Hinge assembly and refrigerator comprising the same

Abstract

The utility model provides a hinge assembly and contain its refrigerator. Hinge assembly is used for the opening and closing of the door body of refrigerator, and hinge assembly includes: hinge, hinge is six connecting rod mechanism and includes first connecting rod member, second connecting rod member, third connecting rod member and sixth connecting rod member, first connecting rod member is hinged with second connecting rod member and third connecting rod member respectively, and the position of first connecting rod member and second connecting rod member, third connecting rod member hinged is first hinged position and second hinged position respectively, and electric actuating device, input end is used for connecting external power supply, and output end is used for outputting rotary motion and is used for acting on first hinged position or second hinged position, to make second connecting rod member or third connecting rod member rotate. The hinge assembly can realize automatic unfolding and folding through electric actuating device, so that the refrigerator including hinge assembly can realize automatic opening and closing, and need not manual operation, and use is more convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigerators, and in particular to a hinge assembly and a refrigerator including the same. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigerator hinges are currently the most commonly used connecting parts for opening refrigerator doors. When a built-in refrigerator is opened, in order to avoid collision between the refrigerator door and the surrounding cabinets, its movement is often a combination of rotation and translation, which conventional hinges cannot meet. Existing built-in refrigerator hinges usually adopt a six-bar linkage mechanism.

[0003] 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 connected between the first and sixth link members. The first link member is hinged to the second link member through a first hinge hole, and to the third link member through a second hinge hole. The second link member is also hinged to the fourth link member through a third hinge hole. The third link member is also hinged to the fourth link member through a fourth hinge hole, and to the fifth link member through a fifth hinge hole. The fourth link member is also hinged to the sixth link member through a seventh hinge hole, and the fifth link member is also hinged to the sixth link member through a sixth hinge hole.

[0004] In the existing technology, for built-in refrigerators with hinges using a six-bar linkage mechanism, users still need to manually open and close the refrigerator door, which is inconvenient. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the inconvenience of opening and closing the refrigerator door in the prior art, and to provide a hinge assembly and a refrigerator including the hinge assembly.

[0006] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0007] A hinge assembly for opening and closing a refrigerator door, the hinge assembly including a hinge, the hinge being a six-bar linkage including a first link member, a second link member, a third link member, and a sixth link member, the first link member being hinged to the second link member and the third link member respectively, the hinge position of the first link member and the second link member being a first hinge position, the hinge position of the first link member and the third link member being a second hinge position, the hinge assembly further including an electric actuator, the input end of the electric actuator being for connecting to an external power source, the output end of the electric actuator being for outputting rotational motion and acting on the first hinge position or the second hinge position to cause the second link member or the third link member to rotate.

[0008] In this solution, by operating the electro-actuator, the output end of the electro-actuator acts on the first hinge position or the second hinge position, thereby enabling the second or third link member to rotate relative to the first link member. This allows the hinge to automatically open or close, making it convenient to use. Accordingly, a refrigerator using this hinge assembly can automatically open and close the refrigerator door, offering ease of use and achieving automation and intelligence.

[0009] Preferably, the first connecting rod member 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, wherein one of the first hinge hole and the second hinge hole is a target hinge hole, and the connecting rod member corresponding to the target hinge hole is a target connecting rod member;

[0010] A rotating shaft is provided inside the target hinge hole, and the first connecting rod component is hinged to the target connecting rod component through the rotating shaft;

[0011] The output end of the electric actuator has an output shaft, and the output shaft is connected to the end of the rotating shaft facing the output shaft.

[0012] In this scheme, the power transmission can be achieved through the cooperation of the rotating shaft and the output shaft with a relatively simple structure, thereby enabling the target link member to rotate relative to the first link member with relatively high reliability. This simplifies the structure of the hinge assembly and reduces costs.

[0013] Preferably, the rotating shaft is provided with a connecting hole, the connecting hole extends along the axial direction of the rotating shaft, and the output shaft is embedded in the connecting hole.

[0014] In this solution, by adopting the above-mentioned structural configuration, the output shaft can be embedded in the connection hole, and the transmission connection between the output shaft and the rotating shaft can be reliably realized within a limited space.

[0015] Preferably, the first connecting rod member has two opposing first sidewalls and a first top wall connected between the two first sidewalls, the two first sidewalls and the first top wall forming a first receiving cavity, one end of the target connecting rod member for hinged to the first connecting rod member is located in the first receiving cavity, and the target hinge hole extends from one of the first sidewalls to the other first sidewall.

