Multi-link hinge

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a multi-connecting-rod hinge. The multi-connecting-rod hinge comprises a bottom lever, a top lever and a plurality of connecting rods connected between the bottom lever and the top lever. A spring unit provided on one of the plurality of links and having a spring that provides an elastic force to actuate the multi-link hinge in an opening direction or a closing direction; a roller unit coupled to the spring unit, elastically supported by the spring, linearly movable with respect to the spring unit, and having a roller; and the cam unit is arranged on one connecting rod in the plurality of connecting rods and interacts with the roller under the action of the spring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a multi-link hinge, and more specifically, to a multi-link hinge comprising a protective plate covering the space between multiple links and internal components, and an adjustment unit for adjusting the degree of elastic support to improve the stability and operability for the user. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, kitchen furniture, including electronic products, uses doors that open and close by rotating around a hinge axis. However, due to recent socio-economic development and improved cultural levels, the use of doors that enhance convenience, aesthetics, and reliability has become a trend.

[0003] In particular, multi-link hinges used in built-in drawer cabinets and home appliances offer smooth opening and maximum rotation without being affected by adjacent products, making them convenient to use. Furthermore, multi-link hinges provide a better fit when closing while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance, thus leading to their increasing popularity.

[0004] In other words, multi-link hinges, as products that combine sheet metal structures consisting of multiple joints, are suitable for doors in home appliances and other products, maximizing the space utilization of the door and enhancing the aesthetics of the home appliances.

[0005] However, this type of multi-link hinge has multiple relatively long links to extend as needed. Due to this inherent limitation, gaps of varying sizes are formed between the links depending on the hinge's open position; these gaps can be widened or narrowed when the door is operated. In this situation, if a user's finger is inserted into these gaps, there is a risk of injury.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1490160 (January 30, 2015) Summary of the Invention

[0008] (The problem to be solved)

[0009] The present invention is intended to solve the problems of the prior art described above. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a multi-link hinge, including a protective plate covering the space between multiple links and internal components, and an adjustment unit for adjusting the degree of elastic support, thereby improving the stability and operability for consumers.

[0010] (Solutions)

