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, and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly includes a first transmission arm and a second transmission arm. The hinge also includes a first buffer device and a second buffer device. The first buffer device includes a first toothed portion, and the second buffer device includes a second toothed portion. When the first and second buffer devices are in a first state, the first and second toothed portions are separated or only in contact. When the first and second buffer devices are in a second state, the first and second toothed portions are engaged, and a force is applied to the second toothed portion to move the second fixed base towards the first fixed base. The contact using the toothed portion generates a tangential force, making the toothed portion easy to rotate, which facilitates the renewal of the contact area between the first and second toothed portions and prevents significant wear at the contact area.

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. In order to achieve good closing performance between the refrigerator door and the refrigerator cabinet after opening or closing, existing refrigerator hinges usually adopt a six-bar linkage mechanism.

[0003] Inside a six-bar hinge, there is often an additional spring module. Its function is to assist the door in closing automatically when the opening angle of the refrigerator door is less than a certain degree, and also to provide a certain sealing force.

[0004] The form of spring modules on the market is relatively fixed, consisting of several fixed parts, as can be found in patent number CN108332498B.

[0005] In existing technologies, the functional logic of springs relies on the compression and friction generated by certain features in the contact area. In patent CN108332498B, the spring generates rebound force by compression and friction between the roller and the component during operation. The component is a roller, which can rotate around its axis. Therefore, theoretically, the wear marks on the roller should not be obvious. However, in actual use, it was found that the roller still has obvious wear marks, and the wear area is concentrated. In other words, during actual operation, the roller does not effectively distribute the wear by rotating around its axis.

[0006] The main reason for the above problems is that when the hinge is working, regardless of the opening angle, there is an interaction force between the rod and the roller at the contact point. The pressure exerted by the rod on the roller always points towards the center of the roller, that is, the pressure always extends along the normal direction of the contact point. On the one hand, the roller does not experience any tangential force during operation and has no rotational power. On the other hand, the normal pressure increases the force between the roller and the shaft, and the resistance to the roller's rotation around the shaft is also greater. Utility Model Content

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the defect that the rollers of the existing hinge do not rotate well around the axis to distribute wear, resulting in severe hinge wear, and to provide a hinge and a refrigerator containing 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 comprising:

[0010] The first mounting bracket is used for installation on the refrigerator body;

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

[0012] A transmission assembly is hinged between a first fixed base and a second fixed base. The transmission assembly includes a first transmission arm and a second transmission arm. The front end of the first transmission arm is hinged to the first fixed base, and the rear end of the first transmission arm is hinged to the front end of the second transmission arm. The rear end of the second transmission arm is hinged to the second fixed base. Its characteristic is that...

[0013] The hinge also includes: a first buffer device mounted on the first drive arm; and a second buffer device mounted on the front end of the second drive arm.

[0014] The first buffer device includes a first toothed portion, and the second buffer device includes a second toothed portion. The first buffer device and the second buffer device 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 and the second buffer device are in the second state.

[0015] When the first buffer device and the second buffer device are in the first state, the first toothed portion and the second toothed portion are separated or only in contact;

[0016] When the first buffer device and the second buffer device are in the second state, the first toothed portion and the second toothed portion mesh with each other, and a force is applied to the second toothed portion to make the second fixed seat move toward the first fixed seat.

[0017] In this design, the contact points of the first and second buffer devices are not fixed. This arrangement avoids the first and second buffer devices using the same contact points for extended periods, preventing significant wear and affecting functionality. Furthermore, the contact is achieved using toothed sections. The first and second toothed sections press against each other on their respective involute arc surfaces. The pressure is perpendicular to the involute of the toothed section and can be decomposed into a normal force passing through the center of the toothed section and a tangential force along the tangent at the contact point. The tangential force generated by the toothed section facilitates its rotation, which is beneficial for updating or adjusting the contact points of the first and second toothed sections. The first and second toothed sections can share the wear accordingly, further preventing significant wear at their contact points. Therefore, the wear of the hinge can be minimized.

