Embedded refrigerator buffer hinge

Abstract

An embedded refrigerator buffer hinge includes a fixing base for fixed connection with the refrigerator body. The fixing base is connected to a hinge seat via a connecting assembly. The hinge seat is used to fix the refrigerator door. The connecting assembly includes a first link, which is rotatably connected to the fixing base via a first connecting pin. The first link is rotatably connected to the hinge seat via a second link and a third link. One end of the second link is rotatably mounted on the middle of the first link, and the other end is rotatably disposed at the end of the hinge seat. One end of the third link is rotatably connected to the other side of the second link opposite to the first connecting pin, and the other end is rotatably disposed on the hinge seat.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an embedded refrigerator buffer hinge, belonging to the field of hinges. Background Technology

[0002] The refrigerator hinge is a key component connecting the refrigerator door and the refrigerator body. Its main function is to support the door and achieve smooth opening and closing, while ensuring airtightness to maintain the refrigeration effect. The hinge structure allows the door to open and close smoothly, bears the weight of the door, and keeps the door frame aligned. Existing refrigerator hinges, such as the Chinese utility model with publication number CN208605069U, provide an embedded refrigerator buffer hinge without a hovering stop. It includes a fixed base, a hinge base, and a hinge transmission assembly hinged between the fixed base and the hinge base. The hinge transmission assembly includes a transmission arm and a transmission link. The transmission link has a transmission connection group that rotates and folds around the hinge point that is hinged to the fixed base, so that the hinge base and the transmission arm are folded and embedded in the fixed base in sequence. This utility model can compress the space occupied by the hinge, but the hinge structure is relatively complex. After long-term use, it may cause problems such as inaccurate positioning, inability to open or reset. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies of the existing technology and to provide an embedded refrigerator buffer hinge.

[0004] An embedded refrigerator soft-close hinge includes a mounting base for fixed connection to the refrigerator body. The mounting base is connected to a hinge seat via a connecting assembly. The hinge seat is used to fix the refrigerator door. The connecting assembly includes a first link, which is rotatably connected to the mounting base via a first connecting pin. The first link is rotatably connected to the hinge seat via a second link and a third link. One end of the second link is rotatably mounted on the middle of the first link, and the other end is rotatably located at the end of the hinge seat. One end of the third link is rotatably connected to the other side of the second link opposite to the first connecting pin, and the other end is rotatably located on the hinge seat. The first link is hinged to the mounting base, the second link to the middle of the first link, and the third link to the end of the second link, forming a three-stage force transmission path. When the door opens and closes, the links move in tandem, resulting in more even torque transmission and eliminating concentrated stress at a single transmission point. This ensures a smoother opening and closing process, better feel, and better positioning, guaranteeing normal hinge opening and resetting and preventing easy malfunctions.

[0005] Preferably, the second link is rotatably connected to the first link via a second connecting pin, the third link is rotatably connected to the first link via a third connecting pin, and the third link is rotatably connected to the hinge seat via a fourth connecting pin. Both the second and third links are directly hinged to the first link via pins, forming the same fulcrum group, reducing displacement differences between the multi-point transmission arms; the fourth connecting pin directly fixes the third link to the hinge seat, ensuring that the entire folding mechanism remains coaxially symmetrical during opening and closing, further optimizing the motion trajectory.

[0006] Preferably, the fourth connecting pin is fixedly provided with a positioning seat that fits into the hinge seat. The third connecting rod contains a spring assembly. The end of the positioning seat has a positioning part that protrudes in an arc. The spring assembly includes a spring support rod, on which a spring is sleeved. One end of the spring support rod is rotatably mounted on the third connecting rod, and the other end is connected to a spring seat. The spring seat has a groove that engages with the positioning part when the refrigerator door opening angle is between 0-30°. As the refrigerator door opening angle gradually increases from 30° to 115°, the positioning part gradually disengages from the groove. The arc-shaped positioning part of the positioning seat engages with the groove on the spring seat, utilizing the spring preload to achieve self-locking of the door at different opening angles, preventing the door from accidentally returning to its original position or over-opening. The spring assembly continuously maintains the connection between the positioning seat and the spring seat between 0-30°. The positioning seat drives the spring to compress, and the spring force, in turn, cooperates with the damper to achieve the refrigerator's self-folding and closing function, ensuring stability and service life.

