Hinge and refrigerator comprising same

Abstract

This utility model provides a hinge and a refrigerator including the same. The hinge includes: a first fixed base; a second fixed base; a transmission assembly including a third link member and a fifth link member; and a buffer assembly, the first end of which is hinged to the third link member, and the second end of which is hinged to the fifth link member. The buffer assembly is configured to switch from a non-active state to an active state during the closing process of the door. The two ends of the buffer assembly are respectively hinged to the third and fifth link members, which helps to increase the buffer stroke of the buffer assembly, enabling it to maintain a better buffering effect even when the door speed changes abruptly, thereby reducing or preventing damage to the refrigerator door and cabinet.

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 performance 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 linkage 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 level, and also to provide a certain sealing force. However, if the hinge only contains a spring structure, the impact when the door closes due to the spring's self-resetting mechanism is relatively large, which can generate noise and, in severe cases, damage the door. Therefore, a buffer module is generally needed to ensure that the door closes slowly and evenly when forcefully closed by the user or when the spring automatically closes.

[0003] In existing technologies, a six-bar linkage typically includes a first link member, a second link member, a third link member, a fourth link member, a fifth link member, and a sixth link member. The first link member is fixed to the refrigerator body, and the sixth link member is installed on the refrigerator door. The second, third, fourth, and fifth link members are drive-connected between the first and sixth link members, forming a transmission assembly that is drive-connected between the first and sixth link members. The first link member is hinged to the second link member through the first hinge hole, and to the third link member through the second hinge hole. The second link member is also hinged to the fourth link member through the third hinge hole. The third link member is also hinged to the fourth link member through the fourth hinge hole, and to the fifth link member through the fifth hinge hole. The fourth link member is also hinged to the sixth link member through the seventh hinge hole, and the fifth link member is also hinged to the sixth link member through the sixth hinge hole. The first link member can also be referred to as the first fixed seat, and its position relative to the housing is fixed. The sixth link member can also be referred to as the second fixed seat, and its position relative to the door is fixed. The transmission assembly is configured to, during the closing process of the door, drive the second fixed seat (i.e., the sixth transmission rod) to fold towards the first fixed seat (i.e., the first transmission rod) and embed it into the first fixed seat.

[0004] Chinese patent CN202120208627.1 (authorization announcement number CN214943413U) describes a damping hinge with a buffer function, but the structure has certain shortcomings.

[0005] The main drawbacks of existing technologies are as follows:

[0006] Due to space constraints, the damping element used in this structure is small and has a short stroke, resulting in an uneven buffering transition. There is no buffering effect when the lever does not contact the buffer, but the buffering effect is significant upon contact. From a user perspective, the door initially closes at a relatively fast speed, but upon hitting the buffer, it comes to a near-abrupt stop, leading to a poor user experience. In other words, there is a sudden change in door speed during use, making it impossible to achieve a linear or near-linear buffering effect during the closing process. This poor buffering effect can easily damage the refrigerator door and cabinet. Utility Model Content

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the defect that the refrigerator door is prone to damage to the refrigerator door and cabinet when the speed changes suddenly during closing, and to provide a hinge and a refrigerator including the hinge.

[0008] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0009] A hinge for opening and closing a refrigerator door, the hinge being a six-bar linkage and comprising:

[0010] A first fixing bracket is used for mounting on the refrigerator body;

[0011] The second fixing seat is used for installation on the door body;

[0012] A transmission assembly is tractively connected between the first fixed seat and the second fixed seat, and the transmission assembly includes a second link member, a third link member, a fourth link member, and a fifth link member;

[0013] The hinge further includes a buffer assembly having a first end and a second end along the buffering direction. The first end of the buffer assembly is hinged to the third link member, and the second end of the buffer assembly is hinged to the fifth link member.

[0014] The buffer component has an active state where the buffering function is activated and an inactive state where the buffering function is not activated. The buffer component is configured to switch from the inactive state to the active state during the closing process of the door.

[0015] In this design, the two ends of the buffer assembly are hinged to the third and fifth link members, respectively. Throughout the opening and closing process of the hinge, the buffer assembly remains in contact with the link members. By adjusting the hinge position of the buffer assembly on the third and fifth link members, the starting point of the damping effect can be adjusted. Compared with existing technologies, this design increases the buffer stroke of the buffer assembly, ensuring a better buffering effect even when the door speed changes abruptly, thereby reducing or preventing damage to the refrigerator door and cabinet.

