A buffer mounting structure with an inner pocket buffer hinge

Abstract

A buffer mounting structure for a pocket-mounted buffer hinge includes a hinge cup with a mounting groove on its side wall, extending through the inside and outside of the hinge cup. A fixing seat is mounted on the outside of the mounting groove, and several connectors are mounted on the fixing seat. A positioning groove is also provided within the fixing seat, and the buffer is mounted and fixed within the positioning groove. Each connector includes a first connecting seat mounted on the fixing seat. Correspondingly, a first connecting hole is provided on the side wall of the hinge cup, and the first connecting seat is inserted into and fixed thereto. The advantages of this invention are: by creating a mounting groove on the side wall of the hinge cup and providing a fixing seat outside the mounting groove to accommodate the buffer, the space outside the hinge cup is utilized for buffer mounting. This structural design allows for the use of a larger, higher-performance, and lower-cost buffer, thereby significantly improving the buffering effect, stability, and service life of the buffer hinge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hardware hinge technology, specifically a buffer mounting structure for an inner pocket buffer hinge. Background Technology

[0002] Furniture hinges are essential hardware components connecting cabinet bodies and door panels. There are many types, and to improve the convenience and safety of furniture, soft-close hinges were developed. Soft-close hinges provide a cushioning effect during the final stage of door closure, preventing violent collisions between the door panel and the cabinet body, reducing noise, and extending the lifespan of the furniture.

[0003] In existing damping hinge technologies, the installation location of the damper varies. One common design is to install the damper in a specific part of the hinge, such as the hinge base, connecting arm, or hinge cup. In some designs, to achieve a concealed or compact structure, the damper is sometimes installed inside the hinge cup.

[0004] However, the design of installing the buffer inside the hinge cup presents numerous technical challenges and drawbacks. Due to the structural characteristics of the hinge cup, the usable space inside is usually very limited. To accommodate this confined space, existing technologies often have to employ miniature buffers, i.e., micro-buffers. While these micro-buffers solve the space constraint problem to some extent, they themselves have significant shortcomings.

[0005] First, the manufacturing process of miniature dampers is typically more complex and precise, resulting in relatively high production costs and hindering mass production and market promotion. Second, due to their small size, the internal buffering structure and media capacity of miniature dampers are limited, directly affecting their buffering performance. In practical use, the buffering force provided by miniature dampers is often weak, making it difficult to effectively cope with the impact force when a large or heavy door panel is closed, resulting in unsatisfactory buffering effects. Finally, due to the miniaturization of the internal structure and the heavy workload, miniature dampers generally have a shorter lifespan and are prone to problems such as oil leakage and buffering failure, reducing the overall reliability and durability of the hinge. Therefore, further improvements are necessary. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide a buffer mounting structure with an inner buffer hinge that is simple in structure, low in manufacturing cost, and effectively improves buffering performance and service life.

[0007] The purpose of this utility model is achieved by the following method: a buffer mounting structure for an in-pocket buffer hinge, comprising a hinge cup, an installation groove provided on the side wall of the hinge cup, the installation groove extending through the inside and outside of the hinge cup, a fixing seat covering the outside of the installation groove, a plurality of connectors provided on the fixing seat, the connectors being snapped into the mounting holes on the hinge cup for fixing, thereby fixing the fixing seat to the hinge cup; a positioning groove is also provided inside the fixing seat, and the buffer is installed and fixed in the positioning groove.

[0008] Furthermore: the connector includes a first connecting seat disposed on a fixed base, and correspondingly, a first connecting hole is provided on the side wall of the hinge cup, and the first connecting seat is inserted into the first connecting hole and fixed thereto.

[0009] Furthermore: the connector includes an elastic buckle disposed on a fixed base, the free end of the elastic buckle being provided with a back buckle, and under normal conditions, the main body of the elastic buckle extends into the positioning groove, and the back buckle is engaged with the side wall of the mounting groove.

