drive unit.

[0033] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the drive device shown.

[0034] Figure 12 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the telescopic mechanism in one embodiment.

[0035] Explanation of the reference numerals in the attached figures.

[0036] 1. Refrigerator; 10. Door; 20. Cabinet; 30. Control device; 40. Drive device; 400. Hinge; 410. Linkage mechanism; 411. First mounting component; 412. Second mounting component; 413. Linkage assembly; 4131. First connecting arm; 4132. Second connecting arm; 4133. First link; 4134. Second link; 420. Telescopic mechanism; 4210. Bearing component; 4211. Connecting notch; 4220. Motor; 4221. Output end; 4230 4231. Telescopic component; 4232. Rotating component; 4233. Telescopic component; 4234. First lead screw; 4235. Lead screw nut; 4240. Drive rod; 4241. Rotating hole; 430. Connecting component; 431. Connecting component; 4311. Connecting body; 432. Limiting component; 4321. Through hole; 440. Fastener; 441. Connecting body; 442. Limiting part; 401. First connecting part; 402. Second connecting part; 403. Mounting hole; 404. Protrusion; 405. Connecting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solutions in the embodiments (or "implementations") of this application will be clearly and completely described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0038] If the embodiments of this application contain terms relating to directional indications or positional relationships (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, length, height, counterclockwise, clockwise, axial, radial, circumferential, etc.), such terms are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and movements between components in a specific posture (as shown in the attached figures); if the specific posture changes, the directional indications or positional relationships will also change accordingly. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" used in the embodiments of this application are only for descriptive convenience and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0039] With the development of society and the economy and the improvement of people's living standards, refrigerators have gradually become an indispensable household appliance. As intelligent technology continues to expand into the home appliance field, consumers are increasingly demanding ease of use and intelligent features in their appliances. Automatic door opening and closing, as a fundamental intelligent function of refrigerators, is becoming increasingly widespread.

[0040] In related technologies, a drive device is usually used to realize the automatic opening and closing of refrigerator doors. However, the assembly of the drive device is currently quite difficult, which is not conducive to improving the production efficiency of the drive device.

[0041] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a hinge, a drive device, and a refrigerator. The drive device using this hinge is simple to assemble and can improve the manufacturing efficiency of the drive device, thereby improving the manufacturing efficiency of the refrigerator.

[0042] To better understand the hinge and drive mechanism of this application, a refrigerator in which the hinge and drive mechanism are applied is used as an example.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, refrigerator 1 includes a door 10, a cabinet 20, a control device 30, and a drive device 40. The door 10 is connected to the cabinet 20 via the drive device 40. The control device 30 is communicatively connected to the drive device 40 and can control the drive device 40 to open or close the door 10 or the cabinet 20. Thus, the control device 30 controls the drive device 40 to open or close the door 10, thereby achieving automatic door opening and closing. This improves the overall intelligence of refrigerator 1 and enhances the user experience.

[0044] It should be noted that the drive unit 40 can be installed on the door 10 or on the body 20.

[0045] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, the drive device 40 includes a hinge 400 and a telescopic assembly 4230. The telescopic mechanism 420 includes a drive rod 4240 capable of extending and retracting in a predetermined direction. The drive rod 4240 is mounted on the hinge 400.

[0046] Combination Figures 4 to 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the hinge 400 includes a linkage mechanism 410 and a connecting assembly 430. The linkage mechanism 410 includes a first mounting member 411 fixedly connected to the cabinet 20, a second mounting member 412 fixedly connected to the door 10, and a connecting rod assembly 413 disposed between the first mounting member 411 and the second mounting member 412. The second mounting member 412 can swing relative to the first mounting member 411 via the connecting rod assembly 413, so that the refrigerator 1 has a closed state and an open state. The connecting rod assembly 413 includes a first connecting arm 4131, a second connecting arm 4132, a first connecting rod 4133, and a second connecting rod 4134. The first connecting arm 4131 includes a first connecting portion 401 and a second connecting portion 402 spaced apart in a direction away from the second connecting arm 4132. A first mounting member 411 is hinged to the first connecting arm 4131, the first connecting arm 4131 is hinged to the second connecting arm 4132 via the first connecting portion 401, and the second connecting arm 4132 is hinged to the second mounting member 412. The first end and the second end of the first connecting rod 4133 are respectively hinged to the first mounting member 411 and the second connecting arm 4132, and the first end and the second end of the second connecting rod 4134 are respectively hinged to the first connecting rod 4133 and the second mounting member 412. The connecting assembly 430 includes a connecting member 431, which is fixedly connected to the second connecting portion 402, and the connecting member 431 has a connecting body 4311 protruding from the second connecting portion 402.

