Hinge and refrigerator comprising same

Abstract

The utility model discloses a hinge and a refrigerator comprising the same. The hinge is a six-connecting-rod mechanism and comprises a first connecting rod component, a second connecting rod component, a third connecting rod component and a fourth connecting rod component, the first connecting rod component is provided with a horizontal part, a vertical part and a middle connecting part, the horizontal part and the vertical part are vertically connected, and the middle connecting part is connected between the horizontal part and the vertical part; the first hinge hole is located in the middle connecting part, and in the vertical direction, the ratio of the distance between the first hinge hole and the second hinge hole to the distance between the first hinge hole and the horizontal part ranges from 1.5 to 3; in the completely-opened state, the circle center of the third hinge hole is between the second hinge hole and the first hinge hole in the horizontal direction. The second connecting rod component is closer to a vertical state when the hinge is in a completely opened state, so that the hinge can expand downwards and outwards when the hinge is completely opened, and the hinge is not easy to interfere with the cabinet board.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, the hinges for high-end fully concealed and fully integrated refrigerators in the domestic market are mainly based on the "Hettich" hinge, using a six-bar linkage as the foundation. When using door panel materials with thinner profiles, this ensures that there is no interference with the surrounding cabinetry within the opening and closing range.

[0003] A six-bar linkage typically includes a first link member, a second link member, a third link member, a fourth link member, a fifth link member, and a sixth link member. The first link member is fixed to the refrigerator cabinet, and the sixth link member is installed on the refrigerator door. The second, third, fourth, and fifth link members are connected between the first and second link members. The first link member is hinged to the second link member through a first hinge hole, and to the third link member through a second hinge hole. The second link member is also hinged to the fourth link member through a third hinge hole. The third link member is also hinged to the fourth link member through a fourth hinge hole, and to the fifth link member through a fifth hinge hole. The fourth link member is also hinged to the sixth link member through a seventh hinge hole, and the fifth link member is also hinged to the sixth link member through a sixth hinge hole.

[0004] In the home improvement market, cabinet panels typically come in four thicknesses: 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, and 25mm. Depending on the material and manufacturing process, thicker panels generally correspond to a higher grade. Currently, refrigerator door hinges are primarily from Hettich, suitable for 18mm and 20mm thick panels. Using these hinges with thicker panels will cause interference between the door and surrounding cabinets when opened. If the door is installed flush with other cabinets, it cannot open fully, failing to achieve the "flush fit" function. Therefore, existing hinge technology is insufficient for using thicker cabinet panels. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the defect that the existing hinges are difficult to meet the usage requirements when using thicker cabinet boards, and to provide a hinge and a refrigerator containing the hinge.

[0006] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0007] A hinge for a refrigerator, the hinge being a six-bar linkage comprising a first link member, a second link member, a third link member, a fourth link member, and a sixth link member, wherein the first link member is used to fix to the refrigerator cabinet, the sixth link member is used to install on the refrigerator door, the first link member is hinged to the second link member through a first hinge hole and to the third link member through a second hinge hole, and the second link member is also hinged to the fourth link member through a third hinge hole;

[0008] The first connecting rod member has a horizontal part, a vertical part, and an intermediate connecting part connected between the horizontal part and the vertical part. The second hinge hole is located at one end of the vertical part away from the horizontal part. The first hinge hole is located on the intermediate connecting part. The direction of the vertical part is vertical. The distance between the first hinge hole and the second hinge hole is a first distance. The distance between the first hinge hole and the horizontal part is a second distance. The ratio of the first distance to the second distance is in the range of 1.5 to 3.

[0009] The horizontal part is located in the horizontal direction, and the hinge is configured such that when it is in the fully open state, the center of the third hinge hole is located between the second hinge hole and the first hinge hole in the horizontal direction.

[0010] In this design, the first hinge hole is positioned near the horizontal portion. When the hinge is fully open, the center of the third hinge hole is located between the second and first hinge holes in the horizontal direction. This makes the second connecting rod closer to a vertical position when the hinge is fully open, allowing the hinge to extend further downwards and outwards. Therefore, the hinge's movement trajectory is optimized. Even if the refrigerator incorporating this hinge is used on a thick cabinet panel, the hinge is less likely to interfere with the panel, thus meeting usage requirements.

[0011] Preferably, the hinge further includes a fifth link member, the third link member is also hinged to the fourth link member through a fourth hinge hole and to the fifth link member through a fifth hinge hole, the fourth link member is also hinged to the sixth link member through a seventh hinge hole, and the fifth link member is also hinged to the sixth link member through a sixth hinge hole;

[0012] The hinge is configured such that, when in the fully open state, the angle between the fourth link member and / or the fifth link member and the horizontal direction is greater than 45° and less than 90°.