[0018] Preferably, one of the first toothed portion and the second toothed portion is a partial toothed portion in the circumferential direction, and the other is a complete gear in the circumferential direction.

[0019] In this design, one of the first toothed portion and the second toothed portion is a partial toothed portion. This design saves both cost and installation space.

[0020] Preferably, the second toothed portion is a partial toothed portion disposed on the front end face of the second transmission arm; the first toothed portion is a complete gear, and the first buffer device further includes a first mounting shaft, the front end of the first transmission arm has a first mounting portion, the first mounting shaft passes through the first toothed portion, and the first mounting shaft is mounted on the first mounting portion.

[0021] In this design, the first mounting shaft passes through the first toothed portion, which can rotate around the first mounting shaft. This facilitates the constant updating of the contact area between the first and second toothed portions, preventing the first toothed portion from failing to properly rotate around the shaft to distribute wear.

[0022] Preferably, the first toothed portion is a partial toothed portion provided on the front end face of the first transmission arm; the second toothed portion is a complete gear, and the second buffer device further includes a second mounting shaft. The front end of the second transmission arm has a second mounting portion, the second mounting shaft passes through the second toothed portion, and the second mounting shaft is mounted on the second mounting portion.

[0023] In this design, the second mounting shaft passes through the second toothed portion, allowing the second toothed portion to rotate around the second mounting shaft. This facilitates constant updating of the contact area between the second toothed portion and the first toothed portion, preventing the second toothed portion from failing to properly rotate around the shaft to distribute wear.

[0024] Preferably, the first buffer device further includes an elastic component, the first end of which is fixed on the first transmission arm along the elastic deformation direction, and the first mounting shaft is mounted on the second end of which is along the elastic deformation direction.

[0025] And / or, the first drive arm has a receiving cavity, and the first buffer device is installed in the receiving cavity.

[0026] In this design, the elastic component allows the first toothed portion to extend or retract under its action to contact or separate from the second toothed portion. The first buffer device is installed within the receiving cavity to minimize its susceptibility to external factors and reduce rusting. Furthermore, since the first buffer device is installed within the receiving cavity, the contact area, i.e., the friction area, is also within the cavity. The first mounting shaft of the first buffer device is located inside the first transmission arm. Compared to existing technologies, this eliminates the need for a waist-shaped groove on the first transmission arm to support and guide the first mounting shaft, thus avoiding friction between the first mounting shaft and the waist-shaped groove and ensuring optimal performance. Simultaneously, because the first buffer device is entirely housed within the first transmission arm, the contact between the first and second toothed portions is less affected by external factors.

[0027] Preferably, the elastic component includes a spring mounting rod and a spring element, the spring element is sleeved on the spring mounting rod, the fixed end of the spring mounting rod is fixed to the first transmission arm, the movable end of the spring mounting rod is equipped with a push rod, and the first mounting shaft is connected to the end of the push rod away from the movable end of the spring mounting rod.

[0028] In this design, a push rod is mounted on the movable end of the spring mounting rod, and a first mounting shaft is connected to the end of the push rod away from the movable end of the spring mounting rod. This arrangement facilitates the connection between the first toothed part and the elastic component, and the connection area between the push rod and the first mounting shaft is larger and more stable.

[0029] 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 elastic component and the first end of the elastic component when the first limiting part and the second limiting part abut.

[0030] When the door is fully open, the first limiting part and the second limiting part abut against each other.

[0031] In this design, the engagement of the first and second limiting parts prevents the elastic component in the first buffer device from excessively relaxing outward, thus preventing the first toothed part from extending out of the receiving cavity of the first transmission arm. When the door is fully open, the first and second toothed parts do not contact each other, and the elastic component is not subjected to the force of the second toothed part. At this time, the elastic component extends outward, and the first limiting part abuts against the second limiting part as the elastic component extends, preventing the elastic component from overextending. Simultaneously, by limiting the maximum distance between the second end and the first end of the elastic component, it is also beneficial to reliably achieve the engagement of the first and second toothed parts within a limited stroke range during the closing process, when engagement is required.