[0016] Two bearings are fitted onto the rotating shaft, and the two bearings are respectively embedded in the target hinge holes on the two first side walls.

[0017] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural configuration allows the bearing to support the rotating shaft, reducing friction between the bearing and the target hinge hole, which helps ensure the rotational accuracy of the rotating shaft and, consequently, the normal operation of the hinge.

[0018] Preferably, the target connecting rod component is a second connecting rod component, the target hinge hole is a first hinge hole, the second connecting rod component has two opposing second side walls and a second top wall connected between the two second side walls, and the two second side walls and the second top wall form a second receiving cavity;

[0019] The two second sidewalls are respectively disposed opposite to the two first sidewalls, and the second sidewalls, together with the corresponding first sidewalls and the outer wall surface of the rotating shaft, form a stepped portion, and the bearing is disposed on the stepped portion.

[0020] In this design, the aforementioned structural configuration is adopted, with the second connecting rod member serving as the target connecting rod member. Since the space at the hinge position between the second and first connecting rod members is relatively large, it improves space utilization. Furthermore, by placing the bearing on the aforementioned stepped portion, the second sidewall provides support and restraint for the bearing, thereby maintaining it in its preset position and ensuring the normal operation of the hinge.

[0021] Preferably, the electric actuator further includes a motor and a transmission gear, wherein the input end of the transmission gear is connected to the motor and the output end of the transmission gear is connected to the output shaft.

[0022] Preferably, the electric actuator further includes a base, the transmission gear, the motor and the output shaft are all mounted on the base, the base is provided with an opening, the output shaft extends out of the opening from the bottom surface of the base and is connected to the rotating shaft for transmission, and the bottom surface of the base is in contact with the outer wall surface of the first connecting rod member.

[0023] In this scheme, the above-mentioned structural configuration is adopted, with the transmission gear, motor and output shaft mounted on the base, which facilitates the installation and positioning of these structural components. In addition, the bottom surface of the base is in contact with the outer wall surface of the first connecting rod component, which not only helps to reduce the space occupied by the hinge assembly, but also helps to achieve the alignment of the output shaft and the rotation shaft, thus ensuring reliable transmission of motion.

[0024] Preferably, the base has a sidewall in the circumferential direction, and the sidewall extends along the height direction of the base;

[0025] And / or, the motor is a flat motor.

[0026] In this design, the circumferential sidewalls of the base protect the transmission gears, motor, and output shaft mounted on the base from external structural influences. Designing the motor as a flat motor helps reduce the space occupied by the electric actuator and hinge assembly.

[0027] This utility model also provides a refrigerator, which includes a cabinet and a door, and the refrigerator also includes the above-mentioned hinge assembly.

[0028] In this solution, since the hinge can automatically open or close, the refrigerator including the hinge assembly can automatically open and close the refrigerator door, which is convenient to use and can achieve automation and intelligence.

[0029] Preferably, the top of the housing has a mounting cavity, and the hinge assembly is mounted in the mounting cavity.

[0030] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural design is adopted to install the hinge assembly inside the mounting cavity, which can both protect the hinge assembly and make reasonable use of space, reducing the overall space occupied by the refrigerator.

[0031] The positive and progressive effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0032] In this application, by operating an electro-actuator, the output end of the electro-actuator acts on the first hinge position or the second hinge position, thereby enabling the second or third link member to rotate relative to the first link member. This allows the hinge to automatically open or close, making it convenient to use. Accordingly, a refrigerator using this hinge assembly can automatically open and close the refrigerator door, making it convenient to use and achieving automation and intelligence. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified structural diagram of part A in the middle.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4 This is another structural schematic diagram of a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another part of the hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another part of the structure of the hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electric actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 10 This is a partial structural diagram of a hinge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another part of the hinge structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of another part of the hinge structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0045] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0046] 1 Hinged assembly