[0013] In this scheme, with the above-mentioned structural configuration, when the hinge is in the fully open state, the angle between the fourth link member and / or the fifth link member and the horizontal direction is large, and the degree of opening is large. The larger the angle, the closer it is to vertical downward, which allows the hinge to expand further downward and outward when fully open.

[0014] Preferably, along the vertical direction, the end of the vertical portion closer to the horizontal portion is the first end, and the end farther from the horizontal portion is the second end. The first end of the vertical portion is located above the center line of the vertical portion, and the second end of the vertical portion is located below the center line of the vertical portion.

[0015] The second hinge hole is located at the second end of the vertical part on the side away from the center line.

[0016] In this scheme, the above-mentioned structural arrangement results in a relatively large horizontal distance between the second hinge hole and the first hinge hole, which helps to prevent the second link member from being interfered with by the third link member, and thus helps to increase the opening degree of the second link member to a greater extent.

[0017] Preferably, a connecting pin for achieving hinge is provided in each of the first hinge hole, the second hinge hole, the third hinge hole, the fourth hinge hole, the fifth hinge hole, the sixth hinge hole and the seventh hinge hole;

[0018] Along the vertical direction, the intermediate connecting portion extends to the middle of the vertical portion, and the intermediate connecting portion, the vertical portion and the horizontal portion form a first avoidance area, which is used to avoid the connecting pin passing through the sixth hinge hole during the opening and closing of the hinge.

[0019] Preferably, a connecting pin for achieving hinge is provided in each of the first hinge hole, the second hinge hole, the third hinge hole, the fourth hinge hole, the fifth hinge hole, the sixth hinge hole and the seventh hinge hole;

[0020] The first connecting rod member has two first side plates disposed opposite to each other and a first top plate connected between the two first side plates, the two first side plates and the first top plate forming a first receiving cavity;

[0021] The first end of the second connecting rod member and the first end of the third connecting rod member are located in the first receiving cavity to be hinged to the first connecting rod member. Neither the first end of the second connecting rod member nor the first end of the third connecting rod member has an outward protrusion structure.

[0022] In this design, neither the first end of the second link member nor the first end of the third link member has an outward protrusion structure, which can prevent interference between the first end of the second link member and the wall of the first receiving cavity, and between the first end of the third link member and the wall of the first receiving cavity.

[0023] Preferably, the second link member has a second clearance area on the side facing the third link member and the fifth link member;

[0024] The second clearance area is used to avoid the connecting pin passing through the second hinge hole during the opening and closing of the hinge.

[0025] In this design, the second clearance area is designed to prevent motion interference between the second link member and the connecting pin passing through the second hinge hole, thereby facilitating the normal use of the hinge.

[0026] Preferably, the second connecting rod member has two opposing second side plates and a second top plate connected between the two second side plates, the two second side plates and the second top plate forming a second receiving cavity;

[0027] The first end of the fourth link member is located in the second receiving cavity to be hinged to the second link member;

[0028] The side wall of the second side plate facing the third connecting rod member and the fifth connecting rod member has an arc-shaped structure, and the arc-shaped structure extends at least from the end of the second connecting rod member where the third hinge hole is provided to the middle of the second side plate;

[0029] The arc-shaped structure is used to form the second avoidance area.

[0030] In this design, the arc-shaped structure on the second side plate extends over a large range, which can avoid motion interference between the second link member and other structural components, reduce or avoid stress concentration, and ensure the strength of the second link member.

[0031] Preferably, a connecting pin for achieving hinge is provided in each of the first hinge hole, the second hinge hole, the third hinge hole, the fourth hinge hole, the fifth hinge hole and the sixth hinge hole;

[0032] The third link member has a third clearance area on the side opposite to the second link member. The third clearance area includes a first arc-shaped recess and a second arc-shaped recess that are spaced apart.

[0033] The first arc-shaped recess is used to avoid the fifth link member when the hinge is in the fully open state.

[0034] The second arc-shaped recess is used to avoid the connecting pin passing through the sixth hinge hole when the hinge is in the fully open state.

[0035] In this design, the first arc-shaped recess prevents interference between the hinge and the fifth link when the hinge is fully open, and the second arc-shaped recess prevents interference between the hinge and the connecting pin passing through the sixth hinge hole when the hinge is fully open, thus ensuring the normal use of the hinge. Furthermore, compared to a single arc-shaped recess, the spaced-apart first and second arc-shaped recesses help ensure the strength of the third link.

[0036] Preferably, the sixth link member has two opposing sixth side plates and a bottom plate connected between the two sixth side plates, the two sixth side plates and the bottom plate forming a sixth receiving cavity. The fourth link member has a first end for hinged with the second link member and a second end for hinged with the sixth link member. The second end of the fourth link member is located in the sixth receiving cavity. The side of the second end of the fourth link member facing the bottom plate has no outward protrusion. The first end of the fourth link member is provided with a first avoidance structure for avoiding the second link.