[0010] Furthermore: the connector includes a limiting part disposed on the fixed base, the limiting part protruding from the inner side wall of the fixed base and being engaged in the mounting groove; a second connecting seat extends downward from the bottom of the limiting part and is engaged in the lower side wall of the mounting groove.

[0011] Furthermore, the opening of the positioning groove also has an anti-disengagement buckle extending into the groove. After the buffer is installed, the anti-disengagement buckle is fixed on the cylindrical surface of the buffer.

[0012] Furthermore, the opening of the positioning groove is located on the outer side of the fixed base.

[0013] Furthermore: There are two mounting slots, which are symmetrically opened on the side wall of the hinge cup.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. Simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and improved market competitiveness.

[0015] 2. This utility model utilizes the space outside the hinge cup for buffer installation by creating an installation groove on the side wall of the hinge cup and setting a fixing seat outside the installation groove. This structural design allows for the use of buffers that are relatively larger, have better performance, and are lower in cost, thereby significantly improving the buffering effect, stability, and service life of the buffer hinge.

[0016] 3. The fixing base is fixed in the mounting hole on the hinge cup by the connector snap-fit, which realizes a firm connection between the fixing base and the hinge cup.

[0017] 4. When the fixing seat is initially installed on the hinge cup, the snap fastener does not immediately lock with the inner wall of the mounting groove on the hinge cup. This makes the installation process of the fixing seat smoother and avoids installation difficulties caused by premature interference of the snap fastener.

[0018] 5. The true fixing function of the elastic buckle is achieved during the installation of the buffer into the positioning groove. When the buffer is pushed into the positioning groove, its cylindrical outer surface contacts and pushes the elastic buckle outward. As the elastic buckle elastically deforms outward under force, the undercut at its free end is lifted or pried up, precisely locking or hooking into the inner wall of the hinge cup mounting groove. This process achieves the final and reliable limiting and fixing between the fixed seat and the hinge cup after the buffer installation is completed. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 , 2 This is a rendering of the final assembly of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 3 , 4 This is a structural assembly drawing of the present utility model.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the effect of assembling the hinge cup and the fixed base in this utility model.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the elastic buckle structure in this utility model.

[0023] Figure 7 , 8 This is a schematic diagram of the fixed base structure in this utility model.

[0024] Marking description: Hinge cup-1; First connecting hole-11; Mounting slot-2; Fixing seat-3; Positioning slot-31; First connecting seat-32; Elastic buckle-33; Inverted buckle-34; Limiting part-35; Second connecting seat-36; Anti-disengagement buckle-37; Buffer-4. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. A buffer mounting structure for an in-pocket buffer hinge includes a hinge cup 1. A mounting groove 2 is formed on the side wall of the hinge cup 1, extending through the inner and outer surfaces of the hinge cup 1. A fixing seat 3 is mounted on the outside of the mounting groove 2. Several connectors are provided on the fixing seat 3, and the connectors are snapped into mounting holes on the hinge cup 1 for fixation, thus fixing the fixing seat 3 to the hinge cup 1. A positioning groove 31 is also provided inside the fixing seat 3, and the buffer 4 is installed and fixed within the positioning groove 31.

[0026] In this embodiment, a through-hole mounting groove 2 is provided on the side wall of the hinge cup 1, providing space and a positioning basis for the subsequent installation of the fixing seat 3. The fixing seat 3 is externally covered and installed on the mounting groove 2, and its connector aligns with the mounting holes on the side wall of the hinge cup 1, achieving a snap-fit ​​fixation after the fixing seat is installed in place. Once the fixing seat 3 is securely installed on the side wall of the hinge cup 1, its internal positioning groove 31 forms an installation space for accommodating and fixing the buffer 4. The buffer 4 is installed and fixed within this positioning groove 31, thereby structurally integrating the buffer 4 with the hinge cup 1 and providing a cushioning function for the entire hinge.