[0007] Furthermore, the spring support rod is slidably sleeved within the spring support seat. When the refrigerator hinge is open, the spring support seat abuts against the spring end, limiting and compressing the spring. When the refrigerator hinge is closed, the spring support seat separates from the spring end. One end of the spring is fixed to the side near the third connecting pin. Only when the door is closed beyond a preset angle does the spring support seat abut against the spring end, limiting and compressing the spring to generate damping force. During opening, the spring end automatically separates without additional resistance, making opening easy and allowing for free adjustment of the door angle. The sliding sleeve structure ensures that the spring support rod slides freely within a limited stroke, and the compression stroke is consistent and controllable, avoiding poor engagement between the positioning part and the groove due to unstable stroke. The spring is only limited and compressed between 0-30° and fully released beyond 30°, reducing excessive use time during prolonged door opening, thereby extending the spring's lifespan.

[0008] Furthermore, the spring seat is also equipped with a limiting block, and the third connecting rod is equipped with a limiting groove. The limiting block engages with the limiting groove when the refrigerator hinge is fully open, thereby limiting the opening angle of the refrigerator. The engagement of the limiting block and the limiting groove ensures that the refrigerator door automatically stops when it is opened to the designed angle, preventing it from exceeding the predetermined position and ensuring consistent and controllable opening stroke each time. The limiting mechanism effectively prevents the door from excessively opening and colliding with the side walls or surrounding obstacles, reducing the risk of collision damage to the refrigerator hinges, door, or surrounding furniture.

[0009] Preferably, a fourth link is rotatably connected to the fixed base via a fifth connecting pin, and the other end of the fourth link is rotatably connected to the middle of the second link. This double-branch link structure, where the second and fourth links work together, effectively suppresses the swing amplitude of a single link, coordinates multi-point movements, enhances the stability of the opening process, and significantly reduces shaking and flutter.

[0010] Furthermore, a damper is installed on the mounting base, with its end abutting against the fourth link to buffer the impact force of the link folding. When the hinge is closed or folded into place, the damper contacts the fourth link and provides a buffering effect, effectively absorbing the kinetic energy during the link folding process, preventing "metal-on-metal impact," and extending the hinge's lifespan. The damper provides linear or progressive resistance, making the door closing process smoother and more continuous, avoiding "slamming" or "jamming," and improving the overall user experience.

[0011] Furthermore, the rear wall of the fourth link is provided with a pusher for connection with the damper drive. During the door's movement from 30° towards closing, the pusher actively drives the damper to work, cooperating with the spring assembly which is in the released state at this time, to realize a three-stage control logic of first spring traction → then damping deceleration → finally silent closing, improving the rhythm and comfort of the door's closing. The position and angle of the pusher can be precisely set according to the damper's stroke, so that the damping action intervenes earlier and transitions more smoothly in the critical angle range (such as when the door is close), thereby achieving a smoother closing process.

[0012] Preferably, a mounting plate is fixedly connected to the outer side of the hinge seat, and the mounting plate is L-shaped. The L-shaped mounting plate provides two vertical surfaces, which can be tightly fitted to the horizontal surface and side wall surface of the refrigerator body, respectively. This simplifies the positioning and alignment process of the hinge and ensures that the hinge seat is flat and does not drift after installation. After the mounting plate and the hinge seat are integrally formed or bolted together, a rigid frame is formed, which significantly enhances the bending and torsional resistance of the connection between the hinge and the body, and reduces loosening or deformation caused by long-term opening and closing.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: the first link is hinged to the fixed seat, the second link is hinged to the middle of the first link, and the third link is hinged to the end of the second link, forming a three-stage force transmission path. When the door opens and closes, each link moves in coordination, the torque transmission is more uniform, and the concentrated stress at a single transmission point is eliminated, thus ensuring a smoother opening and closing process, a better feel, and a better positioning effect. This ensures that the hinge opens or returns to its normal position and will not easily malfunction. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, obtaining other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort still falls within the scope of this utility model.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model that removes the fixing seat;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure after further removing the first connecting rod;

[0018] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A structural diagram from another perspective;

[0019] Figure 5 A structural diagram showing the removal of the third link;

[0020] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the structure after further removing the spring;

[0021] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention with the door closed.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the present invention with the cabinet door open at 30°.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention with the door open at 30°.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of the present invention with the door open at 90°.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention with the door open at 90°.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a structural diagram of the present invention with the door open at 115°.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention with the door open at 115°.