[0037] And / or, the fifth link member has a second clearance structure at one end for hinged to the third link member, for clearance from the third link member when the hinge is closed.

[0038] In this design, the second end of the fourth link member has no protruding structure on the side facing the bottom plate of the sixth link member, which avoids interference with the bottom plate of the sixth link member when the link is fully open. The first clearance structure avoids interference with the second link member, which is beneficial for the normal use of the hinge. The second clearance structure on the fifth link member prevents interference with the third link member when the hinge is closed, which is also beneficial for the normal use of the hinge.

[0039] Preferably, the hinge is configured to be suitable for cabinet panels with a thickness between 15-30 mm;

[0040] The surface of the sixth link member used for mounting to the refrigerator door is a mounting surface. The hinge is configured such that, during the switching between the closed state and the fully open state, the distance between any position of the mounting surface and the cabinet panel is greater than the thickness of the refrigerator door, and the difference is at least 2 mm.

[0041] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural configuration ensures that the refrigerator door and the cabinet panel can be reliably prevented from interfering with each other during the operation of the hinge (i.e., during the switching between the closed and fully open states).

[0042] This utility model also provides a refrigerator, including a cabinet and a door, wherein the door is rotatable relative to the cabinet to open or close a storage space defined inside the cabinet, characterized in that the refrigerator further includes the aforementioned hinge, the first connecting rod member is fixed to the cabinet, and the sixth connecting rod member is installed on the door.

[0043] The positive and progressive effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0044] In this hinge, the first hinge hole is located near the horizontal portion, and when the hinge is fully open, the center of the third hinge hole is located between the second and first hinge holes in the horizontal direction. This makes the second link member closer to a vertical state when the hinge is fully open, allowing the hinge to extend further downwards and outwards when fully open. Therefore, the movement trajectory of the hinge is optimized, and even if a refrigerator incorporating this hinge is used on a thick cabinet panel, the hinge is less likely to interfere with the cabinet panel, thus meeting usage requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present invention when the hinge is in the fully open state.

[0046] Figure 2 This is another structural schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present invention when the hinge is in the fully open state.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge in the closed state according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first part of the structure of a preferred embodiment of the present invention when the hinge is in the fully open state. The second connecting rod component is not shown in the figure.

[0049] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the second part of the structure of a preferred embodiment of the present invention when the hinge is in the fully open state. The second link member and the sixth link member are not shown in the figure.

[0050] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the third part of the structure of a preferred embodiment of the present invention when the hinge is in the fully open state. The second link member, the fourth link member, and the sixth link member are not shown in the figure.

[0051] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth part of the structure of a preferred embodiment of the present invention when the hinge is in the fully open state. The second link member, the fourth link member, the fifth link member, and the sixth link member are not shown in the figure.

[0052] Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first link component of the hinge according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the second link component of the hinge in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 10 This is a structural schematic diagram of the third link component of the hinge according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 11 This is a structural schematic diagram of the fourth link component of the hinge according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 12 This is a structural schematic diagram of the fifth link component of the hinge according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 13 This is a structural schematic diagram of the sixth link component of the hinge according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0059] 1. First Linkage Component

[0060] 11 Horizontal section

[0061] 12 vertical parts

[0062] 13 Intermediate connecting part

[0063] 14 First side plate

[0064] 15 First Top Plate

[0065] 16 First Avoidance Zone

[0066] 2. Second Linkage Component

[0067] 21 Second side plate

[0068] 22 Second Top Plate

[0069] 23 Second Avoidance Zone

[0070] 3 Third Link Component

[0071] 31 First arc-shaped recess

[0072] 32 Second arc-shaped recess

[0073] 33 Third Avoidance Zone

[0074] 4. Fourth Link Component

[0075] 41 First Avoidance Structure

[0076] 5. Fifth Link Member

[0077] 51 Second Avoidance Structure

[0078] 52 Third Avoidance Structure

[0079] 6. Sixth Link Member

[0080] 61 Sixth side panel

[0081] 62 base plate

[0082] 63 mounting surface

[0083] 10 First hinge hole

[0084] 20 Second hinge hole

[0085] 30 Third hinge hole

[0086] 40 Fourth hinge hole

[0087] 50 Fifth hinge hole

[0088] 60 Sixth Hinge Hole

[0089] 70 connecting pin

[0090] 80 Seventh Hinge Hole

[0091] V vertical direction

[0092] L1 first distance

[0093] L2 second distance Detailed Implementation

[0094] The present invention will be further described below by way of embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments.