[0032] Preferably, the elastic component includes a spring mounting rod and a spring element, the spring element being sleeved on the spring mounting rod, the fixed end of the spring mounting rod being fixed to the first transmission arm, and a push rod being mounted on the movable end of the spring mounting rod. A first mounting shaft is connected to the end of the push rod away from the movable end of the spring mounting rod.

[0033] 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 the two ends of the fixing pin are respectively fixed in the mounting holes on the opposite side walls of the first transmission arm.

[0034] In this design, the protrusion and the fixing pin work together more stably, making it less prone to slippage when the first and second limiting parts 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 on the opposite side walls of the first transmission arm. On the one hand, the first limiting part is directly set on the structure of the elastic component itself, and the second limiting part is set in the space below the elastic component, which effectively utilizes the elastic component 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 under the action of the elastic component, which is conducive to ensuring the normal operation of the first and second buffer devices.

[0035] Preferably, the tooth profiles of the first and second tooth profiles are arc-shaped teeth, trapezoidal teeth, or spline structures.

[0036] In this design, the tooth profiles of arc-shaped teeth, trapezoidal teeth, or spline structures are all conducive to stable meshing. The tooth profiles of the first and second tooth profiles can be set according to actual design requirements, which provides great flexibility.

[0037] This utility model also provides a refrigerator, which further includes the hinge described above.

[0038] The positive and progressive effects of this utility model are as follows: the contact points of the first buffer device and the second buffer device are not fixed. This arrangement avoids the first and second buffer devices using the same contact points for a long time, preventing significant wear on the contact points and affecting functionality. In addition, by using toothed parts for contact, the first and second toothed parts are pressed on their respective involute arc surfaces. The pressure is perpendicular to the involute of the toothed parts and can be decomposed into a normal force passing through the center of the toothed part and a tangential force along the tangent of the contact point. The tangential force generated by the toothed parts makes them easy to rotate, which facilitates the renewal of the contact points of the first and second toothed parts, further preventing significant wear on the contact points of the first and second toothed parts. Therefore, it can minimize the wear of the hinge. 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 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram showing the positional relationship between the first and second buffer devices of the central hinge.

[0041] Figure 3 for Figure 1Another three-dimensional structural diagram showing the positional relationship between the first and second buffer devices of the central hinge.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the hinge when the door of a refrigerator is opened to a certain angle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A three-dimensional structural diagram showing the positional relationship between the first and second buffer devices of the central hinge.

[0044] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the hinge when the door of a refrigerator is fully opened according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A three-dimensional structural diagram showing the positional relationship between the first and second buffer devices of the central hinge.

[0046] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the hinge when the door of a refrigerator is fully opened according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0048] Hinges 100

[0049] First transmission arm 1

[0050] First buffer device 11

[0051] First toothed portion 12

[0052] First mounting shaft 13

[0053] Putter 141

[0054] Spring mounting rod 142

[0055] Spring component 143

[0056] Reception cavity 15

[0057] Protrusion 16

[0058] Fixed pin 17

[0059] Second transmission arm 2

[0060] Second buffer device 21

[0061] Second toothed portion 22

[0062] First fixed seat 3

[0063] Second fixing seat 4 Detailed Implementation

[0064] 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.

[0065] like Figure 1-8 As shown, this embodiment provides a hinge 100 for opening and closing the door of a refrigerator. The hinge 100 includes: a first fixed seat 3 for mounting on the refrigerator body; a second fixed seat 4 for mounting on the door; and a transmission assembly hinged between the first fixed seat 3 and the second fixed seat 4. 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 seat 3, the rear end of the first transmission arm 1 is hinged to the front end of the second transmission arm 2, and the rear end of the second transmission arm 2 is hinged to the second fixed seat 4. The hinge 100 further includes: a first buffer device 11, which is mounted on the first transmission arm 1; and a second buffer device 21, which is mounted on the front end of the second transmission arm 2. The first buffer device 11 and the second buffer device 21 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 11 and the second buffer device 21 are in the second state. The first buffer device 11 includes a first toothed portion 12, and the second buffer device 21 includes a second toothed portion 22. When the first buffer device 11 and the second buffer device 21 are in the first state, the first toothed portion 12 and the second toothed portion 22 are separated or only in contact. When the first buffer device and the second buffer device are in the second state, the first toothed portion 12 and the second toothed portion 22 are engaged, and a force is applied to the second toothed portion 22 to move the second fixed seat 4 toward the first fixed seat 3.

