Hinge and refrigerator comprising same
By installing a buffer device in the mounting cavity of the transmission arm in the refrigerator hinge, and using guide parts and seals to protect the elastic element, the problem of the spring module being susceptible to external environmental influences is solved, resulting in a longer lifespan and a more stable door opening and closing effect.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NINGBO FOTILE KITCHEN WARE CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
AI Technical Summary
The spring modules of existing refrigerator hinges are easily affected by the external environment, resulting in poor door opening and closing performance, and severe friction and wear after prolonged use, affecting their service life.
The first buffer device is installed in the mounting cavity of the first transmission arm, and the elastic element is located in the accommodating cavity to avoid the influence of the external environment. The elastic element is protected by the guide and the seal, and the roller contact is used to reduce wear.
It extends the service life of the elastic element, improves the durability of the hinge and the opening and closing effect of the door, reduces friction and wear, and ensures the stable operation of the hinge.
Smart Images
Figure CN224314787U_ABST
Abstract
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] Refrigerator hinges are currently the most commonly used connecting parts for opening and closing refrigerator doors. To ensure good closure between the refrigerator door and the refrigerator body after opening or closing, existing refrigerator hinges typically employ a six-bar linkage mechanism. Inside the six-bar hinge, there is often an additional spring module. Its function is to assist the door in automatically closing when the opening angle of the refrigerator door is less than a certain degree, and also to provide a certain sealing force.
[0003] The hinge includes a first fixed base, a second fixed base, and a transmission assembly. The first fixed base is mounted on the housing, the second fixed base is mounted on the door, and the transmission assembly is hinged between the first and second fixed bases. The front end of the transmission assembly is hinged to the first fixed base, and the rear end of the transmission assembly is hinged to the second fixed base. The transmission assembly also includes a first transmission arm, a second transmission arm, a third transmission arm, and a fourth transmission arm. The front end of the first transmission arm is hinged to the first fixed base via a first hinge point, the front end of the third transmission arm is hinged to the first fixed base via a second hinge point, the rear end of the first transmission arm is hinged to the front end of the second transmission arm via a third hinge point, the rear end of the second transmission arm is hinged to the second fixed base via a fourth hinge point, the front end of the fourth transmission arm is hinged to the middle of the third transmission arm via a fifth hinge point, the rear end of the fourth transmission arm is hinged to the second fixed base via a sixth hinge point, and the rear end of the third transmission arm is hinged to the middle of the second transmission arm via a seventh hinge point. The spring module can be set on or inside the first transmission arm as a first buffer device, and the second buffer device that works in conjunction with the spring module can be set on the third transmission arm.
[0004] The form of spring modules on the market is relatively fixed, consisting of several fixed components. A spring module disclosed in Chinese Patent No. CN108332498B can be referenced. To ensure linear horizontal movement of the spring module during operation, a slotted groove is typically provided on the rod (corresponding to the aforementioned first transmission arm). The shaft is installed within the slotted groove. In this case, apart from the shaft located in the slot, the spring module is located within the rod (corresponding to the aforementioned first transmission arm). This ensures that the spring can linearly extend or compress along the groove.
[0005] The aforementioned prior art (CN108332498B) has the following main disadvantages:
[0006] First, the spring's functional logic relies on the compression and friction generated by certain features in the contact area. Specifically, when the spring is working, the roller and the component experience compression and friction to generate the rebound force. However, after prolonged use, because the component is a roller that can rotate around its axis, the friction area is usually limited to a finite range. That is, the compression and friction generated with each opening and closing only affects a small portion of the component. The end result is that wear marks on the roller are not obvious, but the contact area of the component in contact with the roller shows significant wear, affecting functionality.
[0007] Secondly, because the shaft is installed within the slotted groove, it rubs against the edge of the groove every time the door opens and closes. When the product is newer, the friction is high, and adjusting the spring parameters accordingly can achieve a better opening and closing effect. However, long-term friction causes the slotted groove to enlarge and the shaft to thin, reducing the friction between them. At this point, the spring's rebound force exceeds the resistance, resulting in poor performance. Furthermore, the slotted groove and sliding shaft are exposed to air, and rust in these areas is another significant factor affecting friction.