[0095] like Figures 1 to 13As shown, this embodiment provides a hinge and a refrigerator including the same. The hinge is a six-bar linkage mechanism and includes a first link member 1, a second link member 2, a third link member 3, and a fourth link member 4. The first link member 1 is used to fix it to the refrigerator cabinet. The first link member 1 is hinged to the second link member 2 through a first hinge hole 10 and to the third link member 3 through a second hinge hole 20. The second link member 2 is also hinged to the fourth link member 4 through a third hinge hole 30. The first connecting rod member 1 has a horizontal part 11, a vertical part 12 and an intermediate connecting part 13 connected between the horizontal part 11 and the vertical part 12. The second hinge hole 20 is located at one end of the vertical part 12 away from the horizontal part 11. The first hinge hole 10 is located on the intermediate connecting part 13 and is in the vertical direction. The distance between the first hinge hole 10 and the second hinge hole 20 is a first distance. The distance between the first hinge hole 10 and the horizontal part 11 is a second distance. The ratio of the first distance to the second distance is in the range of 1.5 to 3.

[0096] It should be noted that the "vertical direction" mentioned above refers to the extension direction of the vertical part 12. Figure 8 The vertical direction V is schematically shown. Accordingly, the term "horizontal direction" below refers to the direction of extension of the horizontal part 11. Figure 8 The horizontal direction L is schematically shown in the diagram.

[0097] Furthermore, the distance between the first hinge hole 10 and the second hinge hole 20 refers to the distance between the center of the first hinge hole 10 and the center of the second hinge hole 20. Figure 8 The first distance L1 is schematically shown. Correspondingly, the distance between the first hinge hole 10 and the horizontal portion 11 refers to the distance between the center of the first hinge hole 10 and the end face of the horizontal portion 11. Figure 8 The second distance L2 is schematically shown in the diagram.

[0098] The hinge is configured such that, when fully open, the center of the third hinge hole 30 is located between the center of the second hinge hole 20 and the center of the first hinge hole 10 along the horizontal direction L.

[0099] It should be noted that, along the horizontal direction L, the center of the third hinge hole 30 is located between the second hinge hole 20 and the first hinge hole 10. This means that if the coordinate axis corresponding to the horizontal direction L is taken as the horizontal coordinate axis, the value of the horizontal coordinate of the center of the third hinge hole 30 is between the value of the horizontal coordinate of the center of the second hinge hole 20 and the value of the horizontal coordinate of the center of the first hinge hole 10.

[0100] In this embodiment, the first hinge hole 10 is disposed adjacent to the horizontal portion 11. When the hinge is in the fully open state, along the horizontal direction L, the center of the third hinge hole 30 is located between the center of the second hinge hole 20 and the center of the first hinge hole 10. This makes the second connecting rod member 2 closer to a vertical state when the hinge is in the fully open state, thereby allowing the hinge to expand further downward and outward when fully open. Therefore, the movement trajectory of the hinge is optimized, and even if the refrigerator containing this hinge is applied to a thick cabinet panel, the hinge is less likely to interfere with the cabinet panel, thus meeting the usage requirements.

[0101] It should be noted that, taking the first hinge hole 10 as an example, the first connecting rod member 1 is hinged to the second connecting rod member 2 through the first hinge hole 10. For ease of description, the first hinge hole 10 used to achieve this hinge corresponds to both the first hinge hole 10 provided on the first connecting rod member 1 and the first hinge hole 10 provided on the second connecting rod member 2. The same applies to other hinge holes, which will not be listed here.

[0102] As a preferred embodiment, the hinge further includes a fifth link member 5 and a sixth link member 6. The sixth link member 6 is used for mounting on the refrigerator door. The third link member 3 is also hinged to the fourth link member 4 via a fourth hinge hole 40 and to the fifth link member 5 via a fifth hinge hole 50. The fourth link member 4 is also hinged to the sixth link member 6 via a seventh hinge hole 80, and the fifth link member 5 is also hinged to the sixth link member 6 via a sixth hinge hole 60. The hinge is configured such that, when fully open, the angle between the fourth link member 4 and / or the fifth link member 5 and the horizontal direction is greater than 45° and less than 90°.

[0103] In this embodiment, with the above-described structural configuration, when the hinge is in the fully open state, the angle between the fourth link member 4 and / or the fifth link member 5 and the horizontal direction is large, and the degree of opening is large. The larger the angle, the closer it is to vertical downward, which allows the hinge to expand further downward and outward when fully open.

[0104] Specifically, in this embodiment, the ratio of the first distance L1 to the second distance L2 is 2. In other alternative embodiments, depending on the actual setup requirements, the ratio of the first distance L1 to the second distance L2 can be any other value between 1.5 and 3. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the angles between the fourth link member 4 and the fifth link member 5 and the horizontal direction are both approximately 75°. In other alternative embodiments, depending on the actual setup requirements, the angles between the fourth link member 4 and the fifth link member 5 and the horizontal direction can be any other angle within the range of greater than 45° and less than 90°.