[0047] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the drive device 40 further includes a fastener 440, a drive rod 4240 is mounted on the connector 4311, the fastener 440 is fixedly connected to the connector 4311, and the drive rod 4240 is located between the second connecting part 402 and part of the fastener 440 to restrict the drive rod 4240 from disengaging from the connector 4311.

[0048] Thus, when the drive device 40 is assembled, the linkage mechanism 410 and the telescopic mechanism 420 are assembled. The drive rod 4240 of the telescopic mechanism 420 is connected to the second connecting part 402 of the first connecting arm 4131 via the connecting component 430 and fasteners 440. The connecting component 431 is fixedly connected to the second connecting part 402, and then the drive rod 4240 is installed on the connecting body 4311 and fixedly connected to the connecting body 4311 using fasteners 440. This allows the drive rod 4240 to be positioned between the second connecting part 402 and part of the fasteners 440, thus preventing the drive rod 4240 from detaching from the connecting body 4311. This enables the automatic opening or closing of the refrigerator 1 via the drive device 40. This assembly method of the drive device 40 is simple, easy to implement, and beneficial to improving the manufacturing efficiency of the drive device 40.

[0049] When the user automatically opens or closes the refrigerator 1, the drive rod 4240 extends or retracts along a set direction. The drive rod 4240 is connected to the first connecting arm 4131, causing relative movement between the first mounting member 411 and the second mounting member 412. During this process, the first connecting arm 4131, the second connecting arm 4132, the first connecting rod 4133, and the second connecting rod 4134 can rotate relative to each other under the force applied by the drive rod 4240. This causes the first connecting arm 4131 and the second connecting arm 4132 to open outward or fold inward between the first mounting member 411 and the second mounting member 412. At the same time, it causes the first connecting rod 4133 and the second connecting rod 4134 to open outward or fold inward between the first mounting member 411 and the second mounting member 412, thereby opening or closing the refrigerator 1.

[0050] It should be noted that there are various ways to implement fastener 440, including fastening screws, etc.

[0051] It should be noted that there are various ways to achieve the fixed connection between fastener 440 and connector 431, including screw fixing, snap fixing, riveting fixing, etc.

[0052] It should be noted that the specific implementation of the power source used to enable the drive rod 4240 to extend and retract in a set direction can be in various ways, including motor 4220 drive, hydraulic drive, and cylinder drive, etc.

[0053] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, the connecting assembly 430 further includes two limiting members 432 respectively disposed on both sides of the second connecting portion 402. One of the two limiting members 432 is detachably fixedly connected to the connecting body 4311, and the other is integrally formed with the connecting body 4311. Thus, when the drive rod 4240 of the telescopic mechanism 420 extends or retracts in a set direction, the drive rod 4240 drives the second mounting member 412 to swing relative to the first mounting member 411, thereby automatically opening or closing the refrigerator 1. When automatically opening or closing the refrigerator 1, the drive rod 4240 contacts the limiting member 432, but does not directly contact the second connecting portion 402. During the movement of the drive rod 4240, the drive rod 4240 only causes wear to the limiting member 432, avoiding wear on the second connecting portion 402. When the drive rod 4240 causes wear to the limiting member 432, the limiting member 432 or the connecting member 431 can be replaced directly. The drive device 40 using this hinge 400 can reduce maintenance costs, thereby reducing the maintenance costs of the refrigerator 1.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the connecting body 4311 is a non-cylinder, and the limiting member 432 has a non-circular hole adapted to the non-cylinder. The non-cylinder engages with the non-circular hole to fix the connecting body 4311 and the limiting member 432. Thus, by setting the connecting body 4311 as a non-cylinder and providing a non-circular hole in the limiting member 432 to fix the connecting body 4311 and the limiting member 432 through the engagement of the non-cylinder and the non-circular hole, the method of fixing the connecting body 4311 and the limiting member 432 is easy to implement and facilitates installation and disassembly.