[0008] Third, during and when the hinge is open, at least part of the spring in the spring module is exposed to the outside, making it easy for external environmental factors (such as moisture and dust) to enter, which can affect the normal operation of the spring and thus the normal operation of the spring module, affecting the opening and closing effect of the refrigerator door. Utility Model Content
[0009] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the defect that the setting of the spring module of the hinge in the prior art is easily affected by the external environment, thus affecting the opening and closing effect of the refrigerator door, and to provide a hinge and a refrigerator including the hinge.
[0010] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:
[0011] A hinge for opening and closing a refrigerator door, the hinge comprising a first fixed base, a second fixed base, and a transmission assembly, the transmission assembly being hinged between the first fixed base and the second fixed base, the transmission assembly comprising a first transmission arm and a second transmission arm, the front end of the first transmission arm being hinged to the first fixed base, the rear end of the first transmission arm being hinged to the front end of the second transmission arm, and the rear end of the second transmission arm being hinged to the second fixed base, the transmission assembly further comprising: a first buffer device, the first transmission arm having a mounting cavity, the first buffer device being mounted in the mounting cavity; and a second buffer device, the second buffer device being mounted at the front end of the second transmission arm;
[0012] The first buffer device includes a mounting base, an elastic element, a push rod, and a first abutting element. The second buffer device includes a second abutting element. The first abutting element and the second abutting element are configured to abut against each other when the opening angle of the door is less than a preset angle, so that the second fixed seat moves toward the direction closer to the first fixed seat.
[0013] The first end of the mounting base is fixed to the first transmission arm. One of the second end of the mounting base and the first end of the push rod is embedded in the other and forms a receiving cavity located in the corresponding mounting base and the push rod. The elastic element is located in the receiving cavity. The second end of the mounting base can move relative to the first end of the push rod to squeeze or release the elastic element. The first abutment is installed on the second end of the push rod.
[0014] In this design, the first buffer device is installed in the mounting cavity of the first transmission arm, and the elastic element is located in the receiving cavity. With this arrangement, whether the hinge is in the open or closed state, or during the opening and closing process, the elastic element is always confined within the receiving cavity formed by the mounting base and the push rod. The elastic element is not exposed to the external environment, which helps to prevent the external environment from affecting the elastic element, thereby extending its service life, ensuring the normal operation of the spring module as the first buffer device, and thus ensuring the opening and closing effect of the refrigerator door.
[0015] Preferably, the first buffer device further includes a guide portion, which is installed in the accommodating cavity, and the elastic element is sleeved on the guide portion.
[0016] In this design, the guide section can support the elastic element and guide its positional changes, which helps prevent the elastic element from getting stuck and ensures reliable positional changes, thereby helping to ensure the normal operation of the first buffer device.
[0017] Preferably, the second end of the mounting base is embedded in the first end of the push rod;
[0018] The guide portion is disposed at the second end of the mounting base.
[0019] Preferably, the guide portion is a guide rod extending outward from the second end of the mounting base along the central axis of the second end of the mounting base, and the end of the elastic member facing the mounting base abuts against and is fixed to the end face of the second end of the mounting base.
[0020] In this design, the aforementioned structural arrangement allows for a stepped portion to be formed between the end face of the second end of the mounting base and the guide rod. This stepped portion facilitates the positioning and fixation of the elastic element. Furthermore, the guide rod is centrally positioned relative to the second end of the mounting base, which helps ensure the stability of the first buffer device during operation.
[0021] Preferably, a seal is provided between the connecting surfaces of the second end of the mounting base and the first end of the push rod.
[0022] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural configuration, with a sealed connection between the second end of the mounting base and the first end of the push rod, can prevent moisture and dirt from the external environment from entering the accommodating cavity, which helps to further ensure that the elastic element is not affected by the external environment.