[0105] As a preferred configuration, along the vertical direction, the end of the vertical portion 12 closest to the horizontal portion 11 is designated as the first end, and the end furthest from the horizontal portion 11 is designated as the second end. The first end of the vertical portion 12 is located above the centerline of the vertical portion 12, and the second end of the vertical portion 12 is located below the centerline of the vertical portion 12. The second hinge hole 20 is located on the side of the second end of the vertical portion 12 furthest from the centerline. That is, the second hinge hole 20 is located below the centerline of the vertical portion 12 and is close to the end face of the second end.

[0106] In this embodiment, with the above-described structural configuration, the horizontal distance between the second hinge hole 20 and the first hinge hole 10 is relatively large, which helps to prevent the second link member 2 from being interfered with by the third link member 3, and thus helps to increase the opening degree of the second link member 2 to a greater extent.

[0107] As a preferred configuration, connecting pins 70 for hinged connections are provided in the first hinge hole 10, the second hinge hole 20, the third hinge hole 30, the fourth hinge hole 40, the fifth hinge hole 50, the sixth hinge hole 60, and the seventh hinge hole 80. Along the vertical direction V, the intermediate connecting portion 13 extends to the middle of the vertical portion 12, and the intermediate connecting portion 13, the vertical portion 12, and the horizontal portion 11 form a first clearance area 16 (e.g., ...). Figure 8 As shown), the first clearance area 16 is used to avoid the connecting pin 70 passing through the sixth hinge hole 60 during the opening and closing of the hinge.

[0108] As a preferred setting, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figures 4 to 8 As shown, the first connecting rod member 1 has two opposing first side plates 14 and a first top plate 15 connected between the two first side plates 14, the two first side plates 14 and the first top plate 15 forming a first receiving cavity. The first end of the second connecting rod member 2 and the first end of the third connecting rod member 3 are located in the first receiving cavity to be hinged to the first connecting rod member 1, and neither the first end of the second connecting rod member 2 nor the first end of the third connecting rod member 3 has an outward protrusion structure.

[0109] It should be noted that the above-mentioned "no protruding structure" refers to the smooth transition of the corresponding ends (including the first end of the second connecting rod member 2 and the first end of the third connecting rod member 3) without any outward protruding structures (such as protrusions, burrs, etc.) to prevent damage to the wall of the first receiving cavity.

[0110] In this embodiment, neither the first end of the second link member 2 nor the first end of the third link member 3 has an outward protrusion structure, which can prevent the first end of the second link member 2 from interfering with the wall of the first receiving cavity, and the first end of the third link member 3 from interfering with the wall of the first receiving cavity.

[0111] As a preferred configuration, the second link member 2 has a second clearance area 23 formed on the side facing the third link member 3 and the fifth link member 5 (e.g., Figure 9 (As shown). The second clearance area 23 is used to avoid the connecting pin 70 passing through the second hinge hole 20 during the opening and closing of the hinge.

[0112] In this embodiment, the setting of the second avoidance area 23 can prevent the second connecting rod member 2 from interfering with the movement of the connecting pin 70 passing through the second hinge hole 20, thereby facilitating the normal use of the hinge.

[0113] It should be noted that the specific shape of the second clearance area 23 is not specifically limited here, as long as it can avoid the connecting pin 70 passing through the second hinge hole 20 during the opening and closing of the hinge. For example, clearance space can be reserved at the corresponding position by cutting or hollowing out, and used as the aforementioned clearance area.

[0114] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 9 As shown, in a preferred configuration, the second link member 2 has two opposing second side plates 21 and a second top plate 22 connected between the two second side plates 21, forming a second receiving cavity. The first end of the fourth link member 4 is located within the second receiving cavity to be hinged to the second link member 2. The sidewall of the second side plate 21 facing the third link member 3 and the fifth link member 5 has an arc-shaped structure, extending at least from the end of the second link member 2 where the third hinge hole 30 is provided to the middle of the second side plate 21. This arc-shaped structure forms a second clearance area 23.

[0115] In this embodiment, the arc-shaped structure on the second side plate 21 extends over a large range, which can not only avoid motion interference between the second connecting rod member 2 and other structural components, but also reduce or avoid stress concentration and ensure the strength of the second connecting rod member 2.