[0011] To achieve the objectives described above, according to one aspect of the present invention, a multi-link hinge is provided, comprising: a bottom lever, a top lever, and a plurality of links connecting the bottom lever and the top lever; a spring unit disposed on one of the plurality of links and having a spring, the spring providing elastic force to cause the multi-link hinge to move in an opening direction or a closing direction; a roller unit coupled to the spring unit and being elastically supported by the spring while being linearly movable relative to the spring unit, and having a roller; and a cam unit disposed on one of the plurality of links and interacting with the roller under the action of the spring.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-link hinge may include an adjustment unit having an adjustment bolt. When the adjustment bolt is tightened or loosened, the cam units interact to move the cam units toward or away from the roller units.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it may be a multi-link hinge in which the adjusting unit is located on a link different from the link on which the roller unit is mounted.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a multi-link hinge may be as follows: a bottom lever is disposed on the main body of a product having a door, and has a first joint portion and a second joint portion formed at intervals; a top lever is disposed on the door in front of the main body for opening and closing, and has a third joint portion and a fourth joint portion formed at intervals; a first link, one end of which is pivotally connected to the first joint portion, and has a fifth joint portion and a sixth joint portion formed at intervals; a second link, which is pivotally connected to the third joint portion and the sixth joint portion respectively, and has a seventh joint portion; a third link, which is pivotally connected to the fourth joint portion and the fifth joint portion respectively; and a fourth link, which is pivotally connected to the second joint portion and the seventh joint portion respectively.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a multi-link hinge may include a protective plate that at least partially covers the space between the plurality of links which are located in relative positions as the multi-link hinge is opened or closed.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a multi-link hinge may include: a first plate rotatably coupled to one of the plurality of links via a first axis; a second plate rotatably coupled to another of the plurality of links via a second axis, and rotatably coupled to the first plate via a third axis.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it can be a multi-link hinge in which the first plate and the second plate are arranged to form overlapping regions.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-link hinge may be such that, in the closed state of the multi-link hinge, the overlapping area of ​​the first plate and the second plate is greater than the overlapping area of ​​the first plate and the second plate in the open state of the multi-link hinge.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-link hinge may be as follows: the protective plate includes: a plate body rotatably coupled to one of the plurality of links via a rotation axis, and having a first outer contour guide portion and a second outer contour guide portion; a first guide pin fixed to another of the plurality of links, and guiding the first outer contour guide portion when the plate body rotates; and a second guide pin fixed to yet another of the plurality of links, and guiding the second outer contour guide portion when the plate body rotates.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-link hinge may be as follows: an outer contour groove recessed toward the inner side of the plate body is formed between the first outer contour guide portion and the second outer contour guide portion, and the first guide pin is placed in the outer contour groove when the plate body is in the closed position.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-link hinge may be as follows: the protective plate further includes an elastic component, which is coupled to the rotation axis of the plate body to assist the force in the opening or closing direction when the plate body rotates.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it may be a multi-link hinge in which at least one of the first guide pin and the second guide pin includes a head, the head restricting the plate body to move upward.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-link hinge may be as follows: the protective plate includes: a plate body rotatably coupled to one of the plurality of links via a rotation axis, and having an outer contour guide portion and a rib, the rib protruding downward along the outer contour guide portion; a guide pin fixed to another of the plurality of links, and guiding one side of the outer contour guide portion and the rib when the plate body rotates; and a rotating member rotatably coupled to the guide pin on the lower side of the plate body, and having a protrusion protruding upward, the protrusion guiding the other side of the rib.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a multi-link hinge may be formed as follows: an outer contour groove recessed toward the inner side of the plate body is formed on one side of the outer contour guide portion, and the guide pin is placed in the outer contour groove when the plate body is in the closed position.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it may be a multi-link hinge as follows: the guide pin includes a head, the head restricting the plate body from moving upward.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-link hinge may be as follows: the protective plate includes: a plate body rotatably coupled to one of the plurality of links via a rotation axis, and having an outer contour guide portion and a protrusion formed on the downward side; a guide pin fixed to another of the plurality of links, and guiding the outer contour guide portion when the plate body rotates; the protrusion is guided by contacting the outer side frame of yet another of the plurality of links.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it may be a multi-link hinge in which at least one of the guide pin and the protrusion includes a head, the head restricting the plate body from moving upward.

[0028] (The effect of the invention)

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, a multi-link hinge can be provided having a protective plate covering the space between multiple links and internal components, thereby improving consumer stability and ease of assembly.

[0030] In addition, the degree of elastic support by the spring unit can be adjusted by using the adjusting bolt of the adjusting unit when the multi-link hinge is opened or closed.

[0031] The effects of this invention should be understood to be limited to those described above, but include all effects that can be inferred from the structure of the invention as described in the detailed description or claims. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a front view of a multi-link hinge in its closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a multi-link hinge in the closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a front view of a multi-link hinge in its open state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a multi-link hinge in its open state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a multi-link hinge in the separated state of the protective plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 6 Figures (a) and (b) respectively show the loosened and tightened states of the adjusting bolts of the adjusting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a front view of the multi-link hinge, including the protective plate according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the multi-link hinge, including the protective plate, according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the multi-link hinge, including the protective plate according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 10 This is a front view of the multi-link hinge, including the protective plate according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the multi-link hinge, including the protective plate, according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the main body of the plate according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 13 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the multi-link hinge, including the protective plate according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 14 This is a front view of a multi-link hinge in its closed state, including a protective plate, according to a modified embodiment of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 15 This is a front view of a multi-link hinge in its open state, including a protective plate, according to a modified embodiment of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 16 This is an exploded view of a multi-link hinge, including a protective plate, in a modified embodiment of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the main body of the plate according to a modified example of the third embodiment.

