A hinge assembly

Abstract

The utility model discloses a hinge assembly, including pivot connection's first hinge and second hinge, door arm and first hinge pivot connection, gyro wheel is installed in second hinge or door arm, the guide rail section is formed in door arm or second hinge, the top surface of guide rail section is formed as the guide rail surface, and the guide rail surface forms the contact muscle of protruding along the moving direction, and the height of contact muscle is not higher than 0.8mm, the gyro wheel rolls relative to the guide rail surface in the opening and closing process of first hinge with second hinge. The utility model provides a hinge assembly, sets up contact muscle at the guide rail surface, and the gyro wheel rolls along contact muscle in the opening and closing process of hinge assembly, does not produce vibration or effectively reduces vibration, can effectively eliminate or reduce noise, simultaneously, through setting up two side walls of gyro wheel inclined plane, keeps away the distance between side wall and door arm or second hinge when rolling, does not produce friction noise, in addition, the thickness two sections of hinge pin are connected through inclined plane step mode, which is favorable for reducing manufacturing cost and reducing or eliminating friction noise.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hardware accessories technology, and in particular to a hinge assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Hinges are common hardware components. For example, the doors of household appliances such as microwave ovens, ovens, refrigerators, and countertop dishwashers are connected to the main body via hinges to achieve opening and closing. Vertical opening is one of the most common door opening methods, as illustrated in prior patent CN203669576U, which discloses a hinge and a household appliance with that hinge. In the prior art, vertical opening is mainly achieved by installing two pivotally connected hinges on the main body and the door. When opening and closing vertically, the door rotates relative to the main body, opening and closing the two hinges. Simultaneously, due to the requirement for a certain locking force on the door, and to avoid excessive impact on the main body due to the door's own weight when opening, a door arm and rollers are added between the two hinges. The guide rail on the door arm is shaped with a specific curve, allowing the rollers and guide rails to cooperate in controlling the opening and closing force of the door.

[0003] However, in existing technologies, vertical door opening often generates noise, especially in new products when first used, where the noise is particularly noticeable. The noise is primarily caused by friction between the metal parts of the hinge assembly, such as the friction between the rollers and the guide rails. One solution is to replace the rollers with a hard resin material, which can significantly reduce the noise generated by rolling friction. However, due to the inherent strength limitations of resin materials, the roller diameter needs to be made larger, leading to an increase in the overall size of the hinge assembly, requiring more installation space, posing a significant design challenge, and also increasing material costs. Therefore, how to reduce the noise generated by the hinge assembly remains a technical problem that needs to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a hinge assembly that can eliminate or reduce associated noise during use, and reduce costs to a certain extent.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the hinge assembly provided by this utility model includes:

[0006] First hinge;

[0007] The second hinge is pivotally connected to the first hinge;

[0008] The door arm, one end of which is pivotally connected to the first hinge;

[0009] The second hinge is equipped with rollers, the door arm has a guide rail section, and the top surface of the guide rail section forms a guide rail surface; or

[0010] The second hinge has a guide rail section, the top surface of which is formed as a guide rail surface, and the door arm is equipped with rollers;

[0011] The guide rail surface has raised contact ribs along the moving direction, and the height of the contact ribs relative to the guide rail surface is not higher than 0.8mm. During the opening and closing of the first hinge and the second hinge, the roller rolls relative to the guide rail surface.

[0012] Preferably, the contact rib can be formed by extrusion molding.

[0013] Preferably, the number of contact ribs is at least one.

[0014] Preferably, the two ends of the guide rail section have a first limiting groove and a second limiting groove, respectively.

[0015] Preferably, the roller is mounted to the second hinge or the door arm via a roller pin, the roller is loosely fitted onto the roller pin, and a bushing is provided between the roller and the roller pin.

[0016] Preferably, the roller pin comprises two segments with unequal radial cross-sectional areas and coaxially arranged central axes, and the two segments are connected by a sloping step;

[0017] The bushing is made of resin.

[0018] Preferably, the roller includes a roller surface and two sidewalls located on both sides of the roller surface and protruding relative to the roller surface, the distance between the two sidewalls gradually increasing from the roller surface in a radial direction away from the roller surface.

[0019] Preferably, the first hinge and the second hinge are pivotally connected by a hinge pin; the first hinge is pivotally connected to the door arm by a hinge pin.

[0020] Preferably, the hinge pin comprises two segments with unequal radial cross-sectional areas and coaxial central axes, which are connected by a sloping step.

[0021] Preferably, a first hook is formed at the end of the door arm away from the first hinge, and a second hook is formed at the end of the second hinge away from the first hinge, with an elastic element provided between the first hook and the second hook.