[0116] As a preferred embodiment, connecting pins 70 for achieving hinges are inserted into the first hinge hole 10, the second hinge hole 20, the third hinge hole 30, the fourth hinge hole 40, the fifth hinge hole 50, and the sixth hinge hole 60. For example... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figures 4 to 7 , Figure 10As shown, a third clearance area 33 is formed on the side of the third link member 3 facing away from the second link member 2. The third clearance area 33 includes a first arc-shaped recess 31 and a second arc-shaped recess 32 spaced apart. The first arc-shaped recess 31 is used to clear the fifth link member 5 when the hinge is in the fully open state. The second arc-shaped recess 32 is used to clear the connecting pin 70 passing through the sixth hinge hole 60 when the hinge is in the fully open state.

[0117] In this embodiment, the first arc-shaped recess 31 prevents interference between the hinge and the fifth link member 5 when the hinge is in the fully open state, and the second arc-shaped recess 32 prevents interference between the hinge and the connecting pin 70 passing through the sixth hinge hole 60 when the hinge is in the fully open state, thereby facilitating the normal use of the hinge. Furthermore, compared to a single arc-shaped recess, the spaced-apart first arc-shaped recess 31 and second arc-shaped recess 32 help ensure the strength of the third link member 3.

[0118] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, as a preferred configuration, the sixth link member 6 has two opposing sixth side plates 61 and a bottom plate 62 connected between the two sixth side plates 61. The two sixth side plates 61 and the bottom plate 62 form a sixth receiving cavity. The fourth link member 4 has a first end for hinged to the second link member 2 and a second end for hinged to the sixth link member 6. The second end of the fourth link member 4 is located within the sixth receiving cavity. The side of the second end of the fourth link member 4 facing the bottom plate 62 has no outward protrusion. The first end of the fourth link member 4 is provided with a first avoidance structure 41 for avoiding the second link member 2. Figure 11 As shown, as an example, the first clearance structure 41 is a notch provided at the end.

[0119] Similar to the above, the "no protruding structure" here refers to the smooth transition of the corresponding end (i.e., the second end of the fourth link member 4) without any outward protruding structures (such as protrusions, burrs, etc.) to prevent damage to the base plate 62.

[0120] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figures 4 to 6 , Figure 12 As shown, optionally or alternatively, the end of the fifth link member 5 that is hinged to the third link member 3 has a second clearance structure 51 for clearing the third link member 3 when the hinge is closed. Additionally, the end of the fifth link member 5 near the fifth hinge hole 50 has a third clearance structure 52 (e.g., Figure 12As shown), the third clearance structure 52 extends to the upper right, so that there is still enough space above the second link member 2 when the hinge is fully open, which can be used by other modules.

[0121] The second end of the fourth link member 4 has no protruding structure on the side facing the base plate 62 of the sixth link member 6, which avoids interference with the base plate 62 of the sixth link member 6 when the link is fully open. The first clearance structure 41 avoids interference with the second link member 2, which is beneficial to the normal use of the hinge. The second clearance structure 51 on the fifth link member 5 prevents interference with the third link member 3 when the hinge is closed, which is also beneficial to the normal use of the hinge.

[0122] The hinge provided in this embodiment is configured to be suitable for cabinet panels with a thickness range of 15-30mm. It can be one of the four common cabinet panel sizes of 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, and 25mm used in the current home improvement market, or it can be a cabinet panel of other thicknesses within the above thickness range that the user customizes according to actual needs.

[0123] The sixth link member 6 has a mounting surface 63 for mounting to the refrigerator door. This mounting surface is the surface of the base plate 62 facing the refrigerator door. Figure 13 As shown. The hinge is configured such that, during the switching between the closed and fully open states, the distance between any position of the mounting surface 63 and the cabinet panel is greater than the thickness of the refrigerator door, with a difference of at least 2 mm.

[0124] This design ensures that the refrigerator door can reliably avoid interference with the cabinet panel during operation (i.e., when the hinge switches between the closed and fully open states).

[0125] Set the difference between the distance between any position of the mounting surface 63 and the cabinet panel and the thickness of the refrigerator door to at least 2mm, leaving a certain margin to ensure that the hinge can work properly.

[0126] It should be noted that for cabinet panels of different thicknesses, the center position of the hinge hole of each link component in the six-bar linkage can be adjusted. The following explanation uses the position of each link component when the hinge is closed as a reference, and the intersection of the horizontal part 11 and the vertical part 12 of the first link component 1 as the origin of the global coordinate system, to illustrate the change in the center position of the hinge hole of each link component for cabinet panels of different thicknesses. For example, before the adjustment, it was suitable for cabinet panels of the first thickness (e.g., 18mm); after the adjustment, it is suitable for cabinet panels of the second thickness (e.g., 25mm).

[0127] Regarding the center position coordinates of the first hinge hole 10, compared to before the adjustment, the horizontal coordinate of the center position of the first hinge hole 10 can remain basically unchanged, while the vertical coordinate can be slightly adjusted upwards.