[0047] 10 hinges

[0048] 101 First Linkage Component

[0049] 1011 First sidewall

[0050] 1012 First Top Wall

[0051] 102 Second Linkage Component

[0052] 1021 Second sidewall

[0053] 1022 Second Top Wall

[0054] 103 Third Linkage Member

[0055] 104 Fourth Link Component

[0056] 105 Fifth Link Member

[0057] 106 Sixth Link Member

[0058] 107 First hinge hole

[0059] 108 Second hinge hole

[0060] 109 Third hinge hole

[0061] 110 Fourth Hinge Hole

[0062] 111 Fifth hinge hole

[0063] 112 Sixth Hinge Hole

[0064] 113 Seventh Hinge Hole

[0065] 114 rotating shaft

[0066] 115 connecting hole

[0067] 116 bearing

[0068] 117 steps

[0069] 20 Electrically Actuated Devices

[0070] 201 output shaft

[0071] 202 motor

[0072] 203 transmission gear

[0073] 204 base

[0074] 205 extension wall

[0075] 206 gap

[0076] 2 boxes

[0077] 3-door body

[0078] 4 Reception Chambers Detailed Implementation

[0079] The present invention will be described more clearly and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings, using a preferred embodiment.

[0080] like Figures 1 to 12 As shown, this embodiment provides a hinge assembly 1 and a refrigerator including the same, wherein, Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the refrigerator's structure is shown. Figures 3 to 12A schematic diagram of the hinge assembly 1 is shown. Besides the hinge assembly 1, the refrigerator also includes a cabinet 2 and a door 3. Specifically, the hinge assembly 1 is used to open and close the refrigerator door 3. The hinge assembly 1 includes a hinge 10, which is a six-bar linkage mechanism and includes a first link member 101, a second link member 102, a third link member 103, and a sixth link member 106. The first link member 101 is hinged to both the second link member 102 and the third link member 103. The hinge position between the first link member 101 and the second link member 102 is the first hinge position, and the hinge position between the first link member 101 and the third link member 103 is the second hinge position. The hinge assembly 1 also includes an electric actuator 20. The input end of the electric actuator 20 is used to connect to an external power source, and the output end of the electric actuator 20 is used to output rotational motion and act on the first hinge position or the second hinge position to cause the second link member 102 or the third link member 103 to rotate.

[0081] In this embodiment, by operating the electro-actuator 20, the output end of the electro-actuator 20 acts on the first hinge 10 position or the second hinge position, thereby enabling the second link member 102 or the third link member 103 to rotate relative to the first link member 101. This allows the hinge 10 to automatically open or close, making it convenient to use. Accordingly, the refrigerator using this hinge assembly 1 can automatically open and close the refrigerator door 3, making it convenient to use and achieving automation and intelligence.

[0082] Regarding the six-bar linkage, at least as follows: Figures 9 to 12 As shown, similar to existing technologies, in addition to the first link member 101, the second link member 102, the third link member 103, and the sixth link member 106, the hinge 10 also includes a fourth link member 104 and a fifth link member 105. The first link member 101 is used to fix itself to the refrigerator body 2, the sixth link member 106 is used to install itself on the refrigerator door 3, and the second link member 102, the third link member 103, the fourth link member 104, and the fifth link member 105 are connected between the first link member 101 and the sixth link member 106. The first link member 101 is hinged to the second link member 102 through the first hinge hole 107 and to the third link member 103 through the second hinge hole 108. The second link member 102 is also hinged to the fourth link member 104 through the third hinge hole 109. The third link member 103 is also hinged to the fourth link member 104 through the fourth hinge hole 110 and to the fifth link member 105 through the fifth hinge hole 111. The fourth link member 104 is also hinged to the sixth link member 106 through the seventh hinge hole 113. The fifth link member 105 is also hinged to the sixth link member 106 through the sixth hinge hole 112.

[0083] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the first connecting rod component 101 is fixed on the refrigerator body 2, and the position of the first connecting rod component 101 is fixed. Setting the electric actuator 20 to act at the first hinge position and the second hinge position corresponding to the first connecting rod component 101 is beneficial to simplifying the structure of the hinge assembly 1 and facilitating the arrangement of the electric actuator 20.

[0084] For ease of description, the one of the first hinge hole 107 and the second hinge hole 108 that corresponds to the working position of the output end of the electric actuator 20 is called the target hinge hole, and the connecting rod member corresponding to the target hinge hole is called the target connecting rod member.

[0085] like Figures 5 to 7 , Figures 9 to 12 As shown, a rotating shaft 114 is provided inside the target hinge hole, and the first connecting rod member 101 is hinged to the target connecting rod member through the rotating shaft 114. The output end of the electric actuator 20 has an output shaft 201, and the output shaft 201 is connected to the end of the rotating shaft 114 facing the output shaft 201.

[0086] The combination of the rotating shaft 114 and the output shaft 201 enables the transmission of power through a relatively simple structure, thereby enabling the target link member to rotate relative to the first link member 101 with relatively high reliability. This simplifies the structure of the hinge assembly 1 and reduces costs.