[0049] Figure 18This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a multi-link hinge, including a protective plate, in a modified embodiment of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] (Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram)

[0051] 1000: Multi-link hinge

[0052] 100: Bottom Lever

[0053] 200: Top Leverage

[0054] 300: First Link

[0055] 310: Outer border

[0056] 400: Second Link

[0057] 500: Third Link

[0058] 600: Fourth Link

[0059] 700: Protection board

[0060] 710: First Slab

[0061] 720: Second plate

[0062] 800: Protection board

[0063] 810: Main body of the sheet metal

[0064] 820: First Lead Pin

[0065] 830: Second guide pin

[0066] 840: Elastic component

[0067] 900: Protection board

[0068] 910: Main body of the sheet metal

[0069] 920: Guide Sales

[0070] 930: Rotating component

[0071] 900': Protection board

[0072] 910': Main body of the sheet metal

[0073] 920': Guide pin

[0074] 10: First joint

[0075] 11: Second joint

[0076] 12: Third joint

[0077] 13: Fourth joint

[0078] 14: Fifth joint

[0079] 15: Sixth joint

[0080] 16: Seventh joint

[0081] 17: First Axis

[0082] 18: Second Axis

[0083] 19: Third Axis

[0084] 20: Spring Unit

[0085] 21: Spring

[0086] 30: Roller Unit

[0087] 31: Roller

[0088] 40: Cam Unit

[0089] 41: Guide hole

[0090] 50: Adjustment unit

[0091] 51: Adjusting bolt

[0092] 52: Inclined surface Detailed Implementation

[0093] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention, parts unrelated to the description are omitted from the drawings, and the same or similar reference numerals are used for the same components throughout the specification.

[0094] Throughout the specification, when a part is "connected" to another part, this includes not only "direct connection" but also "indirect connection" with other components in between. Furthermore, when a part "includes" a component, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not mean that other components are excluded; rather, other components may also be included.

[0095] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0096] Figure 1 This is a front view of a multi-link hinge in its closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a multi-link hinge in the closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a front view of a multi-link hinge in its open state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a multi-link hinge in the open state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a multi-link hinge in the separated state of the protective plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0097] Figure 6 Figures (a) and (b) respectively show the loosened and tightened states of the adjusting bolts of the adjusting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Reference Figures 1 to 6 The multi-link hinge 1000 of the present invention includes: a bottom lever 100, a top lever 200, a first link 300, a second link 400, a third link 500, and a fourth link 600.

[0099] That is, the multi-link hinge 1000 is composed of a connection structure of multiple levers 100 and 200 and multiple links 300, 400, 500 and 600. This multi-link hinge 1000 is suitable for products such as built-in home appliances and furniture with doors.

[0100] Multiple levers 100, 200 and multiple links 300, 400, 500, 600 are rotatably connected to each other so that the door of the product can be easily moved from the open position to the closed position or from the closed position to the open position even in narrow spaces.

[0101] The bottom lever 100 is provided on the main body of the product with the door and has a first joint portion 10 and a second joint portion 11 formed at intervals.

[0102] The top lever 200 is a door located in front of the main body of the switch, and has a third joint portion 12 and a fourth joint portion 13 formed at intervals between each other.

[0103] The first link 300 is pivotally connected to the first joint portion 10 at one end, and has a fifth joint portion 14 formed at the other end and a sixth joint portion 15 formed on the inner side.

[0104] The second link 400 is pivotally connected to the third joint 12 and the fifth joint 15, and has a seventh joint 16 disposed on its inner side.

[0105] The third link 500 is pivotally connected to the fourth joint 13 and the fifth joint 14.

[0106] The fourth link 600 is pivotally connected to the second joint 11 and the seventh joint 16.

[0107] On the other hand, the multi-link hinge 1000 includes: a spring unit 20, a roller unit 30, and a cam unit 40.

[0108] The spring unit 20 is disposed in one of the multiple links and provides elastic force to cause the multi-link hinge 1000 to move in the opening or closing direction.

[0109] Preferably, one end of the spring unit 20 is connected to the third link 500, and includes a spring 21 in the form of a coil spring. In this case, the spring 21 can be formed by a compression spring. Of course, the spring 21 can also be formed by a tension spring, or more than one spring 21 can be used for the spring unit 20.