[0028] In the diagram, 1. Fixed seat; 2. Hinge seat; 21. Mounting plate; 3. Connecting assembly; 31. First connecting rod; 32. Second connecting rod; 33. Third connecting rod; 331. Limiting groove; 34. Fourth connecting rod; 341. Pushing part; 35. First connecting pin; 36. Second connecting pin; 37. Third connecting pin; 38. Fourth connecting pin; 39. Fifth connecting pin; 4. Positioning seat; 41. Positioning part; 5. Spring assembly; 51. Spring support rod; 52. Spring; 53. Spring seat; 54. Groove; 55. Spring support; 56. Limiting block; 6. Damper. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of this utility model clearer, the utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] It should be noted that all uses of "first" and "second" in the embodiments of this utility model are for the purpose of distinguishing two entities or parameters with the same name but different names. It is clear that "first" and "second" are only for the convenience of expression and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this utility model. Subsequent embodiments will not explain this in detail.

[0031] The directional and positional terms used in this utility model, such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "top," "bottom," and "side," are merely for reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional and positional terms used are for the purpose of explaining and understanding this utility model, and not for limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0032] like Figure 1-13The diagram illustrates an embodiment of an embedded refrigerator buffer hinge according to this utility model. It includes a fixing base 1 for fixed connection to the refrigerator body. The fixing base 1 is connected to a hinge seat 2 via a connecting assembly 3. The hinge seat 2 is used to fix the refrigerator door. The connecting assembly 3 includes a first connecting rod 31, which is rotatably connected to the fixing base 1 via a first connecting pin 35. The first connecting rod 31 is rotatably connected to the hinge seat 2 via a second connecting rod 32 and a third connecting rod 33. One end of the second connecting rod 32 is rotatably mounted on the middle of the first connecting rod 31, and the other end is rotatably disposed at the end of the hinge seat 2. One end of the third connecting rod 33 is rotatably connected to the other side of the second connecting rod 32 opposite to the first connecting pin 35, and the other end is rotatably disposed on the hinge seat 2. The first connecting rod 31 is hinged to the fixing base 1, the second connecting rod 32 is hinged to the middle of the first connecting rod 31, and the third connecting rod 33 is hinged to the end of the second connecting rod 32, forming a three-stage force transmission path. When the door opens and closes, all linkages move in tandem, resulting in more even torque transmission and eliminating concentrated stress at a single transmission point. This ensures a smoother opening and closing process, better feel, and improved positioning, guaranteeing proper hinge opening and resetting without easy malfunction. Smooth and accurate opening, closing, and resetting actions help the refrigerator door fit evenly against the cabinet's sealing groove, reducing leakage and further improving refrigeration efficiency while lowering energy consumption. Reducing gaps between internal hinge components decreases assembly volume and prevents the accumulation of moisture and dirt.

[0033] The second connecting rod 32 is rotatably connected to the first connecting rod 31 via the second connecting pin 36, and the third connecting rod 33 is rotatably connected to the first connecting rod via the third connecting pin 37. The third connecting rod 33 is also rotatably connected to the hinge seat 2 via the fourth connecting pin 38. Both the second and third connecting rods 33 are directly hinged to the first connecting rod 31, forming a common fulcrum group, reducing displacement differences between the multi-point transmission arms. The fourth connecting pin 38 directly fixes the third connecting rod 33 to the hinge seat 2, ensuring that the entire folding mechanism remains coaxially symmetrical during opening and closing, further optimizing the motion trajectory. This is more conducive to the installation and use of built-in refrigerators.