[0023] Preferably, the first abutting member is a first roller, and the second abutting member is a second roller;
[0024] The first roller is a hollow cylinder, and a first mounting shaft passes through the first roller, and the first mounting shaft is mounted on the second end of the push rod;
[0025] The second roller is a hollow cylinder, the front end of the second transmission arm has a mounting part, a second mounting shaft passes through the second roller, and the second mounting shaft is mounted on the mounting part.
[0026] In this design, the first buffer device and the second buffer device use a first roller and a second roller for contact, respectively. The contact area between the first roller and the second roller is relatively large to prevent the same contact area from being in contact for a long time, which would cause obvious wear marks, affect the hinge function, and improve its durability.
[0027] Preferably, the hinge further includes a limiting component, which includes a first limiting part and a second limiting part. The first limiting part is disposed on the first buffer device, and the second limiting part is disposed on the first transmission arm. The first limiting part and the second limiting part can abut and separate, and are used to limit the maximum distance between the second end of the push rod and the first end of the mounting base when the first limiting part and the second limiting part abut.
[0028] When the door is fully open, the first limiting part and the second limiting part abut against each other.
[0029] In this design, the engagement of the first and second limiting parts prevents the elastic element in the first buffer device from excessively relaxing outward, thus preventing the first roller from extending out of the receiving cavity of the first transmission arm. When the door is fully open, the first and second abutting parts do not contact each other, and the first abutting part is not subject to the force of the second abutting part. At this time, the first buffer device extends freely outward, and the first limiting part abuts against the second limiting part as it extends, preventing the first buffer device from overextending. Simultaneously, by limiting the maximum distance between the second end of the push rod and the first end of the mounting base, it is also beneficial to reliably achieve engagement of the first and second abutting parts within a limited stroke range when engagement is required during the closing process.
[0030] Preferably, the first transmission arm includes two first sidewalls disposed opposite to each other and a first top wall connected between the two first sidewalls, the first top wall and the two first sidewalls forming the mounting cavity;
[0031] The first limiting part is a protrusion at the bottom of the push rod, and the second limiting part is a fixing pin. The fixing pin is located below the push rod, and both ends of the fixing pin are respectively fixed in the mounting holes of the two first side walls.
[0032] In this design, the protrusion and the fixing pin work together more stably, making it less prone to slippage when the first limiting part and the second limiting part abut against each other, and the structure is simple. In addition, the fixing pin is located below the push rod, and the two ends of the fixing pin are respectively fixed in the mounting holes of the first side wall of the first transmission arm. On the one hand, the first limiting part is directly set on the structure of the first buffer device itself, and the second limiting part is set in the space below the first buffer device, which effectively utilizes the first buffer device and the space below it, resulting in high space utilization. On the other hand, the above arrangement also allows the fixing pin to support the first buffer device, preventing the first buffer device from falling downwards during movement, so that the first buffer device can only move within a preset range, which is conducive to ensuring the normal operation of the first buffer device and the second buffer device.
[0033] Preferably, the first end of the mounting base is a columnar structure, and the first end of the mounting base and the second end of the mounting base are perpendicularly connected;
[0034] The first end of the mounting base has a fixing hole extending along the central axis of the first end of the mounting base.
[0035] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural configuration is adopted. The fixing hole allows the mounting component connecting the mounting base and the first transmission arm to pass through. The first end of the mounting base is set as a columnar structure. The columnar structure can provide certain support and guidance for the mounting component, which helps to ensure the reliability of the installation.
[0036] This utility model also provides a refrigerator, including a cabinet and a door, and the refrigerator also includes the aforementioned hinge.