[0066] In this embodiment, the contact points of the first buffer device 11 and the second buffer device 21 are not fixed. This arrangement avoids the first buffer device 11 and the second buffer device 21 from using the same contact points for a long time, preventing significant wear of the contact points and affecting functionality. In addition, by using toothed portions for contact, the first toothed portion 12 and the second toothed portion 22 are pressed on their respective involute arc surfaces. The pressure is perpendicular to the involute of the toothed portion and can be decomposed into a normal force passing through the center of the toothed portion and a tangential force along the tangent of the contact point. The tangential force generated by the toothed portion makes it easy to rotate, which is beneficial for updating or adjusting the contact points of the first toothed portion 12 and the second toothed portion 22. The first toothed portion 12 and the second toothed portion 22 can correspondingly share the wear, further preventing significant wear of the contact points of the first toothed portion 12 and the second toothed portion 22. Therefore, the wear of the hinge 100 can be reduced to the greatest extent.

[0067] Furthermore, the first buffer device 11 and the second buffer device 21 provide a certain force to close the door when the opening angle of the door is less than a preset angle, assisting the door in achieving the function of automatic door closing. The first toothed portion 12 and the second toothed portion 22 ensure that when the first buffer device 11 and the second buffer device 21 are in the second state, they respectively contact each other using the first toothed portion 12 and the second toothed portion 22. The contact area of ​​the first toothed portion 12 and the second toothed portion 22 is relatively large, preventing significant wear of the contact area due to prolonged use, which would affect the function of the hinge 100 and improve the durability of the hinge 100. Moreover, the first buffer device 11 and the limiting component are located inside the first transmission arm 1. Compared to the prior art, the waist-shaped groove on the first transmission arm 1 used for supporting and guiding the first buffer device 11 is eliminated, thus avoiding friction between the first buffer device 11 and the waist-shaped groove, which helps ensure the effectiveness of use.

[0068] 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 hinge operation, 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. It should also be noted that when the door opening angle is less than a preset angle, if the door is released at this time, the door will automatically close under the action of the first impact device 11 and the second buffer device 21.

[0069] When the opening angle of the door is greater than the preset angle, there are two situations: the first toothed part 12 and the second toothed part 22 are in contact or not in contact. In both situations, there is no force between the first toothed part 12 and the second toothed part 22. If the door is released at this time, the door will stop at the opening angle at that time.

[0070] Furthermore, it should be noted that when the first buffer device 11 and the second buffer device 21 are in the second state, the first toothed portion 12 abuts against the second toothed portion 22 and applies a force to the second toothed portion 22, so that the second fixed seat 4 moves toward the first fixed seat 3. According to actual needs, when the first buffer device 11 and the second buffer device 21 are in the first state, the first toothed portion 12 and the second toothed portion 22 do not abut against each other. The first toothed portion 12 and the second toothed portion 22 can be separated or only in contact. There is no force between them, and no force is generated to close the door, so as to facilitate opening the door.

[0071] Theoretically, one of the first toothed portion 12 and the second toothed portion 22 can be a partial toothed portion in the circumferential direction, and the other can be a complete gear in the circumferential direction.

[0072] In this embodiment, as Figure 1-3 As shown, the second toothed portion 22 is a partial toothed portion provided on the front end face of the second transmission arm 2; the first toothed portion 12 is a complete gear, and the first buffer device 11 also includes a first mounting shaft 13. The front end of the first transmission arm 1 has a first mounting portion, the first mounting shaft 13 passes through the first toothed portion 12, and the first mounting shaft 13 is mounted on the first mounting portion.