[0027] This structural design moves the main body of the damper to the outside of the hinge cup sidewall and achieves this through a mounting bracket, breaking through the traditional limitation of placing the damper entirely within the confined space of the hinge cup. This allows for the use of dampers with superior size and performance, improving cushioning effect and service life, while potentially reducing costs. The mounting bracket offers various connection methods to the hinge cup, enhancing installation reliability and flexibility.

[0028] In one embodiment, the connector includes a first connecting seat 32 disposed on the fixed seat 3. Correspondingly, a first connecting hole 11 is provided on the side wall of the hinge cup 1, and the first connecting seat 32 is inserted into the first connecting hole 11 and fixed thereto.

[0029] The fixing seat 3 is designed with a columnar or claw-shaped first connecting seat 32. When installing the fixing seat 3 onto the side wall of the hinge cup 1, the first connecting seat 32 needs to be aligned and inserted into the pre-drilled first connecting hole 11 on the side wall of the hinge cup 1. Through the tight fit or snap-fit ​​structure between the first connecting seat 32 and the first connecting hole 11, the fixing seat 3 is initially positioned and fixed in the horizontal and vertical directions, thereby firmly installing the fixing seat 3 onto the hinge cup 1.

[0030] In one embodiment, the connector includes an elastic buckle 33 disposed on a fixed base 3, and the free end of the elastic buckle 33 is provided with a buckle 34. Under normal conditions, the main body of the elastic buckle 33 extends into the positioning groove 31, and the buckle 34 is engaged with the side wall of the mounting groove 2.

[0031] In this embodiment, during the initial installation stage of the fixing seat 3, while installing the fixing seat 3 onto the side wall of the hinge cup 1, although the elastic buckle 33 is located within the mounting groove 2 area, its ingenious design lies in the fact that before the fixing seat 3 is fully pushed into place or the buffer 4 is installed, the buckle 34 of the elastic buckle 33 does not provide a primary, strong latching or locking effect between itself and the inner side wall of the mounting groove 2 of the hinge cup 1. At this time, the elastic buckle may only be in a position that allows the fixing seat to slide relatively freely into the mounting groove, or its locking force may be very small, insufficient to constitute primary fixation. This design makes the initial installation process of the fixing seat 3 very smooth, avoiding the obstruction and difficulties that may be encountered during alignment or pushing in traditional rigid locking structures.

[0032] During the buffer installation activation and locking phase, when the buffer 4 is pushed into the positioning groove 31 within the fixed seat 3 for installation, the cylindrical outer surface of the buffer 4 directly contacts and applies an outward pushing force to the elastic buckle 33 because the main body of the elastic buckle 33 normally extends into the positioning groove 31. As the buffer 4 is continuously pushed into place, this pushing force forces the elastic buckle 33 to elastically deform away from the center line of the positioning groove. The free end of the elastic buckle 33 then undergoes displacement and angular change, and its inverted buckle 34 is "lifted" upward or "tilted" outward, precisely and forcefully engaging or hooking onto the inner wall of the hinge cup 1 mounting groove 2. At this point, the inverted engagement of the elastic buckle 33 with the inner wall of the mounting groove 2 truly provides the main, firm fixing and limiting function, reliably locking the fixed seat 3 onto the hinge cup 1, preventing it from loosening or falling off during use.

[0033] It is important to note that traditional locking structures formed by sheet metal stamping may have burrs or uneven surfaces on their cross-sections. This can easily cause scratches between the locking mechanism and the edge of the mating component during installation, generating significant frictional resistance and leading to difficult, laborious, and potentially damaging installation. The elastic buckle design of this invention cleverly avoids forceful locking during the initial installation of the fixing base. Instead, it smoothly deforms the elastic buckle through a cylindrical surface during the installation of the buffer, greatly reducing scraping and friction during installation. This makes the installation of the fixing base smoother and less labor-intensive, improving assembly efficiency and user experience.