[0037] The positive and progressive effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0038] In this application, the first buffer device is installed in the mounting cavity of the first transmission arm, and the elastic element is located in the receiving cavity. Whether the hinge is in the open state, the closed state, or during the opening and closing process of the hinge, the elastic element is always confined in the receiving cavity formed by the mounting base and the push rod. The elastic element is not exposed to the external environment, which helps to prevent the external environment from affecting the elastic element, thereby helping to extend its service life, helping to ensure the normal operation of the spring module as the first buffer device, and thus helping to ensure the opening and closing effect of the refrigerator door. Attached Figure Description
[0039] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the hinge of a refrigerator door when closed, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the hinge during the closing process of a refrigerator door according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the hinge of a refrigerator door when it is opened, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the hinge structure during the closing process of a refrigerator door according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another part of the hinge structure during the closing process of a refrigerator door according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of the hinge at another angle during the closing process of a refrigerator door according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another part of the hinge structure during the closing process of a refrigerator door according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of another part of the hinge structure during the closing process of a refrigerator door according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first buffer device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a first buffer device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] Figure 11 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a first buffer device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures
[0051] Hinges 100
[0052] First transmission arm 1
[0053] First side wall 11
[0054] First Top Wall 12
[0055] Mounting cavity 13
[0056] First buffer device 10
[0057] Mounting base 101
[0058] Fixing hole 1011
[0059] Elastic element 102
[0060] Putter 103
[0061] 104 accommodating cavity
[0062] Guiding section 105
[0063] First delivery item 106
[0064] First mounting shaft 107
[0065] Seal 108
[0066] Mounting slot 109
[0067] Second transmission arm 2
[0068] Second buffer device 20
[0069] Second delivery item 201
[0070] Second mounting shaft 202
[0071] Installation Department 203
[0072] Fixed pin 30
[0073] Protrusion 40
[0074] First fixed seat 3
[0075] Second fixing seat 4
[0076] Third transmission arm 5
[0077] Fourth transmission arm 6
[0078] First hinge point 7
[0079] Second hinge point 8
[0080] Third hinge point 9
[0081] Fourth hinge point 10
[0082] Fifth hinge point 11
[0083] Sixth hinge point 12
[0084] Seventh hinge point 13 Detailed Implementation
[0085] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and by way of embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments thereon.
[0086] like Figures 1 to 11As shown, this embodiment provides a hinge 100 and a refrigerator including the hinge 100. The hinge 100 is used for opening and closing the refrigerator door. Specifically, the hinge 100 includes a first fixed base 3, a second fixed base 4, and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly is hinged between the first fixed base 3 and the second fixed base 4. The first fixed base 3 is used to fix to the refrigerator body, and the second fixed base 4 is used to install on the refrigerator door. The transmission assembly includes a first transmission arm 1 and a second transmission arm 2. The front end of the first transmission arm 1 is hinged to the first fixed base 3, and the rear end of the first transmission arm 1 is hinged to the front end of the second transmission arm 2. The rear end of the second transmission arm 2 is hinged to the second fixed base 4. The transmission assembly also includes a first buffer device 10 and a second buffer device 20. The first transmission arm 1 has a mounting cavity 13, the first buffer device 10 is installed in the mounting cavity 13, and the second buffer device 20 is installed at the front end of the second transmission arm 2. The first buffer device 10 includes a mounting base 101, an elastic element 102, a push rod 103, and a first abutment 106. The second buffer device 20 includes a second abutment 201. The first abutment 106 and the second abutment 201 are configured to abut against each other when the opening angle of the door is less than a preset angle, so that the second fixed seat 4 moves toward the first fixed seat 3. The first end of the mounting base 101 is fixed to the first transmission arm 1. One of the second end of the mounting base 101 and the first end of the push rod 103 is embedded in the other and forms a receiving cavity 104 located in the corresponding mounting base 101 and push rod 103. The elastic element 102 is located in the receiving cavity 104. The second end of the mounting base 101 can move relative to the first end of the push rod 103 to squeeze or release the elastic element 102. The first abutment 106 is installed on the second end of the push rod 103.