[0073] In an alternative embodiment, the first toothed portion 12 may be configured as a partial toothed portion disposed on the front end face of the first transmission arm 1; the second toothed portion 22 is a complete gear; the second buffer device 21 further includes a second mounting shaft; the front end of the second transmission arm 2 has a second mounting portion; the second mounting shaft passes through the second toothed portion 22 and is mounted on the second mounting portion; the second buffer device 21 further includes a second mounting shaft; the second toothed portion 22 is a hollow cylinder; the front end of the second transmission arm 2 has a second mounting portion; the second mounting shaft passes through the second toothed portion 22 and is mounted on the second mounting portion.

[0074] In this embodiment, the second mounting shaft passes through the second toothed portion 22 and is mounted on the second mounting portion. This arrangement allows the second toothed portion 22 to rotate around the second mounting shaft. Furthermore, the fact that the second mounting shaft passes through the second toothed portion 22 results in a relatively large contact area between the second mounting shaft and the second toothed portion 22, making the rotation of the second toothed portion 22 more stable. The contact between the second toothed portion 22 and the first toothed portion 12 is also more stable, further preventing the second toothed portion 22 from using the same contact area to contact the first toothed portion 12 for a long time, thus affecting its function.

[0075] It should be noted that mounting holes are provided on both sides of the front end of the second transmission arm 2, and the two ends of the second mounting shaft are respectively installed in the aforementioned mounting holes. In addition, the second toothed part 22 and the first toothed part 12 can also be selected as spherical components or gear components that can rotate around the second mounting shaft or the first mounting shaft 13.

[0076] like Figure 2 As shown, the first buffer device 11 further includes a first mounting shaft 13 and an elastic component 14. The first end of the elastic component 14 along the elastic deformation direction is fixed on the first transmission arm 1. The first toothed portion 12 is a hollow cylinder. The first mounting shaft 13 passes through the first toothed portion 12 and is mounted on the second end of the elastic component 14. The first transmission arm 1 has a receiving cavity 15, and the first buffer device 11 is installed in the receiving cavity 15.

[0077] In this embodiment, the elastic component 14 allows the first toothed portion 12 to extend or retract under the action of the elastic component 14 to contact or separate from the second toothed portion 22, facilitating the switching between the first and second states of the first buffer device 11 and the second buffer device 21 in this application. Furthermore, the first buffer device 11 is installed within the receiving cavity 15, meaning the contact portion, i.e., the friction portion, is also within the receiving cavity 15. The first mounting shaft 13 of the first buffer device 11 is located inside the first transmission arm 1. Compared to the prior art, the waist-shaped groove on the first transmission arm 1 used for supporting and guiding the first mounting shaft 13 is eliminated, thus avoiding friction between the first mounting shaft 13 and the waist-shaped groove, which helps ensure the effectiveness of use. Simultaneously, since the first buffer device 11 is entirely located inside the first transmission arm 1, the first toothed portion 12 and the second toothed portion 22 are less affected by external factors when in contact.

[0078] It should be noted that the first mounting shaft 13 does not contact the wall of the receiving cavity 15, and the extension length of the receiving cavity 15 is greater than the extension length of the first buffer device 11.

[0079] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the first buffer device 11 further includes an elastic component 14, the first end of the elastic component 14 along the elastic deformation direction is fixed on the first transmission arm 1, and the first mounting shaft 13 is mounted on the second end of the elastic component 14 along the elastic deformation direction; and / or, the first transmission arm 1 has a receiving cavity 15, and the first buffer device 11 is mounted in the receiving cavity 15; the elastic component 14 includes a spring mounting rod 142 and a spring element 143, the spring element 143 is sleeved on the spring mounting rod 142, the fixed end of the spring mounting rod 142 is fixed on the first transmission arm 1, the movable end of the spring mounting rod 142 is mounted with a push rod 141, and the first mounting shaft 13 is connected to one end of the push rod 141 away from the movable end of the spring mounting rod 142.