[0034] Meanwhile, the elastic deformation characteristics of the snap-fit ​​allow it to compensate for minor deviations caused by manufacturing tolerances when engaging with the sidewall of the mounting slot. Once engaged and supported by the buffer, the snap-fit ​​provides a more stable clamping force, making it less prone to loosening due to vibration or long-term stress. This "buffer activation and locking" mechanism makes the snap-fit ​​connection more robust and reliable, improving the stability and service life of the entire buffer installation structure.

[0035] At the same time, combining the final locking of the mounting base with the installation process of the buffer not only simplifies the structural design and installation steps of the mounting base itself, but also ensures that the mounting base is securely locked only after the buffer is correctly installed, which to some extent provides an indication of proper installation.

[0036] In one embodiment, the connector includes a limiting part 35 disposed on the fixed base 3, the limiting part 35 protruding from the inner side wall of the fixed base 3, and the limiting part 35 being engaged in the mounting groove 2; a second connecting seat 36 extends downward from the bottom of the limiting part 35, and the second connecting seat 36 is engaged in the lower side wall of the mounting groove 2.

[0037] In this embodiment, the limiting part 35 provided on the fixing base 3 protrudes from the inner sidewall of the fixing base 3 and is engaged inside the mounting groove 2 of the hinge cup 1, thereby providing initial positioning and limiting movement of the fixing base 3 in the horizontal direction after installation. Simultaneously, the second connecting seat 36 extending downward from the bottom of the limiting part 35 is engaged on the lower sidewall of the mounting groove 2, further providing support and fixation for the fixing base 3 in the vertical direction. The limiting part 35 and the second connecting seat 36 cooperate to form a locking mechanism with the internal structure of the mounting groove 2, thereby achieving the connection and fixation between the fixing base 3 and the hinge cup 1. This structure achieves fixation and limiting through simple protrusions and extensions engaging with the mounting groove; the structure is relatively simple and easy to manufacture and assemble.

[0038] In one embodiment, the opening of the positioning groove 31 also has an anti-disengagement buckle 37 extending into the groove. After the buffer 4 is installed, the anti-disengagement buckle 37 is fixedly engaged on the cylindrical surface of the buffer 4.

[0039] Once the buffer 4 is fully pushed into the positioning slot 31 and installed in place, the anti-disengagement latches 37 elastically lock or hook onto the cylindrical outer surface of the buffer 4. This locking action generates an outward radial restraint force, effectively preventing the buffer 4 from slipping out or falling out of the positioning slot 31 during hinge use due to opening and closing movements, vibration, or accidental stress. This increases the firmness and reliability of the buffer installation, improves the safety and durability of the product, and prevents accidental detachment of the buffer from causing buffering failure or damage.

[0040] In one embodiment, the opening of the positioning groove 31 is located on the outer side of the fixing base 3.

[0041] Since the opening of the positioning groove 31 is located on the outer side of the fixed seat 3, that is, on the side away from the hinge cup sidewall, the buffer 4 needs to be pushed into or placed into the positioning groove 31 from the outside of the fixed seat, provided that the fixed seat 3 has been installed on the hinge cup 1. This makes it easier for manual or automated assembly lines to install the buffer and improves production efficiency.

[0042] In one embodiment, two mounting slots 2 are provided, symmetrically formed on the side wall of the hinge cup 1. By symmetrically forming two mounting slots 2 on the side wall of the hinge cup 1, and correspondingly providing connectors on the fixing seat 3 to cooperate with these two mounting slots, the connection force between the fixing seat 3 and the hinge cup 1 can be made more uniform and stable. The two symmetrical connection points can provide better resistance to torsion and pull-out, enhancing the overall robustness of the connection between the buffer mounting structure and the hinge cup.