[0034] A positioning seat 4, fitted into the hinge seat 2, is fixedly mounted on the fourth connecting pin 38. A spring assembly 5 is provided inside the third connecting rod 33. The end of the positioning seat 4 has a positioning part 41 with an arc protrusion. The spring assembly 5 includes a spring support rod 51, on which a spring 52 is sleeved. One end of the spring support rod 51 is rotatably mounted on the third connecting rod 33, and the other end is connected to a spring seat 53. The spring seat 53 has a groove 54 that engages with the positioning part 41 when the refrigerator door opening angle is between 0-30°. As the refrigerator door opening angle gradually increases from 30° to 115°, the positioning part 41 gradually disengages from the groove 54. The arc positioning part 41 of the positioning seat 4 engages with the groove 54 on the spring seat 53, and the preload of the spring 52 achieves self-locking of the door at different opening angles, preventing the door from accidentally returning to its original position or being over-opened. The spring assembly 5 maintains the connection between the positioning seat 4 and the spring seat 53 between 0-30°. The positioning seat 4 drives the spring 52 to compress. The elastic force of the spring 52, in turn, cooperates with the damper 6 to realize the function of the refrigerator's self-folding and closing, ensuring the stability of use and service life.

[0035] The spring support rod 51 is slidably sleeved within the spring support 55. The spring seat 53, when the refrigerator hinge is open, abuts against the end of the spring 52, limiting and compressing the spring 52. When the refrigerator hinge is closed, the spring seat 53 separates from the end of the spring 52. One end of the spring 52 is fixed to the side near the third connecting pin 37. Only when the door is closed beyond a preset angle does the spring seat 53 abut against the end of the spring 52, limiting and compressing the spring 52 to generate damping force. During opening, the end of the spring 52 automatically separates without additional resistance, making opening easy and allowing for free adjustment of the door angle. The sliding sleeve structure ensures that the spring support rod 51 slides freely within a limited stroke, and the compression stroke is consistent and controllable, avoiding poor engagement between the positioning part 41 and the groove 54 due to unstable stroke. The spring 52 is only limited and compressed between 0-30° and fully released when it exceeds 30°, reducing excessive use time during prolonged door opening and thus extending the service life of the spring 52. The spring seat 53 is also provided with a limiting block 56, and the third connecting rod 33 is provided with a limiting groove 331. The limiting block 56 engages with the limiting groove 331 when the refrigerator hinge is fully open, thereby limiting the opening angle of the refrigerator. The engagement of the limiting block 56 and the limiting groove 331 ensures that the refrigerator door automatically stops when it is opened to the designed angle, preventing it from exceeding the predetermined position and ensuring that the opening stroke is consistent and controllable each time. The limiting mechanism effectively prevents the door from colliding with the side wall or surrounding obstacles due to excessive opening, reducing the risk of collision damage to the refrigerator hinge, door, or surrounding furniture.

[0036] A fourth link 34 is rotatably connected to the fixed base 1 via a fifth connecting pin 39. The other end of the fourth link 34 is rotatably connected to the middle of the second link 32. This double-branch link structure, where the second link 32 and the fourth link 34 work together, effectively suppresses the swing amplitude of a single link, coordinates multi-point movement, enhances the stability of the opening process, and significantly reduces shaking and flutter.

[0037] A damper 6 is installed on the fixed base 1. The end of the damper 6 abuts against the arc-shaped back of the fourth link 34 to buffer the impact force of the folding of each link. When the hinge is closed or folded into place, the damper 6 contacts the fourth link 34 and produces a buffering effect, effectively absorbing the kinetic energy during the folding process of the link, preventing the "metal impact" phenomenon, and extending the service life of the hinge. The damper 6 provides linear or progressive resistance, making the door closing process smoother and more continuous, avoiding "slamming" or "jamming" situations, and improving the overall user experience.

[0038] The rear wall of the fourth link 34 is provided with a pusher 341 for driving connection with the damper 6. During the door's movement from 30° to closing, the pusher 341 actively drives the damper 6 to work, cooperating with the spring 52 assembly 5 which is in the released state at this time, to realize a three-stage control logic of first spring 52 traction → then damping deceleration → finally silent closing, improving the rhythm and comfort of the door closing. The position and angle of the pusher 341 can be precisely set according to the stroke of the damper 6, so that the damping action intervenes earlier and transitions more smoothly in the key angle range (such as when the door is close), thereby achieving a smoother closing process.