[0055] Specifically, the shape of the connector 4311 can be a polygonal prism such as a triangular prism or a quadrangular prism, or a non-circular prism such as an elliptical prism or a quincunx prism. It can also be a semi-cylinder or a partially cylindrical 2 / 3 cylinder. Non-circular holes include partially circular holes, polygonal holes, and elliptical holes. This allows for a detachable and fixed connection between the connector 4311 and the limiting member 432.

[0056] like Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the second connecting portion 402 is provided with a mounting hole 403, and the connector 431 passes through the mounting hole 403 and is interference-fitted with the mounting hole 403 to fix the connector 431 to the second connecting portion 402. Thus, by providing a mounting hole 403 in the second connecting portion 402 and interference-fitting the connector 431 to the mounting hole 403 to achieve a fixed connection between the connector 431 and the second connecting portion 402, the assembly method is simple and can improve the reliability of the fixed connection between the connector 431 and the second connecting portion 402.

[0057] It should be noted that there are various ways to achieve the fixed connection between the connector 431 and the second connecting part 402, including welding, bonding, etc.

[0058] In some embodiments, the limiting member 432 and the connecting member 431 are integrally formed. In this way, integrally forming the limiting member 432 and the connecting member 431 can reduce assembly steps and improve the assembly efficiency of the drive device 40.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the limiting member 432 is provided with a through hole 4321, and the limiting member 432 is sleeved on the connecting body 4311 through the through hole 4321. Thus, during the assembly of the drive device 40, the connecting member 431 is fixedly connected to the second connecting part 402, the limiting hole is sleeved on the connecting body 4311 through the through hole 4321, the drive rod 4240 is installed on the connecting body 4311, and fixedly connected to the connecting body 4311 using fasteners 440, so that the drive rod 4240 is located between the limiting member 432 and part of the fasteners 440, thereby preventing the drive rod 4240 from detaching from the connecting body 4311. This assembly method is simple and can improve the manufacturing efficiency of the drive device 40.

[0060] like Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the connector 4311 is provided with a connection hole 405. In this way, the drive rod 4240 can be connected to the connector 4311 through the connection hole 405.

[0061] like Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the first connecting arm 4131 is provided with a protrusion 404 protruding away from the second connecting arm 4132, and the second connecting portion 402 is disposed on the protrusion 404, forming a lever arm between the second connecting portion 402 and the first connecting portion 401. Thus, by providing a protrusion 404 protruding away from the second connecting arm 4132 on the first connecting arm 4131 and disposing of the second connecting portion 402 on the protrusion 404, during the process of the drive rod 4240 driving the first connecting arm 4131 and the second connecting arm 4132 through the second connecting portion 402, the lever arm formed between the first connecting portion 401 and the second connecting portion 402 further reduces the force required for the drive rod 4240 to drive the first connecting arm 4131 and the second connecting arm 4132, reducing the power requirements of the power source of the telescopic mechanism 420, which is beneficial for reducing the manufacturing cost of the drive device 40, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the refrigerator 1. In addition, the drive rod 4240 is directly connected to the first connecting arm 4131, which helps to improve the assembly efficiency of the drive device 40.

[0062] like Figures 8 to 11As shown, in some embodiments, the fastener 440 includes a connecting body 441 and a limiting portion 442 protruding from the connecting body 441. The fastener 440 is fixedly connected to the connector 431 via the connecting body 441, and the drive rod 4240 is located between the second connecting portion 402 and the limiting portion 442. Thus, the fastener 440 is fixedly connected to the connector 431 via the connecting body 441, and the drive rod 4240 is located between the second connecting portion 402 and the limiting portion 442 to prevent the drive rod 4240 from disengaging from the connecting body 4311. This allows the drive rod 4240 of the telescopic mechanism 420 to extend and retract in a set direction, driving the second mounting member 412 to swing relative to the first mounting member 411, thereby automatically opening or closing the refrigerator 1.

[0063] Furthermore, in conjunction with the above-described embodiments of the limiting member 432, in some embodiments, the drive rod 4240 is located between the limiting member 432 and the limiting portion 442.

[0064] like Figure 11 As shown, in some embodiments, the connector 4311 has an internal threaded hole, and the connector body 441 has an external thread; the connector 4311 and the connector body 441 are screwed together for fixation. This screw-connection method is simple, easy to implement, and facilitates disassembly and installation.