[0080] In this embodiment, a push rod 141 is mounted on the movable end of the spring mounting rod 142, and a first mounting shaft 13 is connected to the end of the push rod 141 away from the movable end of the spring mounting rod 142. This arrangement facilitates the connection between the first toothed portion 12 and the elastic component 14, and the connection area between the push rod 141 and the first mounting shaft 13 is larger and more stable. Furthermore, similar to the mounting method of the second toothed portion 22, the contact area between the first mounting shaft 13 and the first toothed portion 12 is relatively large, the rotation of the first toothed portion 12 is relatively stable, and the contact between the first toothed portion 12 and the second toothed portion 22 is also relatively stable. This further prevents the first toothed portion 12 from contacting the second toothed portion 22 with a limited contact area for a long time, thereby affecting its function.

[0081] It should be noted that the aforementioned elastic component 14 can be other components that enable the first toothed portion 12 to extend and retract.

[0082] like Figure 2-3 As shown, the hinge 100 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 11, 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 elastic component 14 and the first end of the elastic component 14 when the first limiting part and the second limiting part abut. When the door is in the fully open state, the first limiting part and the second limiting part abut.

[0083] In this embodiment, when the first limiting part and the second limiting part abut against each other, the elastic component 14 in the first buffer device 11 is prevented from excessively relaxing outward, thus preventing the first toothed part 12 from extending out of the receiving cavity 15 of the first transmission arm 1. When the door is fully open, the first toothed part 12 and the second toothed part 22 do not contact each other, and the elastic component 14 is not subjected to the force of the second toothed part 22. At this time, the elastic component 14 extends outward, and the first limiting part abuts against the second limiting part as the elastic component 14 extends, thus preventing the elastic component 14 from overextending. At the same time, by limiting the maximum distance between the second end and the first end of the elastic component 14, it is also beneficial to reliably achieve the abutment of the first toothed part 12 and the second toothed part 22 within a limited stroke range when the first toothed part 12 and the second toothed part 22 need to abut against each other during the closing process.

[0084] It should be noted that when the door is closed, the first and second limiting parts do not abut against each other.

[0085] like Figure 2 As shown, the elastic component 14 includes a spring mounting rod 142 and a spring member 143. The spring member 143 is sleeved on the spring mounting rod 142. The fixed end of the spring mounting rod 142 is fixed on the first transmission arm 1. A push rod 141 is mounted on the movable end of the spring mounting rod 142. The push rod 141 is connected to the movable end of the spring mounting rod 142. A first mounting shaft 13 is connected to one end of the push rod 141 away from the movable end of the spring mounting rod 142. The first limiting part is a protrusion 16 provided at the bottom of the push rod 141. The second limiting part is a fixing pin 17. The fixing pin 17 is provided below the push rod 141, and the two ends of the fixing pin 17 are respectively fixed in the mounting holes on the opposite side walls of the first transmission arm 1.

[0086] In this embodiment, the protrusion 16 and the fixing pin 17 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 17 is located below the push rod 141, and the two ends of the fixing pin 17 are respectively fixed in the mounting holes on the opposite side walls of the first transmission arm 1. On the one hand, the first limiting part is directly set on the structure of the elastic component 14 itself, and the second limiting part is set in the space below the elastic component 14, which effectively utilizes the elastic component 14 and the space below it, resulting in high space utilization. On the other hand, the above arrangement also allows the fixing pin 17 to support the first buffer device 11, preventing the first buffer device 11 from falling downwards during movement, so that the first buffer device 11 can only move within a preset range under the action of the elastic component 14, which is beneficial to ensuring the normal operation of the first buffer device 11 and the second buffer device 21. As a preferred arrangement, if the fixing pin 17 is directly supported on the bottom surface of the push rod 141, the first buffer device 11 can only move horizontally under the action of the elastic component 14, that is, the spring 143 can only move horizontally to extend and retract.