[0016] Preferably, the third link member includes two opposing first sidewalls and a first top wall connected between the two first sidewalls, with the first top wall and the two first sidewalls forming a first accommodating cavity; the fifth link member includes two opposing second sidewalls and a second top wall connected between the two second sidewalls, with the second top wall and the two second sidewalls forming a second accommodating cavity.

[0017] The first end of the buffer assembly is hinged to the third link member within the first accommodating cavity, and the second end of the buffer assembly is hinged to the fifth link member within the second accommodating cavity.

[0018] In this design, the two ends of the buffer assembly are positioned in the accommodating cavity of the connecting rod component, corresponding to the hinge positions of the connecting rod component. This not only makes reasonable use of the space of the connecting rod component, improving space utilization and reducing the overall space occupied by the hinge, but also protects the buffer assembly and prevents interference with other components during the opening and closing of the hinge.

[0019] Preferably, the first fixed base is hinged to the second connecting rod member through a first hinge hole and to the third connecting rod member through a second hinge hole. The second connecting rod member is also hinged to the fourth connecting rod member through a third hinge hole. The third connecting rod member is also hinged to the fourth connecting rod member through a fourth hinge hole and to the fifth connecting rod member through a fifth hinge hole. The fourth connecting rod member is also hinged to the second fixed base through a seventh hinge hole. The fifth connecting rod member is also hinged to the second fixed base through a sixth hinge hole.

[0020] The third link member is provided with a first buffer hinge hole for hinged to the first end of the buffer assembly, and the fifth link member is provided with a second buffer hinge hole for hinged to the second end of the buffer assembly.

[0021] The second hinge hole and the first buffer hinge hole are spaced apart, and the fifth hinge hole and the second buffer hinge hole are spaced apart.

[0022] In this design, the hinge positions of the third link member and the buffer assembly, as well as the hinge positions of the third link member and the first fixed seat, are staggered. Similarly, the hinge positions of the fifth link member and the buffer assembly, as well as the hinge positions of the fifth link member and the third link member, are staggered. This helps prevent the arrangement of the buffer assembly from affecting the normal hinge connection of each link member and thus affecting the normal opening and closing of the hinge.

[0023] Preferably, along the extending direction of the fifth link member, the second buffer hinge hole is located between the fifth hinge hole and the sixth hinge hole.

[0024] In this scheme, the above-mentioned structural arrangement is adopted, and the position where the buffer assembly is hinged to the fifth link member is set between the hinge positions of the fifth link member, the third link member, and the second fixed seat. This is equivalent to setting the position where the buffer assembly is hinged to the fifth link member in the middle of the fifth link member. This is beneficial to ensure that the buffer assembly has a large buffer stroke and to maintain the overall stability of the hinge.

[0025] Preferably, the buffer assembly has a buffer rod and a buffer sleeved on the second end of the buffer rod, the end of the buffer rod away from the buffer has a first connecting portion with a first connecting hole, and the end of the buffer away from the buffer rod has a second connecting portion with a second connecting hole.

[0026] The buffer assembly is hinged to one of the third and fifth link members via a first connecting pin passing through the first connecting hole, and to the other of the third and fifth link members via a second connecting pin passing through the second connecting hole.

[0027] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural configuration, including the first and second connecting parts, facilitates hinged connections with the third and fifth connecting rods without affecting the structure and strength of the buffer assembly.

[0028] Preferably, the first connecting part is integrally formed with the buffer rod;

[0029] And / or, the second connecting part and the buffer are integrally formed.

[0030] Preferably, the first connecting part is a columnar structure extending along the axial direction of the first connecting hole, and the buffer rods extend from both ends of the first connecting part along the axial direction of the first connecting hole.

[0031] The second connecting part is a columnar structure extending along the axial direction of the second connecting hole, and the buffer extends from both ends of the second connecting part along the axial direction of the second connecting hole.

[0032] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural configuration serves two purposes. First, the first and second connecting parts of the columnar structure can effectively guide the first and second connecting pins that pass through them, which is conducive to achieving a reliable hinged connection and preventing shaking. Second, buffer rods extend from both ends of the first connecting part and buffers extend from both ends of the second connecting part. The first and second connecting parts can support the corresponding buffer rods and buffers, which helps to ensure the normal operation of the buffer assembly.

[0033] Preferably, the second connecting part is hinged to the third connecting rod member, and the first connecting part is hinged to the fifth connecting rod member.

[0034] Preferably, the buffer assembly is a hydraulic damper or a pneumatic damper.