[0065] In some embodiments, the connector 4311 is riveted to the connector body 441. This riveting method is simple and provides high connection reliability.

[0066] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the drive rod 4240 is provided with a rotating hole 4241 adapted to the connector 431. The drive rod 4240 is rotatably engaged with the connector 431 through the rotating hole 4241. Thus, by providing the drive rod 4240 with the rotating hole 4241 adapted to the connector 431, and by allowing the drive rod 4240 to rotatably engage with the connector 431 through the rotating hole 4241, the drive device 40 can automatically open or close the refrigerator 1. This assembly method is simple and can improve the connection reliability between the drive rod 4240 and the connector 431.

[0067] like Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, the telescopic mechanism 420 further includes a support member 4210, a motor 4220 disposed on the support member 4210, and a telescopic assembly 4230. The support member 4210 is provided with a connection notch 4211. The telescopic assembly 4230 includes a telescopic member 4232. The motor 4220 is driven to the telescopic assembly 4230 to drive the telescopic member 4232 to move towards or away from the connection notch 4211. A drive rod 4240 is connected to the telescopic member 4232, and the drive rod 4240 passes through the connection notch 4211 and is rotatably connected to the second connecting portion 402. Thus, when the user automatically opens or closes the refrigerator door 10, the motor 4220, through its drive connection with the telescopic assembly 4230, drives the telescopic member 4232 to move towards or away from the connection notch 4211, thereby driving the drive rod 4240 to move. The drive rod 4240 passes through the connection notch 4211 and is rotatably connected to the first mounting member 411. The bearing member 4210 is fixedly connected to the door 10 to fix the telescopic mechanism 420 to the door 10, so that the drive rod 4240 can drive the second mounting member 412 to swing relative to the first mounting member 411 to realize the automatic opening or closing of the door 10.

[0068] Understandably, the drive rod 4240 is connected to the telescopic member 4232, and the telescopic member 4232 drives the drive rod 4240 to telescopically move in a set direction by moving toward or away from the connection notch 4211.

[0069] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 12 As shown, in some embodiments, the telescopic assembly 4230 further includes a rotating member 4231 rotatably disposed on the support member 4210, and the rotating member 4231 is connected to the telescopic member 4232 in a transmission engagement. The motor 4220 includes an output end 4221, which is connected to the rotating member 4231 in a transmission engagement to drive the telescopic member 4232 to move toward or away from the connection notch 4211. Thus, when the user automatically opens or closes the refrigerator door 10, the motor 4220 drives the rotating member 4231, causing the rotating member 4231 to rotate and transmit power with the telescopic member 4232, causing the telescopic member 4232 of the telescopic assembly 4230 to move toward or away from the connection notch 4211. The telescopic member 4232 drives the drive rod 4240 to move, thereby driving the second mounting member 412 to swing relative to the first mounting member 411, realizing the automatic opening or closing of the refrigerator door 10.

[0070] It should be noted that the telescopic component 4232 moves towards or away from the connecting notch 4211. Figure 12 The X direction is shown.

[0071] It should be noted that the "rotating component 4231 and output end 4221 transmission connection" can be directly connected to achieve a transmission connection, or they can be connected through a transmission mechanism. A direct connection can be a detachable fixed connection or a non-detachable fixed connection, as long as power transmission is achieved. Methods such as socketing, snap-fitting, integral molding, and welding are feasible and can be flexibly selected according to actual application needs. For example, one component may have a non-cylindrical part, and the other component may have a mating hole for transmission with the non-cylindrical part. Non-cylindrical parts include polygonal cylinders, elliptical cylinders, semi-cylindrical parts, etc.

[0072] In one embodiment, the rotating part 4231 of the telescopic component 4230 can be integrally formed with the output end 4221 (such as the output shaft) of the motor 4220, or the rotating part 4231 of the telescopic component 4230 can be rigidly fixed with the output end 4221 (such as the output shaft) of the motor 4220 by a key.

[0073] In embodiments of this application, the rotating part 4231 of the telescopic assembly 4230 and the output end 4221 of the motor 4220 are configured to be detachable. This facilitates maintenance of the drive device 40.