[0087] It should be noted that the cooperation between the protrusion 16 and the fixing pin 17 prevents the push rod 141 from extending further, thereby compressing the spring 143; in addition, the protrusion 16 has a raised step; furthermore, when the fixing pin 17 supports the push rod 141, it rubs against the push rod 141 on one side, and there is no pressure between the two, resulting in low friction.

[0088] like Figure 1-8 As shown, the hinge 100 also includes a support portion disposed on the first transmission arm 1 and located below the elastic component 14; the elastic component 14 is configured to move closer to or further away from the support portion during the operation of the hinge 100, and the support portion is used to support the second end of the elastic component 14 when the elastic component 14 contacts the support portion.

[0089] In this embodiment, the support portion is used to support the first buffer device 11 when the elastic component 14 moves, to prevent the first buffer device 11 from falling, so that the first buffer device 11 can only move horizontally under the action of the elastic component 14.

[0090] It should be noted that the support part can be the aforementioned fixing pin 17, and the support part can also be set in the same way as the fixing pin 17.

[0091] In other alternative embodiments, the support portion may also be other structures that can perform the aforementioned support function, which are added on top of the limiting component.

[0092] like Figure 7As shown, the hinge 100 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 11, 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 elastic component 14 and the first end of the elastic component 14 when the first limiting part and the second limiting part abut. When the door is in the fully open state, the first limiting part and the second limiting part abut.

[0093] In this embodiment, as described above, when the first limiting part and the second limiting part abut against each other, it can prevent the elastic component 14 in the first buffer device 11 from excessively relaxing outward, thereby preventing the first toothed part 12 from extending out of the receiving cavity 15 of the first transmission arm 1. When the door is in the fully open state, the first toothed part 12 and the second toothed part 22 do not contact each other, and the elastic component 14 is not subjected to the force of the second toothed part 22. At this time, the elastic component 14 extends outward, and the first limiting part abuts against the second limiting part as the elastic component 14 extends, thereby preventing the elastic component 14 from overextending. At the same time, by limiting the maximum distance between the second end and the first end of the elastic component 14, it is also beneficial to reliably achieve the abutment of the first toothed part 12 and the second toothed part 22 within a limited stroke range when the first toothed part 12 and the second toothed part 22 need to abut against each other during the closing process.

[0094] like Figure 2 As shown, the diameter of the first toothed portion 12 is larger than the diameter of the second toothed portion 22.

[0095] The above configuration makes the second toothed portion 22 more concentrated and uniformly stressed when the first toothed portion 12 applies force to the second toothed portion 22, resulting in faster rotation speed and less wear. Furthermore, the contact area between the first toothed portion 12 and the second toothed portion 22 is large, thus minimizing wear on the first toothed portion 12. In addition, the reaction force on the first toothed portion 12 is less likely to damage it.

[0096] This utility model also provides a refrigerator, which includes a cabinet, a door, and the aforementioned hinge 100.

[0097] The opening process of the refrigerator door in this embodiment is described in detail below:

[0098] 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 toothed part 12 abuts against the second toothed part 22 and applies force to the second toothed part 22. At this time, the reaction force received by the first toothed part 12 acts on the elastic component 14, so that the elastic component 14 provides a certain force to close the door to assist the door to close automatically, and at this time the protrusion 16 has not yet abutted against the fixing pin 17.

[0099] As the door opens from a greater than preset angle to the maximum angle, the first toothed portion 12 and the second toothed portion 22 move from continued contact to separation. During this process, no force is generated between the first toothed portion 12 and the second toothed portion 22, and the elastic component 14 cannot provide the force to close the door. In this process, the protrusion 16 moves toward the fixing pin 17 until it abuts against the fixing pin 17, achieving a fully open state.