[0035] This utility model also provides a refrigerator, including a cabinet and a door, and the refrigerator also includes the aforementioned hinge.

[0036] The positive and progressive effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0037] In this application, the two ends of the buffer assembly are hinged to the third link member and the fifth link member, respectively. During the entire opening and closing process of the hinge, the buffer assembly is always in contact with the link member. By adjusting the hinge position of the buffer assembly on the third link member and the fifth link member, the starting point of the damping effect can be adjusted. Compared with the prior art, the buffer stroke of the buffer assembly can be increased, and it can still have a better buffering effect when the speed of the door changes suddenly, thereby reducing or avoiding damage to the refrigerator door and cabinet. Attached Figure Description

[0038] 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.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the hinge of a refrigerator door when closed, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another part of the hinge structure of a refrigerator door when closed, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4 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 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the hinge when the door of a refrigerator is opened, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 6This is a partial structural diagram of the hinge of a refrigerator door when it is opened, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 7 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.

[0045] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a buffer assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0047] 10 First Fixed Seat

[0048] 20 Second Fixture

[0049] 30 Second Linkage Member

[0050] 40 Third Link Member

[0051] 401 First sidewall

[0052] 402 First Top Wall

[0053] 403 First Buffer Hinge Hole

[0054] 50 Fourth Linkage Member

[0055] 60 Fifth Link Member

[0056] 601 Second Side Wall

[0057] 602 Second Top Wall

[0058] 603 Second Buffer Hinge Hole

[0059] 70 buffer components

[0060] 701 buffer bar

[0061] 702 Buffer

[0062] 703 First Connecting Section

[0063] 704 Second Connection Part

[0064] 705 First Connecting Hole

[0065] 706 Second Connecting Hole

[0066] 707 First Connecting Pin

[0067] 708 Second Connecting Pin

[0068] 80 First hinge hole

[0069] 90 Second hinge hole

[0070] 100 Third hinge hole

[0071] 110 Fourth Hinge Hole

[0072] 120 Fifth Hinge Hole

[0073] 130 Sixth Hinge Hole

[0074] 140 Seventh Hinge Hole Detailed Implementation

[0075] 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.

[0076] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, this embodiment provides a hinge and a refrigerator including the hinge. Besides the hinge, the refrigerator also includes a cabinet (not shown) and a door (not shown). The hinge is used to open and close the refrigerator door. Specifically, the hinge is a six-bar linkage and includes a first fixed base 10, a second fixed base 20, a transmission assembly, and a buffer assembly 70. The first fixed base 10 is used to mount on the refrigerator cabinet, the second fixed base 20 is used to mount on the door, and the transmission assembly is drivingly connected between the first fixed base 10 and the second fixed base 20. The transmission assembly includes a second link member 30, a third link member 40, a fourth link member 50, and a fifth link member 60. The buffer assembly 70 has a first end and a second end along the buffering direction. The first end of the buffer assembly 70 is hinged to the third link member 40, and the second end of the buffer assembly 70 is hinged to the fifth link member 60. The buffer assembly 70 has an active state where the buffering effect is activated and an inactive state where the buffering effect is not activated. The buffer assembly 70 is configured to switch from the inactive state to the active state during the closing process of the door.

[0077] In this embodiment, the two ends of the buffer assembly 70 are hinged to the third link member 40 and the fifth link member 60, respectively. Throughout the opening and closing process of the hinge, the buffer assembly 70 is always in contact with the link member. By adjusting the hinge position of the buffer assembly 70 on the third link member 40 and the fifth link member 60, the starting point of the damping effect can be adjusted. Compared with the prior art, the buffer stroke of the buffer assembly 70 can be increased, and it can still have a better buffering effect when the speed of the door changes suddenly, thereby reducing or avoiding damage to the refrigerator door and cabinet.

[0078] like Figures 2 to 6As shown, the third link member 40 includes two opposing first sidewalls 401 and a first top wall 402 connected between the two first sidewalls 401, forming a first accommodating cavity between the first top wall 402 and the two first sidewalls 401. The fifth link member 60 includes two opposing second sidewalls 601 and a second top wall 602 connected between the two second sidewalls 601, forming a second accommodating cavity between the second top wall 602 and the two second sidewalls 601. The first end of the buffer assembly 70 is hinged to the third link member 40 within the first accommodating cavity, and the second end of the buffer assembly 70 is hinged to the fifth link member 60 within the second accommodating cavity.