[0022] This invention provides a hinge assembly with contact ribs on the guide rail surface. During the opening and closing of the hinge assembly, the roller rolls along the contact ribs. Due to the small contact area and the good fit between the contact ribs and the roller surface caused by compression, vibration is not generated or is effectively reduced, thus effectively eliminating or reducing noise. At the same time, by setting the two side walls of the roller with bevels, a distance is maintained between the roller and the door arm or second hinge during the rolling process, thus preventing friction noise. In addition, by connecting the thick and thin sections of the hinge pin and the roller pin with a beveled step (transition), it is beneficial to reduce manufacturing costs and effectively reduce or eliminate friction noise. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, the drawings used in this utility model will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the hinge assembly of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a door arm according to an embodiment of the hinge assembly of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the guide rail section of a door arm according to an embodiment of the hinge assembly of this utility model, wherein the contact rib is a single piece;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a partial schematic diagram of the guide rail section of a door arm according to an embodiment of the hinge assembly of this utility model, wherein there are two contact ribs;

[0028] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the roller, roller pin, and bushing of one embodiment of the hinge assembly of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a roller according to an embodiment of the hinge assembly of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a hinge pin according to an embodiment of the hinge assembly of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly embodiment of the present invention, showing the first and second hinges connected by a hinge pin.

[0032] In the diagram, 1-first hinge; 2-second hinge; 21-second hook; 3-door arm; 31-guide rail section; 32-guide rail surface; 33-contact rib; 34-first limiting groove; 35-first hook; 36-second limiting groove; 4-roller; 41-roller surface; 42-side wall; 5-roller pin; 51-bushing; 6-hinge pin; 61-sloping step. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0034] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This invention illustrates a hinge assembly comprising:

[0035] First hinge;

[0036] The second hinge is pivotally connected to the first hinge;

[0037] The door arm, one end of which is pivotally connected to the first hinge;

[0038] The second hinge is equipped with rollers, the door arm has a guide rail section, and the top surface of the guide rail section forms a guide rail surface; or

[0039] The second hinge has a guide rail section, the top surface of which is formed as a guide rail surface, and the door arm is equipped with rollers;

[0040] The guide rail surface has raised contact ribs along the moving direction, and the height of the contact ribs relative to the guide rail surface is not higher than 0.8mm. During the opening and closing of the first hinge and the second hinge, the roller rolls relative to the guide rail surface.

[0041] In this embodiment of the invention, the hinge assembly is particularly suitable for longitudinally opening and closing door mechanisms. When the hinge assembly is installed in household appliances such as microwave ovens, ovens, refrigerators, and countertop dishwashers, for example, the first hinge can be installed on the door body and the second hinge on the main body. The door body opens and closes longitudinally relative to the main body through the hinge assembly. During the opening and closing process, when the first hinge moves the door arm, the roller rolls along the guide rail surface of the guide rail section. Since the guide rail surface has raised contact ribs, the roller contacts the contact ribs, significantly reducing the contact area. Furthermore, because the contact ribs are low in height (not higher than 0.8mm, preferably 0.1mm-0.8mm), thin in cross-section, and have limited strength, and even a certain degree of flexibility, when the roller rolls on the contact ribs, it compresses the contact ribs. The contact ribs will deform due to the compression and fit tightly against the roller. Since this contact method does not produce vibration or has limited vibration, noise can be eliminated or effectively reduced. It should be noted that the commonly used materials for door arms and rollers in the prior art are all suitable for this utility model. When the contact ribs of these commonly used materials are in contact with the rollers, no noise is generated. However, when the contact ribs are larger than 0.8mm, due to their greater strength and thicker cross-section, their flexibility is reduced. As the roller rolls along the contact ribs, the contact ribs are less prone to deformation, and the tightness of the fit between the two also deteriorates, thus easily generating noise. It should also be noted that the way the rollers of this utility model are installed on the door arm, and the way the guide rail section is formed with the second hinge, can be referred to in the published patent CN203669576U, and will not be repeated here.

[0042] In one specific embodiment, the contact rib can be formed by extrusion molding. Understandably, a single contact rib can be formed by extrusion molding on one side of the contact rib (see reference). Figure 3 Alternatively, two contact ribs can be formed by pressing on both sides of the contact rib (see reference). Figure 4 (If you do not wish to be bound by this, other existing processing techniques for creating contact ribs on the guide rail surface are also applicable to this utility model, or the contact ribs can be integrally formed with the door arm, which will not be elaborated here.)

[0043] In one specific embodiment, the two ends of the guide rail section respectively have a first limiting groove and a second limiting groove. In this specific embodiment, when the door is closed, the roller is located in the first limiting groove, locking the door to prevent it from opening freely. The steepness of the slope of the first limiting groove determines the magnitude of the force required to open the door. When the door is open, the roller is located in the second limiting groove, which limits the opening degree of the door to approximately 90° to prevent the door from opening excessively.

[0044] In one specific implementation, reference is made to... Figure 5The roller is mounted to the second hinge or the door arm via a roller pin. The roller is loosely fitted onto the roller pin, and a bushing is provided between the roller and the roller pin. Understandably, in this specific embodiment, the roller rotates around the roller pin. Both the roller and the second hinge or the roller and the door arm are metal parts. To reduce frictional noise between them, a bushing is preferably provided between them. For example, the bushing is fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the roller pin, and then the roller is fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the bushing, thereby preventing direct contact between the roller and the roller pin. Preferably, the bushing is made of resin, such as nylon or POM (polyoxymethylene).