[0100] In addition, combined with the appendix Figure 1-8 To be understood, in this embodiment, during the process of the door opening from closing, initially, the first toothed portion 12 is located to the left of the second toothed portion 22; as the opening angle of the door increases, the first toothed portion 12 and the second toothed portion 22 approach each other. When the first toothed portion 12 and the second toothed portion 22 abut against each other, the first toothed portion 12 can apply a force to the second toothed portion 22, 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 position of the second transmission arm 2 relative to the second fixed seat 4 is adjusted, the first toothed portion 12 and the second toothed portion 22 move away from each other again, the first toothed portion 12 is located to the right of the second toothed portion 22, and the second fixed seat 4 gradually approaches the first fixed seat 3 until the door is fully opened, and the fixing pin 17 abuts against the protrusion 16, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 7 As shown.

[0101] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0102] 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 fixing bracket is used for mounting on the refrigerator body; The second fixing seat is used for mounting on the door body; A transmission assembly, hinged between a first fixed base and a second fixed base, includes a first transmission arm and a second transmission arm. The front end of the first transmission arm is hinged to the first fixed base, and the rear end of the first transmission arm is hinged to the front end of the second transmission arm. The rear end of the second transmission arm is hinged to the second fixed base. The transmission assembly is characterized in that... The hinge further includes: a first buffer device, which is mounted on the first transmission arm; and a second buffer device, which is mounted on the front end of the second transmission arm. The first buffer device includes a first toothed portion, and the second buffer device includes a second toothed portion. The first buffer device and the second buffer device 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 and the second buffer device are in the second state. When the first buffer device and the second buffer device are in the first state, the first toothed portion and the second toothed portion are separated or only in contact; When the first buffer device and the second buffer device are in the second state, the first toothed portion and the second toothed portion mesh with each other, and a force is applied to the second toothed portion to make the second fixed seat move toward the first fixed seat.

2. The hinge of claim 1, wherein One of the first toothed portion and the second toothed portion is a partial toothed portion in the circumferential direction, and the other is a complete gear in the circumferential direction.

3. The hinge of claim 2, wherein The second toothed portion is the partial toothed portion disposed on the front end face of the second transmission arm; the first toothed portion is the complete gear, the first buffer device further includes a first mounting shaft, the front end of the first transmission arm has a first mounting portion, the first mounting shaft passes through the first toothed portion, and the first mounting shaft is mounted on the first mounting portion.

4. The hinge of claim 2, wherein The first toothed portion is the partial toothed portion disposed on the front end face of the first transmission arm; the second toothed portion is the complete gear, and the second buffer device further includes a second mounting shaft. The front end of the second transmission arm has a second mounting portion, the second mounting shaft passes through the second toothed portion, and the second mounting shaft is mounted on the second mounting portion.

5. The hinge of claim 3, wherein The first buffer device further includes an elastic component, the first end of which is fixed to the first transmission arm along the elastic deformation direction, and the first mounting shaft is mounted on the second end of which is also along the elastic deformation direction. And / or, the first transmission arm has a receiving cavity, and the first buffer device is installed in the receiving cavity.

6. The hinge of claim 5, wherein The elastic component includes a spring mounting rod and a spring element. The spring element is sleeved on the spring mounting rod. The fixed end of the spring mounting rod is fixed to the first transmission arm. A push rod is mounted on the movable end of the spring mounting rod. The first mounting shaft is connected to the end of the push rod away from the movable end of the spring mounting rod.

7. The hinge of claim 5, wherein 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 elastic component and the first end of the elastic component 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. Hinge according to claim 7, characterized in that The elastic component includes a spring mounting rod and a spring element. The spring element is sleeved on the spring mounting rod. The fixed end of the spring mounting rod is fixed to the first transmission arm. A push rod is mounted on the movable end of the spring mounting rod. The first mounting shaft is connected to the end of the push rod away from the movable end of the spring mounting rod. 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 on the opposite side walls of the first transmission arm.

9. A hinge according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that The teeth of the first toothed portion and the second toothed portion are arc-shaped teeth, trapezoidal teeth, or spline structures.

10. A refrigerator comprising a cabinet and a door body, characterized by, The refrigerator also includes a hinge as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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