[0079] The buffer assembly 70 is positioned so that its two ends correspond to the hinge positions of the corresponding connecting rod members within the receiving cavity of the connecting rod member. This not only makes reasonable use of the space of the connecting rod member itself, improving space utilization and reducing the overall space occupied by the hinge, but also protects the buffer assembly 70 and prevents interference with other components during the opening and closing of the hinge.

[0080] At least as Figure 7 As shown, the first fixed base 10 is hinged to the second connecting rod member 30 through the first hinge hole 80 and to the third connecting rod member 40 through the second hinge hole 90. The second connecting rod member 30 is also hinged to the fourth connecting rod member 50 through the third hinge hole 100. The third connecting rod member 40 is also hinged to the fourth connecting rod member 50 through the fourth hinge hole 110 and to the fifth connecting rod member 60 through the fifth hinge hole 120. The fourth connecting rod member 50 is also hinged to the second fixed base 20 through the seventh hinge hole 140, and the fifth connecting rod member 60 is also hinged to the second fixed base 20 through the sixth hinge hole 130. The third connecting rod member 40 is provided with a first buffer hinge hole 403 for hinged to the first end of the buffer assembly 70, and the fifth connecting rod member 60 is provided with a second buffer hinge hole 603 for hinged to the second end of the buffer assembly 70. The second hinge hole 90 and the first buffer hinge hole 403 are spaced apart, and the fifth hinge hole 120 and the second buffer hinge hole 603 are spaced apart.

[0081] Specifically, the hinge positions of the third link member 40 and the buffer assembly 70, as well as the hinge positions of the third link member 40 and the first fixed seat 10, are staggered. Similarly, the hinge positions of the fifth link member 60 and the buffer assembly 70, as well as the hinge positions of the fifth link member 60 and the third link member 40, are staggered. This helps prevent the arrangement of the buffer assembly 70 from affecting the normal hinge connection of each link member and thus affecting the normal opening and closing of the hinge.

[0082] Furthermore, as a preferred arrangement, along the extending direction of the fifth link member 60, the second buffer hinge hole 603 is located between the fifth hinge hole 120 and the sixth hinge hole 130. This arrangement positions the buffer assembly 70 and the fifth link member 60 at a point between the hinge positions of the fifth link member 60 and the third link member 40 and the second fixed seat 20. This is equivalent to placing the buffer assembly 70 and the fifth link member 60 at the middle of the fifth link member 60, which is beneficial for ensuring that the buffer assembly 70 has a large buffer stroke and for maintaining the overall stability of the hinge.

[0083] like Figures 2 to 8 As shown, the buffer assembly 70 has a buffer rod 701 and a buffer 702 sleeved on the second end of the buffer rod 701. The end of the buffer rod 701 away from the buffer 702 has a first connecting portion 703 with a first connecting hole 705, and the end of the buffer 702 away from the buffer rod 701 has a second connecting portion 704 with a second connecting hole 706. The buffer assembly 70 is hinged to one of the third link member 40 and the fifth link member 60 by a first connecting pin 707 passing through the first connecting hole 705, and is hinged to the other of the third link member 40 and the fifth link member 60 by a second connecting pin 708 passing through the second connecting hole 706.

[0084] In this embodiment, the arrangement of the first connecting part 703 and the second connecting part 704 facilitates the hinge connection with the third link member 40 and the fifth link member 60 without affecting the structure and strength of the buffer assembly 70.

[0085] It should be noted that as the hinge moves from fully open to closed, the extension of the buffer rod 701 gradually decreases. Users can freely set the position where damping begins to take effect. Furthermore, due to the long buffer stroke, the damping magnitude can be adjusted accordingly with the stroke length. Specifically, the buffer assembly 70 only provides buffering or damping when the buffer rod 701 is compressed; it has no buffering or damping effect when the buffer rod 701 is extended. In other words, damping only engages when the hinge begins to close, and does not work when it is open.

[0086] Specifically, in this embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the second connecting part 704 is hinged to the third connecting rod member 40, and the first connecting part 703 is hinged to the fifth connecting rod member 60.

[0087] In other alternative embodiments, the second connecting portion 704 may be configured to be hinged to the fifth link member 60, and the first connecting portion 703 may be configured to be hinged to the third link member 40.

[0088] As a preferred embodiment, in this case, the first connecting portion 703 is integrally formed with the buffer rod 701, and the second connecting portion 704 is integrally formed with the buffer 702. In other alternative embodiments, the first connecting portion 703 and the second connecting portion 704 can both be connected to the corresponding buffer rod 701 and buffer 702 by a connecting structure or mating method after their respective processing.