[0128] Regarding the center coordinates of the second hinge hole 20, compared to before the adjustment, the vertical coordinate of the center position of the second hinge hole 20 can remain basically unchanged, while the horizontal coordinate can be slightly adjusted to the left. Regarding the center coordinates of the third hinge hole 30, compared to before the adjustment, the horizontal coordinate of the center position of the third hinge hole 30 can remain basically unchanged, while the vertical coordinate can be slightly adjusted downwards.

[0129] Regarding the center position coordinates of the fourth hinge hole 40, compared to before the adjustment, the horizontal and vertical coordinates of the center position of the fourth hinge hole 40 can remain basically unchanged after the adjustment.

[0130] Regarding the center position coordinates of the fifth hinge hole 50, compared to before the adjustment, the horizontal and vertical coordinates of the center position of the fifth hinge hole 50 can remain basically unchanged after the adjustment.

[0131] Regarding the center position coordinates of the sixth hinge hole 60, compared to before the adjustment, the vertical coordinate of the center position of the sixth hinge hole 60 can remain basically unchanged, while the horizontal coordinate can be slightly adjusted to the left.

[0132] Regarding the center position coordinates of the seventh hinge hole 80, compared to before the adjustment, the vertical coordinate of the center position of the seventh hinge hole 80 can remain basically unchanged, while the horizontal coordinate can be slightly adjusted to the left.

[0133] The adjustment of the center of each of the aforementioned hinge holes corresponds to the adjustment of each hinge point. The core of the adjustment is to make the fourth link member 4 and the fifth link member 5 more outward when fully opened, increasing the degree of opening and approaching vertical downward, so that the hinge as a whole can also be more downward and outward when fully opened.

[0134] It should be noted that the adjustment of the first hinge hole 10 and the second hinge hole 20 has a linkage effect. Adjusting the center of the hinge hole upwards can make the second link member 2 closer to a vertical state after opening. However, if the center of the second hinge hole 20 is not adjusted, the second link member 2 will be interfered with by the third link member 3, which will limit the increase in the opening degree of the second link member 2. Therefore, adjusting the center of the second hinge hole 20 to the left essentially increases the distance between the second link member 2 and the third link member 3, so that the increase in the opening degree of the second link member 2 is not affected by the third link member 3.

[0135] The center of the third hinge hole 30 is adjusted downwards, and further to the left when fully open, thus increasing the degree of opening. The centers of the sixth hinge hole 60 and the seventh hinge hole 80 are adjusted to the left, partly to serve the fourth link member 4 and the fifth link member 5, making them more vertically downwards when open. On the other hand, with the centers of the sixth hinge hole 60 and the seventh hinge hole 80 further to the left, the remaining dimensions increase, and the downward extension portion becomes longer while the dimensions of the sixth link member 6 remain unchanged.

[0136] By comparison, the opening angle of the hinge when fully opened is significantly larger in this application. Similarly, the fourth link member 4, which is tilted at 45 degrees in the original structure, is in a nearly vertical state in this application. The purpose is to make the hinge extend further outward after it is opened, and the overall length of the hinge in the vertical direction can be increased from the original 152mm to 162mm.

[0137] The refrigerator in this embodiment includes a cabinet and a door. The door can rotate relative to the cabinet to open or close the storage space defined inside the cabinet. The refrigerator is characterized by further including the aforementioned hinge, with the first link member 1 fixed on the cabinet and the sixth link member 6 installed on the door.

[0138] In this hinge, the first hinge hole 10 is located adjacent to the horizontal portion 11. When the hinge is fully open, the center of the third hinge hole 30 is located between the second hinge hole 20 and the first hinge hole 10 in the horizontal direction. This makes the second connecting rod member 2 closer to a vertical state when the hinge is fully open, allowing the hinge to expand downwards and outwards more when fully open. Therefore, the movement trajectory of the hinge is optimized, and even if the refrigerator containing this hinge is used on a thick cabinet panel, the hinge is less likely to interfere with the cabinet panel, thus meeting the usage requirements.

[0139] While specific embodiments of this utility model have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of this utility model, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A hinge for a refrigerator, the hinge being a six-bar linkage comprising a first link member, a second link member, a third link member, a fourth link member, and a sixth link member, the first link member being fixed to the refrigerator cabinet, the sixth link member being mounted on the refrigerator door, the first link member being hinged to the second link member via a first hinge hole and to the third link member via a second hinge hole, the second link member being hinged to the fourth link member via a third hinge hole; Its features are, The first connecting rod member has a horizontal part, a vertical part, and an intermediate connecting part connected between the horizontal part and the vertical part. The second hinge hole is located at one end of the vertical part away from the horizontal part. The first hinge hole is located on the intermediate connecting part. The direction of the vertical part is vertical and along the vertical direction. The distance between the first hinge hole and the second hinge hole is a first distance. The distance between the first hinge hole and the horizontal part is a second distance. The ratio of the first distance to the second distance is in the range of 1.5 to 3. The horizontal portion is located in a horizontal direction, and the hinge is configured such that, when in the fully open state, along the horizontal direction, the third hinge hole is located between the second hinge hole and the first hinge hole.