[0074] like Figure 12 As shown, in some embodiments, the rotating member 4231 includes a first lead screw 4233, and the telescopic member 4232 includes a nut 4234 that is threadedly engaged with the first lead screw 4233. The output end 4221 is fixedly connected to the first lead screw 4233, and the first lead screw 4233 can be rotated by the output end 4221. The nut 4234 is slidably connected to the bearing member 4210. Thus, when the user automatically opens or closes the refrigerator door 10, the output end 4221 is fixedly connected to the first lead screw 4233, causing the output end 4221 to drive the first lead screw 4233 to rotate. The telescopic member 4232 includes a nut 4234 that can be threadedly engaged with the first lead screw 4233, and the nut 4234 and the bearing member 4210 are slidably connected, allowing the telescopic member 4232 to move towards or away from the connection notch 4211. The telescopic member 4232 drives the drive rod 4240 to move, thereby driving the second mounting member 412 to swing relative to the first mounting member 411, thus realizing the automatic opening or closing of the refrigerator door 10.

[0075] It should be noted that the technical solutions or features described in the above embodiments can be combined or supplemented with each other without conflict. The scope of protection of this application is not limited to the precise structures described in the above embodiments and shown in the accompanying drawings; all modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A hinge for use in a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising a cabinet and a door rotatably connected to the cabinet, characterized in that, The hinge includes: A linkage mechanism includes a first mounting member fixedly connected to the cabinet body, a second mounting member fixedly connected to the cabinet door, and a linkage assembly disposed between the first mounting member and the second mounting member. The second mounting member can swing relative to the first mounting member via the linkage assembly to allow the refrigerator to have a closed state and an open state. The linkage assembly includes a first connecting arm, a second connecting arm, a first connecting rod, and a second connecting rod. The first connecting arm includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion spaced apart in a direction away from the second connecting arm. The first mounting member is hinged to the first connecting arm, the first connecting arm is hinged to the second connecting arm via the first connecting portion, and the second connecting arm is hinged to the second mounting member. The first end and the end of the first connecting rod are respectively hinged to the first mounting member and the second connecting arm, and the first end and the end of the second connecting rod are respectively hinged to the first connecting rod and the second mounting member. A connecting assembly includes a connector fixedly connected to a second connecting portion, and the connector has a connecting body protruding from the second connecting portion.

2. The hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting assembly further includes two limiting members respectively disposed on both sides of the second connecting portion. One of the two limiting members is detachably and fixedly connected to the connecting body, and the other is integrally formed with the connecting body.

3. The hinge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting body is a non-cylinder, and the limiting member has a non-circular hole that fits into the non-cylinder. The non-cylinder fits into the non-circular hole to fix the connecting body to the limiting member.

4. The hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second connecting part is provided with a mounting hole, and the connector passes through the mounting hole and is interference-fitted with the mounting hole so that the connector is fixedly connected to the second connecting part.

5. The hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector is provided with a connection hole; and / or, the first connecting arm is provided with a protrusion protruding away from the second connecting arm, the second connecting portion is disposed on the protrusion, and a lever arm is formed between the second connecting portion and the first connecting portion.

6. A driving device, characterized in that, include: fastener; Telescopic mechanism, including a drive rod capable of telescopic extension and retraction in a predetermined direction; as well as The hinge according to any one of claims 1 to 5; The drive rod is mounted on the connector, the fastener is fixedly connected to the connector, and the drive rod is located between the second connecting part and part of the fastener to prevent the drive rod from detaching from the connector.

7. The driving device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fastener includes a connecting body and a limiting part protruding from the connecting body. The fastener is fixedly connected to the connector through the connecting body, and the driving rod is located between the second connecting part and the limiting part.

8. The driving device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The connector has an internal threaded hole, and the connector body has an external thread. The connector is screwed to the connector body for fixation; or, the connector is riveted to the connector body for fixation.

9. The driving device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The drive rod is provided with a rotating hole that is adapted to the connecting body; the drive rod rotates and engages with the connecting body through the rotating hole.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The device includes a door, a housing, a control device, and a drive device as described in any one of claims 6 to 9. The first mounting member is fixedly connected to the housing, and the second mounting member is fixedly connected to the door, so that the door rotates relative to the housing to open or close the housing. The control device is communicatively connected to the drive device and is capable of controlling the drive device to open or close the housing.

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