[0087] In this embodiment, the first buffer device 10 is installed in the mounting cavity 13 of the first transmission arm 1, and the elastic element 102 is located in the accommodating cavity 104. With this arrangement, whether the hinge 100 is in the open state, the closed state, or during the opening and closing process of the hinge 100, the elastic element 102 is always confined within the accommodating cavity 104 formed by the mounting base 101 and the push rod 103. The elastic element 102 is not exposed to the external environment, which helps to prevent the external environment from affecting the elastic element 102, thereby helping to extend its service life, ensuring the normal operation of the spring module as the first buffer device 10, and thus helping to ensure the opening and closing effect of the refrigerator door.
[0088] Specifically, the elastic element 102 is configured as a spring.
[0089] It should be noted that the first buffer device 10 and the second buffer device 20 are configured to switch between a first state and a second state according to the opening angle of the door. When the opening angle of the door is less than a preset angle, the first buffer device 10 and the second buffer device 20 are in the second state. When the first buffer device 10 and the second buffer device 20 are in the first state, the first abutment 106 and the second abutment 201 are separated. When the first buffer device 10 and the second buffer device 20 are in the second state, the first abutment 106 abuts against the second abutment 201 and applies a force to the abutment, causing the second fixing seat 4 to move towards the first fixing seat 3. Depending on actual needs, when the first buffer device 10 and the second buffer device 20 are in the first state, the first abutment 106 and the second abutment 201 may not abut against each other; they may be separated or only in contact. There will be no force between them, and no force will be generated to close the door, thus facilitating opening the door.
[0090] It should be noted that "fixed" in the first fixing seat 3 and the second fixing seat 4 refers to their fixed position relative to the object they are installed on. Specifically, the first fixing seat 3 is fixed relative to the refrigerator body, and the second fixing seat 4 is fixed relative to the refrigerator door. During the operation of the hinge 100, since the refrigerator body is in a fixed position, the spatial position of the first fixing seat 3 remains fixed. However, because the door moves relative to the refrigerator body according to different opening or closing requirements, the spatial position of the second fixing seat 4 changes. When the door opening angle is less than the preset angle, if the door is released at this time, the door will automatically close under the action of the first impact device and the second buffer device 20. When the door opening angle is greater than the preset angle, the first abutment 106 and the second abutment may be in contact or not in contact. In both cases, there is no force between the first abutment 106 and the second abutment. If the door is released at this time, the door will stop at the opening angle.
[0091] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the transmission assembly also includes a third transmission arm 5 and a fourth transmission arm 6. The front end of the first transmission arm 1 is hinged to the first fixed base 3 via a first hinge point 7; the front end of the third transmission arm 5 is hinged to the first fixed base 3 via a second hinge point 8; the rear end of the first transmission arm 1 is hinged to the front end of the second transmission arm 2 via a third hinge point 9; the rear end of the second transmission arm 2 is hinged to the second fixed base 4 via a fourth hinge point 10; the front end of the fourth transmission arm 6 is hinged to the middle of the third transmission arm 5 via a fifth hinge point 11; the rear end of the fourth transmission arm 6 is hinged to the second fixed base 4 via a sixth hinge point 12; and the rear end of the third transmission arm 5 is hinged to the middle of the second transmission arm 2 via a seventh hinge point 13. A spring module can be provided as a first buffer device 10 on or within the first transmission arm 1, and a second buffer device 20, which cooperates with the spring module, can be provided on the third transmission arm 5.
[0092] like Figure 10 As shown, the first buffer device 10 also includes a guide portion 105, which is installed inside the receiving cavity 104, and the elastic element 102 is sleeved on the guide portion 105. The guide portion 105 supports the elastic element 102 and guides its positional changes, preventing the elastic element 102 from getting stuck and ensuring reliable positional changes, thereby facilitating the normal operation of the first buffer device 10.
[0093] In this embodiment, as Figure 10 As shown, the second end of the mounting base 101 is embedded in the first end of the push rod 103, and the guide part 105 is disposed at the second end of the mounting base 101.