2. The hinge as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hinge also includes a fifth link member. The third link member is also hinged to the fourth link member through a fourth hinge hole and to the fifth link member through a fifth hinge hole. The fourth link member is also hinged to the sixth link member through a seventh hinge hole. The fifth link member is also hinged to the sixth link member through a sixth hinge hole. The hinge is configured such that, when in the fully open state, the angle between the fourth link member and / or the fifth link member and the horizontal direction is greater than 45° and less than 90°.

3. The hinge as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Along the vertical direction, the end of the vertical part closer to the horizontal part is the first end, and the end farther from the horizontal part is the second end. The first end of the vertical part is located above the center line of the vertical part, and the second end of the vertical part is located below the center line of the vertical part. The second hinge hole is located at the second end of the vertical part on the side away from the center line.

4. The hinge as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the first hinge hole, the second hinge hole, the third hinge hole, the fourth hinge hole, the fifth hinge hole, the sixth hinge hole, and the seventh hinge hole is provided with a connecting pin for achieving hinge; Along the vertical direction, the intermediate connecting portion extends to the middle of the vertical portion, and the intermediate connecting portion, the vertical portion and the horizontal portion form a first avoidance area, which is used to avoid the connecting pin passing through the sixth hinge hole during the opening and closing of the hinge.

5. The hinge as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the first hinge hole, the second hinge hole, the third hinge hole, the fourth hinge hole, the fifth hinge hole, the sixth hinge hole, and the seventh hinge hole is provided with a connecting pin for achieving hinge; The first connecting rod member has two first side plates disposed opposite to each other and a first top plate connected between the two first side plates, the two first side plates and the first top plate forming a first receiving cavity; The first end of the second connecting rod member and the first end of the third connecting rod member are located in the first receiving cavity to be hinged to the first connecting rod member. Neither the first end of the second connecting rod member nor the first end of the third connecting rod member has an outward protrusion structure.

6. The hinge as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The second link member has a second clearance area formed on the side facing the third link member and the fifth link member; The second clearance area is used to avoid the connecting pin passing through the second hinge hole during the opening and closing of the hinge.

7. The hinge as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The second connecting rod member has two opposing second side plates and a second top plate connected between the two second side plates, the two second side plates and the second top plate forming a second receiving cavity; The first end of the fourth link member is located in the second receiving cavity to be hinged to the second link member; The side wall of the second side plate facing the third connecting rod member and the fifth connecting rod member has an arc-shaped structure, and the arc-shaped structure extends at least from the end of the second connecting rod member where the third hinge hole is provided to the middle of the second side plate; The arc-shaped structure is used to form the second avoidance area.

8. The hinge as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the first hinge hole, the second hinge hole, the third hinge hole, the fourth hinge hole, the fifth hinge hole, and the sixth hinge hole is provided with a connecting pin for achieving hinge; The third link member has a third clearance area on the side opposite to the second link member. The third clearance area includes a first arc-shaped recess and a second arc-shaped recess that are spaced apart. The first arc-shaped recess is used to avoid the fifth link member when the hinge is in the fully open state. The second arc-shaped recess is used to avoid the connecting pin passing through the sixth hinge hole when the hinge is in the fully open state.

9. The hinge as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The sixth link member has two oppositely arranged sixth side plates and a bottom plate connected between the two sixth side plates. The two sixth side plates and the bottom plate form a sixth receiving cavity. The fourth link member has a first end for hinged with the second link member and a second end for hinged with the sixth link member. The second end of the fourth link member is located in the sixth receiving cavity. The side of the second end of the fourth link member facing the bottom plate has no outward protrusion structure. The first end of the fourth link member is provided with a first avoidance structure for avoiding the second link member. And / or, the fifth link member has a second clearance structure at one end that is hinged to the third link member, for clearance of the third link member when the hinge is closed.

10. The hinge as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The hinge is configured to be suitable for cabinet panels with a thickness range of 15-30mm; The surface of the sixth link member used for mounting to the refrigerator door is a mounting surface. The hinge is configured such that, during the switching between the closed state and the fully open state, the distance between any position of the mounting surface and the cabinet panel is greater than the thickness of the refrigerator door, and the difference is at least 2mm.

11. A refrigerator, comprising a cabinet and a door, the door being rotatable relative to the cabinet to open or close a storage space defined within the cabinet, characterized in that, The refrigerator further includes a hinge as described in any one of claims 1-10, wherein the first link member is fixed to the cabinet body, and the sixth link member is installed on the door body.

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