[0110] The roller unit 30 is attached to the other end of the spring unit 20 and is elastically supported by the spring 21. That is, the roller unit 30 is configured to be elastically supported by the spring 21 while being able to move a predetermined distance along the length direction of the spring unit 20.

[0111] A roller 31 is provided at one end of the roller unit 30, which rotates while in contact with the cam unit 40.

[0112] The cam unit 40 is connected to the first link 300 via one of a plurality of links, preferably via the fifth joint 14, and interacts with the roller 31 under the action of the spring 21.

[0113] That is, the roller 31 of the roller unit 30 rotates while in contact with the cam unit 40, thereby tightening or loosening the spring 21 of the spring unit 20.

[0114] In other words, the spring unit 20 is elastically supported by the spring unit 20 while interacting with the cam unit 40, and the roller 31 rotates along the outer peripheral surface of the cam unit 40 on the cam unit 40.

[0115] On the other hand, the multi-link hinge 1000 also includes an adjustment unit 50.

[0116] The adjustment unit 50 is disposed on one of a plurality of links, preferably on the first link 300, and interacts with the cam unit 40 while in contact with it. That is, the adjustment unit 50 is disposed on a link different from the link on which the roller unit 30 is mounted.

[0117] The adjustment unit 50 is equipped with an adjustment bolt 51, which moves in one direction or returns to its original position as the adjustment bolt 51 moves.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the adjustment unit 50 is configured to interact with the cam unit 40 to move the cam unit 40 toward the roller unit 30 when the adjustment bolt 51 is tightened; and to interact with the cam unit 40 to move the cam unit 40 away from the roller unit 30 when the adjustment bolt 51 is loosened.

[0119] At this time, the surface of the adjusting unit 50 that contacts the cam unit 40 is formed as an inclined surface 52. That is, when the adjusting bolt 51 is tightened, the adjusting unit 50 moves toward the cam unit 40, and the cam unit 40 rises along the inclined surface 52 to move in a direction closer to the roller unit 30. Conversely, when the adjusting bolt 51 is loosened, the adjusting unit 50 moves away from the cam unit 40, and the cam unit 40 falls along the inclined surface 52 to move away from the roller unit 30.

[0120] According to another embodiment, the adjustment unit 50 is configured to interact with the cam unit 40 to move the cam unit 40 toward the roller unit 30 when the adjustment bolt 51 is loosened; and to interact with the cam unit 40 to move the cam unit 40 away from the roller unit 30 when the adjustment bolt 51 is tightened.

[0121] At this time, the surface of the adjusting unit 50 that contacts the cam unit 40 is formed as an inclined surface 52. That is, when the adjusting bolt 51 is loosened, the adjusting unit 50 moves toward the cam unit 40, and the cam unit 40 rises along the inclined surface 52 to move in a direction closer to the roller unit 30. Conversely, when the adjusting bolt 51 is tightened, the adjusting unit 50 moves away from the cam unit 40, and the cam unit 40 falls along the inclined surface 52 to move away from the roller unit 30.

[0122] A guide hole 41 is formed in the cam unit 40, and the fifth joint portion 14 is guided by the guide hole 41 as the cam unit 40 moves.

[0123] As described above, the degree of elastic support by the spring unit 20 can be adjusted when the multi-link hinge 1000 is opened or closed using the adjusting bolt 51 of the adjusting unit 50.

[0124] On the other hand, the multi-link hinge 1000 also includes a protective plate 700 disposed on at least one of the two sides.

[0125] The protective panel 700 at least partially covers the space between multiple linkages 300, 400, 500, 600, which are in relative positions as the door is opened or closed, and the internal components 20, 30, 40, 50.

[0126] As the door opens or closes, gaps can be formed between multiple links 300, 400, 500, and 600. A protective plate 700 covers these gaps to prevent the risk of injury from inserting the user's fingers into them.

[0127] On the other hand, the protection plate 700 includes a first plate 710 and a second plate 720.

[0128] More specifically, the protective plate 700 includes: a first plate 710 rotatably coupled to one of a plurality of links via a first shaft 17; and a second plate 720 rotatably coupled to another of the plurality of links via a second shaft 18, and rotatably coupled to the first plate 710 via a third shaft 19.