[0094] Specifically, the guide portion 105 is a guide rod extending outward from the second end of the mounting base 101 along the central axis of the second end of the mounting base 101. The end of the elastic member 102 facing the mounting base 101 abuts against and is fixed to the end face of the second end of the mounting base 101. A step can be formed between the end face of the second end of the mounting base 101 and the guide rod, which facilitates the positioning and fixing of the elastic member 102. Furthermore, the guide rod is centrally positioned relative to the second end of the mounting base 101, which helps ensure the stability of the first buffer device 10 during operation.
[0095] In an alternative embodiment, the first end of the push rod 103 may be configured to be embedded in the second end of the mounting base 101, and correspondingly, the guide portion 105 is provided at the first end of the push rod 103.
[0096] like Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, a seal 108 is provided between the connecting surfaces of the second end of the mounting base 101 and the first end of the push rod 103. With this configuration, the second end of the mounting base 101 and the first end of the push rod 103 are sealed together, which can prevent moisture and dirt from the external environment from entering the receiving cavity 104, and further ensure that the elastic element 102 is not affected by the external environment.
[0097] Specifically, the outer wall surface of the second end of the mounting base 101 has a circumferentially arranged mounting groove 109, and an O-ring is used as a sealing element 108, which is embedded in the mounting groove 109. In an alternative embodiment, the mounting groove 109 may also be provided on the inner wall surface of the first end of the push rod 103.
[0098] As an example, such as Figures 4 to 10 As shown, the first abutment 106 is a first roller, and the second abutment is a second roller. The first roller is a hollow cylinder, through which a first mounting shaft 107 passes, and the first mounting shaft 107 is mounted on the second end of the push rod 103. Correspondingly, the second roller is a hollow cylinder, and the front end of the second transmission arm 2 has a mounting portion 203. The second roller has a second mounting shaft 202 passing through it, and the second mounting shaft 202 is mounted on the mounting portion 203.
[0099] Here, the first buffer device 10 and the second buffer device 20 respectively use the first roller and the second roller to make contact. The contact area of the first roller and the second roller is relatively large to prevent the wear marks from being obvious due to long-term use of the same contact area, which would affect the function of the hinge 100 and improve its durability.
[0100] It should be noted that the first buffer device 10 is installed inside the mounting cavity 13 of the first transmission arm 1. This means that the corresponding contact area, i.e., the friction area, is also located in the mounting cavity 13. The first mounting shaft 107 of the first buffer device 10 is located inside the first transmission arm 1. Compared to the prior art, the waist-shaped groove on the first transmission arm 1 used to support and guide the first mounting shaft 107 is eliminated. Consequently, friction between the first mounting shaft 107 and the waist-shaped groove is avoided, which helps ensure the effectiveness of use. Furthermore, since the first buffer device 10 is entirely located inside the first transmission arm 1, the impact of external factors is minimal when the first roller and the second roller are in contact.
[0101] In this embodiment, the first mounting shaft 107 does not contact the inner wall surface of the first side wall 11 of the first transmission arm 1, and the extension length of the mounting cavity 13 is greater than the extension length of the first buffer device 10.
[0102] In alternative embodiments, the first abutment 106 and the second abutment may be configured to engage by tooth meshing, for example, the first abutment 106 may be configured as a gear and the second abutment may be configured as a structure having a partially toothed structure in the circumferential direction.
[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first end of the mounting base 101, the second end of the mounting base 101, and the guide portion 105 are integrally formed.
[0104] In other alternative embodiments, at least two of the first end of the mounting base 101, the second end of the mounting base 101, and the guide portion 105 may be connected by a connecting structure.
[0105] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the hinge 100 also includes a limiting assembly, which includes a first limiting part and a second limiting part. The first limiting part is disposed on the first buffer device 10, and the second limiting part is disposed on the first transmission arm 1. The first limiting part and the second limiting part can abut and separate, and are used to limit the maximum distance between the second end of the push rod 103 and the first end of the mounting base 101 when the first limiting part and the second limiting part abut. Specifically, when the door is in the fully open state, the first limiting part and the second limiting part abut.