[0089] At least as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first connecting portion 703 is a columnar structure extending along the axial direction of the first connecting hole 705, and buffer rods 701 extend from both ends of the first connecting portion 703 along the axial direction of the first connecting hole 705. The second connecting portion 704 is a columnar structure extending along the axial direction of the second connecting hole 706, and buffers 702 extend from both ends of the second connecting portion 704 along the axial direction of the second connecting hole 706. On the one hand, the columnar structures of the first connecting portion 703 and the second connecting portion 704 effectively guide the first connecting pin 707 and the second connecting pin 708 passing through them, facilitating a reliable hinged connection and preventing wobbling. On the other hand, the buffer rods 701 extending from both ends of the first connecting portion 703 and the buffers 702 extending from both ends of the second connecting portion 704 support the corresponding buffer rods 701 and buffers 702, ensuring the normal operation of the buffer assembly 70.

[0090] As an example, the buffer assembly 70 in this embodiment is a hydraulic damper. In other alternative embodiments, the buffer assembly 70 may also be a pneumatic damper.

[0091] 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 being a six-bar linkage and comprising: A first fixing bracket is used for mounting on the refrigerator body; The second fixing seat is used for installation on the door body; A transmission assembly, which is tractively connected between the first fixed base and the second fixed base, includes a second connecting rod member, a third connecting rod member, a fourth connecting rod member, and a fifth connecting rod member; characterized in that, The hinge further includes a buffer assembly having a first end and a second end along the buffering direction. The first end of the buffer assembly is hinged to the third link member, and the second end of the buffer assembly is hinged to the fifth link member. The buffer component has an active state where the buffering function is activated and an inactive state where the buffering function is not activated. The buffer component is configured to switch from the inactive state to the active state during the closing process of the door.

2. The hinge as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The third link member includes two opposing first sidewalls and a first top wall connected between the two first sidewalls, with the first top wall and the two first sidewalls forming a first accommodating cavity. The fifth link member includes two opposing second sidewalls and a second top wall connected between the two second sidewalls, with the second top wall and the two second sidewalls forming a second accommodating cavity. The first end of the buffer assembly is hinged to the third link member within the first accommodating cavity, and the second end of the buffer assembly is hinged to the fifth link member within the second accommodating cavity.

3. The hinge as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first fixed base is hinged to the second connecting rod member through the first hinge hole and to the third connecting rod member through the second hinge hole. The second connecting rod member is also hinged to the fourth connecting rod member through the third hinge hole. The third connecting rod member is also hinged to the fourth connecting rod member through the fourth hinge hole and to the fifth connecting rod member through the fifth hinge hole. The fourth connecting rod member is also hinged to the second fixed base through the seventh hinge hole. The fifth connecting rod member is also hinged to the second fixed base through the sixth hinge hole. The third link member is provided with a first buffer hinge hole for hinged to the first end of the buffer assembly, and the fifth link member is provided with a second buffer hinge hole for hinged to the second end of the buffer assembly. The second hinge hole and the first buffer hinge hole are spaced apart, and the fifth hinge hole and the second buffer hinge hole are spaced apart.

4. The hinge as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Along the extending direction of the fifth link member, the second buffer hinge hole is located between the fifth hinge hole and the sixth hinge hole.

5. The hinge as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The buffer assembly has a buffer rod and a buffer sleeved on the second end of the buffer rod. The end of the buffer rod away from the buffer has a first connecting part with a first connecting hole, and the end of the buffer away from the buffer rod has a second connecting part with a second connecting hole. The buffer assembly is hinged to one of the third and fifth link members via a first connecting pin passing through the first connecting hole, and to the other of the third and fifth link members via a second connecting pin passing through the second connecting hole.

6. The hinge as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first connecting part is integrally formed with the buffer rod; And / or, the second connecting part and the buffer are integrally formed.

7. The hinge as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first connecting part is a columnar structure extending along the axial direction of the first connecting hole, and the buffer rods extend from both ends of the first connecting part along the axial direction of the first connecting hole. The second connecting part is a columnar structure extending along the axial direction of the second connecting hole, and the buffer extends from both ends of the second connecting part along the axial direction of the second connecting hole.

8. The hinge as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The second connecting part is hinged to the third connecting rod member, and the first connecting part is hinged to the fifth connecting rod member.

9. The hinge as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The buffer assembly is a hydraulic damper or a pneumatic damper.

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.

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