[0129] That is, the first plate 710 and the second plate 720 are rotatably connected to each other, and while moving relative to each other as the multi-link hinge 1000 opens or closes, they cover the space between multiple links.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the first plate 710 is connected to the top lever 200 via a first shaft 17, and the second plate 720 is connected to the bottom lever 100 via a second shaft 18. Additionally, the first plate 710 and the second plate 720 can be interconnected via a third shaft 19.

[0131] The third shaft 19 may include an insertion protrusion 19a formed in the first plate 710 and a mating hole 19b formed in the second plate 720. That is, the insertion protrusion 19a of the first plate 710 is inserted into and mated in the mating hole 19b of the second plate 720, so that the first plate 710 and the second plate 720 can be easily connected to each other through the third shaft 19.

[0132] On the other hand, the first plate 710 and the second plate 720 are arranged to form overlapping areas.

[0133] At this time, in the closed state of the multi-link hinge 1000, the area where the first plate 710 and the second plate 720 overlap can be larger than the area where the first plate 710 and the second plate 720 overlap in the open state of the multi-link hinge 1000.

[0134] As described above, the present invention can provide a multi-link hinge 1000 as follows: it is equipped with a protective plate 700, which includes a first plate 710 and a second plate 720 to cover the space between multiple links and internal components, thereby improving consumer stability and ease of assembly.

[0135] Figure 7 This is a front view of the multi-link hinge including the protective plate according to the second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the multi-link hinge, including the protective plate according to the second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the multi-link hinge, including the protective plate according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] Reference Figures 7 to 9 According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the protective plate 800 includes: a plate body 810, a first guide pin 820 and a second guide pin 830.

[0137] More specifically, the protective plate 800 includes: a plate body 810, rotatably coupled to one of a plurality of links via a rotating shaft 812, and having a first outer contour guide portion 813 and a second outer contour guide portion 814; a first guide pin 820, fixed to another of the plurality of links, and guiding the first outer contour guide portion 813 when the plate body 810 rotates; and a second guide pin 830, fixed to yet another of the plurality of links, and guiding the second outer contour guide portion 814 when the plate body 810 rotates.

[0138] That is, as the multi-link hinge 1000 opens or closes, the main body 810 covers the space between the multiple links, and when it rotates around the rotation axis 812, the first guide pin 820 and the second guide pin 830, which are fixed to different links, guide the first outer contour guide portion 813 and the second outer contour guide portion 814 of the main body 810 respectively, so that the rotation of the main body 810 is stable.

[0139] According to one embodiment, a first guide pin 820 can be fixed to a top lever 200, and a second guide pin 830 can be fixed to a bottom lever 100. Additionally, a through hole 811 can be formed in the plate body 810, through which a rotating shaft 812 is rotatably connected to a second connecting rod 400. This through hole 811 and the rotating shaft 812 can be located at the center of the plate body 810.

[0140] The first outer contour guide portion 813 may be the outer contour border area of ​​the main body 810 that contacts the first guide pin 820 as the main body 810 rotates, and the second outer contour guide portion 814 may be the outer contour border area of ​​the main body 810 that contacts the second guide pin 830 as the main body 810 rotates.

[0141] Therefore, the first outer contour guide portion 813 and the second outer contour guide portion 814 may include at least a portion of a generally outwardly protruding curved portion.

[0142] According to one embodiment, one or more of the first guide pin 820 and the second guide pin 830 may include heads 821 and 831 that restrict the upward movement of the plate body 810. That is, the head 821 of the first guide pin 820 and the head 831 of the second guide pin 830 restrict the upward movement of the plate body 810, thereby preventing the plate body 810 from moving away from the plurality of links.

[0143] According to one embodiment, an outer contour groove 815 recessed towards the inner side of the plate body 810 can be formed between the first outer contour guide portion 813 and the second outer contour guide portion 814, and a first guide pin 820 can be placed in the outer contour groove 815 in the closed position of the plate body 810. This outer contour groove 815 can be formed such that the groove spacing becomes narrower towards the inner side of the plate body 810.