[0106] In this embodiment, when the first limiting part and the second limiting part abut against each other, it can prevent the elastic element 102 in the first buffer device 10 from excessively relaxing outward, thereby preventing the first roller from extending out of the receiving cavity of the first transmission arm 1. When the door is fully open, the first abutting member 106 and the second abutting member do not contact each other, and the first abutting member 106 is not subject to the force of the second abutting member. At this time, the first buffer device 10 extends freely outward, and the first limiting part can abut against the second limiting part as the first buffer device 10 extends, thereby preventing the first buffer device 10 from overextending. At the same time, by limiting the maximum distance between the second end of the push rod 103 and the first end of the mounting base 101, it is also beneficial to reliably achieve the abutment of the first abutting member 106 and the second abutting member within a limited stroke range when the first abutting member 106 and the second abutting member need to abut against each other during the closing process.
[0107] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the first transmission arm 1 includes two opposing first sidewalls 11 and a first top wall 12 connected between the two first sidewalls 11. The first top wall 12 and the two first sidewalls 11 form a mounting cavity 13. The first limiting part is a protrusion 40 provided at the bottom of the push rod 103, and the second limiting part is a fixing pin 30. The fixing pin 30 is provided below the push rod 103, and both ends of the fixing pin 30 are respectively fixed in the mounting holes of the two first sidewalls 11.
[0108] Specifically, the protrusion 40 and the fixing pin 30 cooperate more stably, making it less likely to slip when the first limiting part and the second limiting part abut against each other, and the structure is simple. In addition, the fixing pin 30 is located below the push rod 103, and the two ends of the fixing pin 30 are respectively fixed in the mounting holes of the first side wall 11 of the first transmission arm 1. On the one hand, the first limiting part is directly set on the structure of the first buffer device 10 itself, and the second limiting part is set in the space below the first buffer device 10, which effectively utilizes the space of the first buffer device 10 and the space below it, resulting in high space utilization. On the other hand, the above arrangement also makes the fixing pin 30 support the first buffer device 10, preventing the first buffer device 10 from falling downwards during movement, so that the first buffer device 10 can only move within a preset range, which is conducive to ensuring the normal operation of the first buffer device 10 and the second buffer device 20.
[0109] like Figures 7 to 11 As shown, the first end of the mounting base 101 is a columnar structure, and the first end and the second end of the mounting base 101 are perpendicularly connected. The first end of the mounting base 101 has a fixing hole 1011 extending along the central axis of the first end of the mounting base 101.
[0110] In this embodiment, the fixing hole 1011 allows the mounting component connecting the mounting base 101 and the first transmission arm 1 to pass through. The first end of the mounting base 101 is set as a columnar structure, which can provide certain support and guidance for the mounting component, thus helping to ensure the reliability of the installation.
[0111] The opening process of the refrigerator door in this embodiment is described in detail below:
[0112] When the opening angle of the door is less than the preset angle, for example, this preset angle can be set to 30°, the first roller of the first buffer device 10 abuts against the second roller of the second buffer device 20 and applies force to the second roller. At this time, the reaction force received by the first roller acts on other parts of the first buffer device 10, so that the first buffer device 10 provides a certain force to close the door to assist the door to close automatically, and at this time the protrusion 40 has not yet abutted against the fixing pin 30.
[0113] As the door opens from a greater than preset angle to the maximum angle, the first roller and the second roller move from continued contact to separation. During this process, no force is generated between the first roller and the second roller, and the first buffer device 10 cannot provide the force to close the door. During this process, the protrusion 40 moves toward the fixing pin 30 until it abuts against the fixing pin 30, thus achieving a fully open state.