[0039] Under the action of damper 6, during the folding and closing of the hinge, the push rod of damper 6 connects with the fourth link at the same time as the hinge folds, providing a buffering force for the folding action within the hinge, avoiding collisions of the refrigerator door during closing, reducing noise, ensuring smooth closing of the refrigerator door, and ensuring the quality of the refrigerator hinge. Furthermore, when the refrigerator door is at an angle of 0-30°, the damper works with the spring assembly to automatically close the door, eliminating the need for a pushing force required for traditional closing. Instead, the damper buffers the closing force, allowing the door to close slowly.

[0040] The refrigerator door opening angle can be flexibly adjusted between 30° and 115°, and the spring assembly ensures smooth and stable operation while reducing noise. This high flexibility guarantees the effectiveness of the refrigerator hinges and ensures the quality of the refrigerator's operation.

[0041] In this embodiment, unlike the previous embodiment, a mounting plate 21 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the hinge seat 2. The mounting plate 21 is L-shaped. The L-shaped mounting plate 21 provides two vertical surfaces that can be tightly fitted to the horizontal surface and side wall of the refrigerator body, respectively. This simplifies the positioning and alignment process of the hinge and ensures that the hinge seat 2 is flat and does not drift after installation. After the mounting plate 21 and the hinge seat 2 are integrally formed or bolted together, a rigid frame is formed, which significantly enhances the bending and torsional resistance of the connection between the hinge and the body, and reduces loosening or deformation caused by long-term opening and closing.

[0042] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present utility model. Therefore, any equivalent variations made in accordance with the claims of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.

[0043] Although the present invention has been described with reference to several specific embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. The present invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An embedded refrigerator buffer hinge, characterized in that: The device includes a mounting base for fixed connection with a refrigerator body. The mounting base is connected to a hinge seat via a connecting assembly. The hinge seat is used to fix the refrigerator door. The connecting assembly includes a first connecting rod, which is rotatably connected to the mounting base via a first connecting pin. The first connecting rod is rotatably connected to the hinge seat via a second connecting rod and a third connecting rod. One end of the second connecting rod is rotatably mounted in the middle of the first connecting rod, and the other end is rotatably disposed at the end of the hinge seat. One end of the third connecting rod is rotatably connected to the other side of the second connecting rod opposite to the first connecting pin, and the other end is rotatably disposed on the hinge seat.

2. The refrigerator hinge as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The second link is rotatably connected to the first link via a second connecting pin, the third link is rotatably connected to the first link via a third connecting pin, and the third link is rotatably connected to the hinge seat via a fourth connecting pin.

3. The refrigerator hinge as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The fourth connecting pin is fixedly provided with a positioning seat that fits into the hinge seat. The third connecting rod is provided with a spring assembly. The end of the positioning seat is provided with a positioning part that is arc-shaped and protruding. The spring assembly includes a spring support rod, on which a spring is sleeved. One end of the spring support rod is rotatably mounted on the third connecting rod, and the other end is connected to a spring seat. The spring seat is provided with a groove that engages with the positioning part when the refrigerator door opening angle is between 0-30°. As the refrigerator door opening angle gradually increases from 30° to 115°, the positioning part gradually disengages from the groove.

4. The refrigerator hinge as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The spring support rod is slidably sleeved in the spring support. When the refrigerator hinge is open, the spring support abuts against the end of the spring to limit and compress the spring. When the refrigerator hinge is closed, the spring support separates from the end of the spring. One end of the spring is fixed to the side near the third connecting pin.

5. The refrigerator hinge as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The spring seat is also provided with a limiting block, and the third connecting rod is provided with a limiting groove. The limiting block is engaged in the limiting groove when the refrigerator hinge is fully opened, in order to limit the opening angle of the refrigerator.

6. The refrigerator hinge as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A fourth link is rotatably connected to the fixed base via a fifth connecting pin, and the other end of the fourth link is rotatably connected to the middle of the second link.

7. The refrigerator hinge as described in claim 6, characterized in that: A damper is installed on the fixed base, and the end of the damper abuts against the fourth link to buffer the impact force of the folding of each link.

8. The refrigerator hinge as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The rear wall of the fourth link is provided with a pusher for driving connection with the damper.

9. The refrigerator hinge as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A mounting plate is fixedly connected to the outside of the hinge seat, and the mounting plate is L-shaped.

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