[0144] On the other hand, the protective plate 800 may also include an elastic member 840, which is coupled to the rotation axis 812 of the plate body 810 and assists in the opening or closing force when the plate body 810 rotates.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the elastic member 840 may be a torsion spring and may be coupled to the rotation shaft 812 on the underside of the plate body 810.

[0146] This elastic component 840 is coupled to the rotating shaft 812 in a pre-tensioned state, which makes it easier for the user to apply force when the user performs the opening or closing action of the multi-link hinge 800.

[0147] As described above, the protective plate 800 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a plate body 810, a first guide pin 820 and a second guide pin 830 and an elastic member 840. The plate body 810 covers the space between multiple connecting rods and internal components. The first guide pin 820 and the second guide pin 830 guide the plate body 810. The elastic member 840 assists in opening or closing actions in a taut state, thereby improving consumer stability, ease of operation and ease of assembly.

[0148] Figure 10 This is a front view of the multi-link hinge including the protective plate according to the third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the multi-link hinge, including the protective plate according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the main body of the plate component according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the multi-link hinge, including the protective plate according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0149] Reference Figures 10 to 13 According to a third embodiment of the present invention, the protective plate 900 includes: a plate body 910, a guide pin 920, and a rotating component 930.

[0150] More specifically, the protective plate 900 includes: a plate body 910 rotatably coupled to one of a plurality of links via a rotation shaft 912, and having an outer contour guide portion 913 and a rib 915, the rib 915 being formed to a downward side along the outer contour guide portion 913; a guide pin 920 fixed to another of the plurality of links, and guiding one side of the outer contour guide portion 913 and the rib 915 when the plate body 910 rotates; and a rotating component 930 rotatably coupled to the guide pin 920 on the lower side of the plate body 910, and having a protrusion 931 formed to a upward side, the protrusion 931 guiding the other side of the rib 915.

[0151] That is, as the multi-link hinge 1000 opens or closes, the plate body 910 covers the space between multiple links, and when rotating around the rotation axis 912, the guide pin 920 and the protrusion 931 of the rotating component 930 guide the two sides of the rib 915 of the plate body 910 respectively, so that the rotation of the plate body 910 can be carried out stably.

[0152] That is, the rotating component 930 rotates along one side of the rib 915 via the protrusion 931 while preventing the rib 915 from moving away from the guide pin 920.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the guide pin 920 and the rotating component 930 can be fixed to the top lever 200. Additionally, a through hole 911 can be formed in the plate body 910, through which the rotating shaft 912 is rotatably connected to the bottom lever 100. This through hole 911 and rotating shaft 912 can be located on a portion inclined to one side of the plate body 910.

[0154] The outer contour guide 913 is the outer contour border area of ​​the main body 910 that comes into contact with the guide pin 920 as the main body 910 rotates.

[0155] Therefore, the outer contour guide 913 may include at least a portion of a curved portion that protrudes generally outward.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the guide pin 920 may include a head 921 that restricts upward movement of the plate body 910. That is, the head 921 of the guide pin 920 restricts upward movement of the plate body 910, thereby preventing the plate body 910 from moving away from the plurality of links.

[0157] According to one embodiment, an outer contour groove 914 recessed towards the inner side of the plate body 910 can be formed on one side of the outer contour guide portion 913, and a guide pin 920 can be placed in the outer contour groove 914 in the closed position of the plate body 910. This outer contour groove 914 can be formed such that the groove spacing becomes narrower towards the inner side of the plate body 910.

[0158] As described above, the protective plate 900 according to the third embodiment of the invention includes a plate body 910, a guide pin 920, and a rotating component 930. The plate body 910 covers the space between multiple links and internal components. The guide pin 920 guides one side of the plate body 910, and the rotating component 930 guides the other side of the plate body 910. Therefore, it can improve consumer stability, ease of operation, and ease of assembly.