[0114] Furthermore, referring to the accompanying drawings, in this embodiment, during the process of the door opening from closing, initially, the first roller is located to the left of the second roller; as the opening angle of the door increases, the first roller and the second roller approach each other. When the first roller and the second roller abut against each other, the first roller can apply a force to the second roller, causing the second transmission arm 2 to retract towards the second fixed seat 4, and the second fixed seat 4 to move towards the first fixed seat 3. As the second transmission arm 2 retracts towards the second fixed seat 4, the first roller and the second roller move away from each other again, with the first roller located to the right of the second roller, and the second fixed seat 4 gradually approaches the first fixed seat 3 until the door is fully opened, and the fixing pin 30 abuts against the protrusion 40.
[0115] 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 opening and closing a refrigerator door, the hinge comprising a first fixed base, a second fixed base, and a transmission assembly, the transmission assembly being hinged between the first fixed base and the second fixed base, the transmission assembly comprising a first transmission arm and a second transmission arm, the front end of the first transmission arm being hinged to the first fixed base, the rear end of the first transmission arm being hinged to the front end of the second transmission arm, and the rear end of the second transmission arm being hinged to the second fixed base, characterized in that... The transmission assembly further includes: a first buffer device, wherein the first transmission arm has a mounting cavity and the first buffer device is installed in the mounting cavity; and a second buffer device, wherein the second buffer device is installed at the front end of the second transmission arm. The first buffer device includes a mounting base, an elastic element, a push rod, and a first abutting element. The second buffer device includes a second abutting element. The first abutting element and the second abutting element are configured to abut against each other when the opening angle of the door is less than a preset angle, so that the second fixed seat moves toward the direction closer to the first fixed seat. The first end of the mounting base is fixed to the first transmission arm. One of the second end of the mounting base and the first end of the push rod is embedded in the other and forms a receiving cavity located in the corresponding mounting base and the push rod. The elastic element is located in the receiving cavity. The second end of the mounting base can move relative to the first end of the push rod to squeeze or release the elastic element. The first abutment is installed on the second end of the push rod.
2. The hinge as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first buffer device further includes a guide portion, which is installed inside the accommodating cavity, and the elastic element is sleeved on the guide portion.
3. The hinge as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The second end of the mounting base is embedded in the first end of the push rod; The guide portion is disposed at the second end of the mounting base.
4. The hinge as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The guide portion is a guide rod extending outward from the second end of the mounting base along the central axis of the second end of the mounting base, and the end of the elastic member facing the mounting base abuts against and is fixed to the end face of the second end of the mounting base.
5. The hinge as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A seal is provided between the connecting surfaces of the second end of the mounting base and the first end of the push rod.
6. The hinge as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first abutting member is a first roller, and the second abutting member is a second roller; The first roller is a hollow cylinder, and a first mounting shaft passes through the first roller, and the first mounting shaft is mounted on the second end of the push rod; The second roller is a hollow cylinder, the front end of the second transmission arm has a mounting part, a second mounting shaft passes through the second roller, and the second mounting shaft is mounted on the mounting part.
7. The hinge as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The hinge also includes a limiting component, which includes a first limiting part and a second limiting part. The first limiting part is disposed on the first buffer device, and the second limiting part is disposed on the first transmission arm. The first limiting part and the second limiting part can abut and separate, and are used to limit the maximum distance between the second end of the push rod and the first end of the mounting base when the first limiting part and the second limiting part abut. When the door is fully open, the first limiting part and the second limiting part abut against each other.
8. The hinge as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The first transmission arm includes two first sidewalls disposed opposite to each other and a first top wall connected between the two first sidewalls, the first top wall and the two first sidewalls forming the mounting cavity; The first limiting part is a protrusion at the bottom of the push rod, and the second limiting part is a fixing pin. The fixing pin is located below the push rod, and both ends of the fixing pin are respectively fixed in the mounting holes of the two first side walls.
9. The hinge as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The first end of the mounting base is a columnar structure, and the first end of the mounting base and the second end of the mounting base are perpendicularly connected; The first end of the mounting base has a fixing hole extending along the central axis of the first end of the mounting base.
10. A refrigerator, comprising a cabinet and a door, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes a hinge as described in any one of claims 1-9.