[0043] In summary, the core working principle of this application is as follows: a mounting groove 2 extending through the inside and outside is opened on the side wall of the hinge cup 1, and a mounting fixing seat 3 is externally covered on this groove. The fixing seat 3 serves as the load-bearing component of the buffer 4, and is connected and fixed to the hinge cup 1 through a connector provided on it. The positioning groove 31 inside the fixing seat 3 is used to accommodate and fix the buffer 4.

[0044] One particularly important connection method is the use of elastic buckles 33. The working principle of this elastic buckle connection lies in its unique two-stage locking mechanism: when the fixed seat 3 is initially installed onto the mounting groove 2 of the hinge cup 1, the elastic buckle 33 does not provide primary fixing, allowing the fixed seat to be positioned relatively smoothly. The true secure locking occurs after the buffer 4 is pushed into the positioning groove 31 of the fixed seat 3. The cylindrical surface of the buffer 4 pushes open the elastic buckle 33, which normally extends into the positioning groove, causing it to elastically deform. At this time, the buckle 34 at the free end of the elastic buckle 33 is activated, forcefully engaging with the inner wall of the mounting groove 2 of the hinge cup 1. This buffer-activated locking mechanism effectively solves the problem of difficult installation caused by scratching and friction with the sheet metal section during the installation process of traditional rigid buckles, making the installation process of the fixed seat smoother and more reliable, while also improving the stability and durability of the buckle connection. Furthermore, by optimizing the buffer installation position and adopting an innovative connection and fixing mechanism, this invention effectively improves the performance, ease of installation, and structural stability and reliability of the buffer hinge, overcoming the shortcomings of existing technologies, and therefore can be widely promoted and used.

[0045] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model.

Claims

1. A pocket buffer hinge buffer mounting structure characterized by: It includes a hinge cup (1), and the side wall of the hinge cup (1) is provided with an installation groove (2). The installation groove (2) is provided through the inside and outside of the hinge cup (1). The installation groove (2) is covered with a fixing seat (3). The fixing seat (3) is provided with several connectors. The connectors are fixed in the mounting holes on the hinge cup (1) and the fixing seat (3) is fixed on the hinge cup (1). The fixing seat (3) is also provided with a positioning groove (31). The buffer (4) is installed and fixed in the positioning groove (31).

2. A pocket damping hinge damper mounting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connector includes a first connecting seat (32) disposed on a fixed base (3). Correspondingly, a first connecting hole (11) is provided on the side wall of the hinge cup (1). The first connecting seat (32) is inserted into the first connecting hole (11) and fixed thereto.

3. The pocket damping hinge damper mounting structure according to claim 1, characterized by: The connector includes an elastic buckle (33) set on a fixed base (3). The free end of the elastic buckle (33) is provided with a buckle (34). Under normal conditions, the main body of the elastic buckle (33) extends into the positioning groove (31), and the buckle (34) is locked in the side wall of the mounting groove (2).

4. The buffer mounting structure of the pocket-mounted buffer hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connector includes a limiting part (35) disposed on the fixed base (3), the limiting part (35) protruding from the inner side wall of the fixed base (3), and the limiting part (35) being engaged in the mounting groove (2); a second connecting seat (36) extends downward from the bottom of the limiting part (35), and the second connecting seat (36) is engaged in the lower side wall of the mounting groove (2).

5. A buffer mounting structure for an in-pocket buffer hinge according to any one of claims 1 or 3, characterized in that: The opening of the positioning groove (31) also has an anti-disengagement buckle (37) extending into the groove. After the buffer (4) is installed, the anti-disengagement buckle (37) is fixed on the cylindrical surface of the buffer (4).

6. The buffer mounting structure of the pocket buffer hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The opening of the positioning groove (31) is located on the outer side of the fixed seat (3).

7. The buffer mounting structure of the pocket-mounted buffer hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting slots (2) are provided in two places, which are symmetrically opened on the side wall of the hinge cup (1).

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