[0159] Figure 14 This is a front view of a multi-link hinge in its closed state, including a protective plate, according to a modified example of the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 This is a front view of a multi-link hinge in its open state, including a protective plate, according to a modified example of the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 This is an exploded view of a multi-link hinge including a protective plate in a modified embodiment of the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the main body of the plate according to a modified example of the third embodiment; Figure 18 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a multi-link hinge, including a protective plate, in a modified embodiment of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0160] Reference Figure 14 and Figure 18 According to a modified embodiment of the present invention, the protective plate 900' includes: a plate body 910' and a guide pin 920'.

[0161] More specifically, the protective plate 900' includes: a plate body 910', rotatably coupled to one of a plurality of links via a rotation axis 912', and having an outer contour guide portion 913' and a protrusion 915' projecting downwards; a guide pin 920', fixed to another of the plurality of links, and guiding the outer contour guide portion 913' when the plate body 910' rotates; wherein the protrusion 915' is configured to be guided by engaging with the side frame of yet another of the plurality of links.

[0162] That is, as the multi-link hinge 1000 opens or closes, the plate body 910' covers the space between the multiple links and rotates around the rotation axis 912'. The guide pin 920' guides the outer contour guide portion 913' of the plate body 910', and the outer frame of one of the multiple links guides the protrusion 915' of the plate body 910', thus stabilizing the rotation of the plate body 910'.

[0163] According to one embodiment, a guide pin 920' can be fixed to the top lever 200. Additionally, a through hole 911' can be formed in the plate body 910', through which a rotating shaft 912' is rotatably connected to the bottom lever 100. This through hole 911' and rotating shaft 912' can be located on a portion inclined towards one side of the plate body 910'.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the protrusion 915' formed protruding to the lower side of the plate body 910' is such that when the plate body 910' rotates, it can be guided by engaging with the outer frame 310 of the first link 300 among a plurality of links.

[0165] The outer contour guide 913' can be the outer contour border area of ​​the sheet body 910' that comes into contact with the guide pin 920' during the rotation of the sheet body 910'.

[0166] Therefore, the outer contour guide portion 913' may include at least a portion of a curved portion that protrudes generally outward.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the guide pin 920' may include a head 921' that restricts upward movement of the plate body 910'. That is, the head 921' of the guide pin 920' restricts upward movement of the plate body 910', preventing the plate body 910' from moving away from the plurality of links. In addition, the protrusion 915' formed protruding downward toward the plate body 910' may include a head 915a' that engages with one of the plurality of links, preferably with the first link 300, to restrict upward movement of the plate body 910'.

[0168] That is, the head 921' of the guide pin 920' and the head 915a' of the protrusion 915' both prevent the plate body 910' from moving away from the multiple links when the plate body 910' rotates.

[0169] According to one embodiment, an outer contour groove 914' recessed towards the inner side of the plate body 910' can be formed on one side of the outer contour guide portion 913', and a guide pin 920' can be placed in the outer contour groove 914' in the closed position of the plate body 910'. This outer contour groove 914' can be formed such that the groove spacing becomes narrower towards the inner side of the plate body 910'.

[0170] As described above, the protective plate 900' of the modified example of the third embodiment of the invention includes a plate body 910' and a guide pin 920'. The plate body 910' covers the space between multiple links and internal components and has an outer contour guide portion 913' and a downwardly protruding protrusion 915'. The guide pin 920' guides the outer contour guide portion 913' of the plate body 910'. The protrusion 915' is configured to be guided along the outer contour frame of one of the multiple links, thereby improving consumer stability, ease of operation, and ease of assembly.

[0171] The above description of the invention is illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that it can be readily modified into other specific forms without changing the technical concept or essential features of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as exemplary in all respects and not limiting. For example, components described as a single type can also be implemented separately, and similarly, components described as separate can also be implemented in a combined form.

[0172] The scope of this invention is defined by the claims and should be interpreted as including all changes or modifications derived from equivalent concepts within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A multi-link hinge, comprising: A bottom lever, a top lever, and a plurality of links connecting the bottom lever and the top lever; A spring unit is disposed on one of the links and has a spring that provides elastic force to cause the multi-link hinge to move in an opening or closing direction; A roller unit, combined with the spring unit, is elastically supported by the spring and can move linearly relative to the spring unit, and has rollers; and A cam unit is mounted on one of the plurality of links and interacts with the roller under the action of the spring.