[0045] In one specific embodiment, the roller pin comprises two segments with unequal radial cross-sectional areas and coaxially arranged, connected by a beveled step. Understandably, the two ends of the roller pin are segments of different thicknesses, with the second hinge or door arm located at different thicknesses of these segments (structure not shown, but its structural principle is the same as a hinge pin). Compared to the non-beveled step transition (vertical plane connection) in the prior art, the connection (transition) between the two segments via a beveled step is primarily due to lower manufacturing costs. Furthermore, this connection method is also effective in reducing noise between the roller and the second hinge or between the roller and the door arm.

[0046] In one specific implementation method, refer to Figure 6 The roller includes a roller surface and two sidewalls located on both sides of the roller surface and protruding relative to the roller surface. The distance between the two sidewalls gradually increases from the roller surface in a radial direction away from the roller surface. Understandably, in this specific embodiment, the roller surface contacts the guide rail surface (contact rib). Simultaneously, to prevent derailment, protruding sidewalls are provided on both sides of the roller surface, acting as a limiting element to prevent derailment. The two sidewalls are configured such that the distance between the two surfaces gradually increases from the roller surface away from the roller surface, and the opposing surfaces of the two sidewalls are both inclined surfaces, extending gradually away from the door arm, to avoid contact and friction between the sidewalls and the door arm during rolling.

[0047] In one specific embodiment, the first hinge and the second hinge are pivotally connected by a hinge pin; the first hinge is pivotally connected to the door arm by a hinge pin. Preferably, see reference... Figure 7 and Figure 8The hinge pin comprises two segments with unequal radial cross-sectional areas and coaxially aligned central axes, connected by a beveled step. Understandably, the two ends of the hinge pin are segments of different thicknesses; the second hinge or door arm, and the first hinge, are located at different thicknesses of these two segments. Compared to the non-beveled step transition (vertical plane connection) in the prior art, the beveled step connection (transition) between the two segments primarily results in lower manufacturing costs. Furthermore, this connection method is also effective in reducing noise between the first and second hinges or between the first hinge and the door arm. It should be noted that, not limited to hinge pins and roller pins, other similar pins in the prior art can also be connected (transitioned) using a beveled step method.

[0048] In one specific embodiment, a first hook is formed at the end of the door arm away from the first hinge, and a second hook is formed at the end of the second hinge away from the first hinge. An elastic element is provided between the first hook and the second hook. Understandably, in this specific embodiment, the elastic element can be, for example, a spring, an elastic band, etc. The elastic element is placed between the door arm and the second hinge. During the longitudinal opening process, the elastic element is in a stretched state, and the elastic force of the elastic element plays a buffering role in the opening process. Preferably, when the door is closed, the elastic element is also in a stretched state. At this time, the first limiting groove is pressed against the roller under the action of the spring, locking the door. When the door is opened, the pulling force applied to the door causes the roller (or the inclined surface of the first limiting groove) to overcome the elastic force, so that the roller rolls to the guide rail surface of the guide rail section.

[0049] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly, characterized in that, include: First hinge; The second hinge is pivotally connected to the first hinge; The door arm, one end of which is pivotally connected to the first hinge; The second hinge is equipped with rollers, the door arm has a guide rail section, and the top surface of the guide rail section forms a guide rail surface; or The second hinge has a guide rail section, the top surface of which is formed as a guide rail surface, and the door arm is equipped with rollers; The guide rail surface has raised contact ribs along the moving direction, and the height of the contact ribs relative to the guide rail surface is not higher than 0.8mm. During the opening and closing of the first hinge and the second hinge, the roller rolls relative to the guide rail surface.

2. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The contact ribs can be formed by extrusion molding.

3. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of contact ribs is at least one.

4. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The two ends of the guide rail section have a first limiting groove and a second limiting groove, respectively.

5. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The roller is mounted to the second hinge or the door arm via a roller pin. The roller is loosely fitted onto the roller pin, and a bushing is provided between the roller and the roller pin.

6. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, The roller pin includes two segments with unequal radial cross-sectional areas and coaxial central axes, and the two segments are connected by a sloping step. The bushing is made of resin.

7. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The roller includes a roller surface and two sidewalls located on both sides of the roller surface and protruding relative to the roller surface, the distance between the two sidewalls gradually increasing from the roller surface in a radial direction away from the roller surface.

8. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first hinge and the second hinge are pivotally connected by a hinge pin; the first hinge is pivotally connected to the door arm by a hinge pin.

9. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The hinge pin comprises two segments with unequal radial cross-sectional areas and coaxial central axes, which are connected by a sloping step.

10. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, A first hook is formed at the end of the door arm away from the first hinge, and a second hook is formed at the end of the second hinge away from the first hinge. An elastic element is provided between the first hook and the second hook.

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