2. The multi-link hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The adjustment unit has an adjustment bolt, which interacts with the cam unit by tightening or loosening the adjustment bolt, causing the cam unit to move toward or away from the roller unit.

3. The multi-link hinge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adjustment unit is located on a different link than the link on which the roller unit is mounted.

4. The multi-link hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom lever is provided on the main body of the product with the door, and has a first joint and a second joint that are spaced apart from each other; The top lever is provided on the door in front of the main body for opening and closing, and has a third joint and a fourth joint formed at intervals between each other; The plurality of links include: The first link has a pivot connection at one end to the first joint and has a fifth joint and a sixth joint formed at intervals between each other. The second link is pivotally connected to the third joint and the sixth joint, and has a seventh joint. The third link is pivotally connected to the fourth joint and the fifth joint, respectively; and The fourth link is pivotally connected to the second joint and the seventh joint, respectively.

5. The multi-link hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: A protective plate, at least partially covering the space between the plurality of links which are in relative positions as the multi-link hinge opens or closes.

6. The multi-link hinge according to claim 5, characterized in that, The protective plate includes: The first plate is rotatably coupled to one of the plurality of links via a first shaft; and The second plate is rotatably coupled to another link among the plurality of links via a second axis, and rotatably coupled to the first plate via a third axis.

7. The multi-link hinge according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first plate and the second plate are arranged to form overlapping areas.

8. The multi-link hinge according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the closed state of the multi-link hinge, the overlapping area of ​​the first plate and the second plate is greater than the overlapping area of ​​the first plate and the second plate in the open state of the multi-link hinge.

9. The multi-link hinge according to claim 5, characterized in that, The protective plate includes: The main body of the plate is rotatably connected to one of the multiple connecting rods via a rotating shaft, and has a first outer contour guide portion and a second outer contour guide portion; A first guide pin is fixed to another link among the plurality of links and guides the first outer contour guide portion when the plate body rotates; and The second guide pin is fixed to another of the plurality of links and guides the second outer contour guide portion when the plate body rotates.

10. The multi-link hinge according to claim 9, characterized in that, An outer contour groove is formed between the first outer contour guide portion and the second outer contour guide portion, which is recessed towards the inner side of the plate body; When the main body of the plate is in the closed position, the first guide pin is placed in the outer contour groove.

11. The multi-link hinge according to claim 9, characterized in that, The protective plate also includes an elastic component. The elastic component is coupled to the rotation axis of the plate body to assist in the opening or closing force when the plate body rotates.

12. The multi-link hinge according to claim 9, characterized in that, At least one of the first guide pin and the second guide pin includes a head, the head restricting the plate body from moving upward.

13. The multi-link hinge according to claim 5, characterized in that, The protective plate includes: The main body of the plate is rotatably connected to one of the plurality of links via a rotating shaft, and has an outer contour guide and ribs, the ribs being formed to protrude downward along the outer contour guide; A guide pin, fixed to another link among the plurality of links, guides the outer contour guide portion and one side of the rib when the plate body rotates; and A rotating component, rotatably coupled to the guide pin on the underside of the plate body, has an upwardly projecting protrusion that guides the other side of the rib.

14. The multi-link hinge according to claim 13, characterized in that, An outer contour groove is formed on one side of the outer contour guide portion, which is recessed into the inner side of the plate body; When the main body of the plate is in the closed position, the guide pin is placed in the outer contour groove.

15. The multi-link hinge according to claim 13, characterized in that, The guide pin includes a head that restricts the upward movement of the plate body.

16. The multi-link hinge according to claim 5, characterized in that, The protective plate includes: The main body of the plate is rotatably connected to one of the plurality of links via a rotating shaft, and has an outer guide portion and a protrusion extending downward; and A guide pin, fixed to another link among the plurality of links, guides the outer contour guide portion when the plate body rotates; The protrusion is guided to engage with the outer frame of another of the plurality of links.

17. The multi-link hinge according to claim 16, characterized in that, At least one of the guide pin and the protrusion includes a head that restricts the upward movement of the plate body.

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