[0087] Furthermore, a connecting hole 115 is provided in the rotating shaft 114, and the connecting hole 115 extends along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 114, with the output shaft 201 embedded in the connecting hole 115. With this configuration, by embedding the output shaft 201 in the connecting hole 115, the transmission connection between the output shaft 201 and the rotating shaft 114 can be reliably achieved within a limited space.

[0088] It should be noted that the attached drawing only schematically shows the connecting hole 115. The specific shape of the connecting hole 115 is not limited and can be set as a double flat part or spline groove, etc.

[0089] It should also be noted that there is no specific limitation on the depth to which the output shaft 201 is embedded in the connecting hole 115. It can be set according to specific requirements. It can extend to the end of the connecting hole 115, or to the middle or upper part of the connecting hole 115, or other positions, as long as reliable transmission between the output shaft 201 and the rotating shaft 114 can be achieved.

[0090] Reference Figures 5 to 7 , Figures 9 to 12It is understood that the first connecting rod member 101 has two opposing first sidewalls 1011 and a first top wall 1012 connected between the two first sidewalls 1011. The two first sidewalls 1011 and the first top wall 1012 form a first receiving cavity 4. One end of the target connecting rod member used for hinged with the first connecting rod member 101 is located in the first receiving cavity 4. The target hinge hole extends from one of the first sidewalls 1011 to the other first sidewall 1011. Two bearings 116 are sleeved on the rotating shaft 114, and the two bearings 116 are correspondingly embedded in the target hinge holes on the two first sidewalls 1011.

[0091] The bearing 116 can support the rotating shaft 114, reduce the friction between the bearing 116 and the target hinge hole, which helps to ensure the rotational accuracy of the rotating shaft 114, and thus helps to ensure the normal operation of the hinge 10.

[0092] As a preferred configuration, the target connecting rod member is a second connecting rod member 102, and the target hinge hole is a first hinge hole 107. The second connecting rod member 102 has two opposing second sidewalls 1021 and a second top wall 1022 connected between the two second sidewalls 1021. The two second sidewalls 1021 and the second top wall 1022 form a second receiving cavity 4. The two second sidewalls 1021 are respectively opposed to the two first sidewalls 1011. The second sidewalls 1021, the corresponding first sidewalls 1011, and the outer wall surface of the rotating shaft 114 form a stepped portion 117, and the bearing 116 is disposed on the stepped portion 117.

[0093] In this design, the second link member 102 is used as the target link member. Since the space between the second link member 102 and the first link member 101 at the hinge position 10 is relatively large, it is beneficial to improve space utilization. Furthermore, the bearing 116 is mounted on the aforementioned stepped portion 117, and the second sidewall 1021 can support and limit the bearing 116, thereby maintaining the bearing 116 in a preset position, which is beneficial to ensuring the normal operation of the hinge 10.

[0094] In other alternative embodiments, the first link member 101 may also be configured as the target link member.

[0095] like Figures 2 to 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the electric actuator 20 also includes a motor 202 and a transmission gear 203. The input end of the transmission gear 203 is connected to the motor 202, and the output end of the transmission gear 203 is connected to the output shaft 201. The specific number of transmission gears 203 can be set according to actual transmission requirements.

[0096] Furthermore, the electric actuator 20 also includes a base 204, on which the transmission gear 203, the motor 202 and the output shaft 201 are all mounted. The base 204 has an opening, and the output shaft 201 extends out of the opening from the bottom surface of the base 204 and is connected to the rotating shaft 114 for transmission. The bottom surface of the base 204 is in contact with the outer wall surface of the first connecting rod member 101.

[0097] The transmission gear 203, motor 202 and output shaft 201 are mounted on the base 204, which facilitates the installation and positioning of these structural components. In addition, the bottom surface of the base 204 is in contact with the outer wall surface of the first connecting rod component 101, which helps to reduce the space occupied by the hinge assembly 1 and facilitates the alignment of the output shaft 201 and the rotation shaft 114, thus ensuring reliable transmission of motion.

[0098] As a preferred configuration, the motor 202 is a flat motor 202. Here, setting the motor 202 as a flat motor 202 helps to reduce the space occupied by the electric actuator 20 and the hinge assembly 1.

[0099] Reference Figures 2 to 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 It is understood that the base 204 has an extension wall 205 in the circumferential direction, which extends along the height direction of the base 204. The extension wall 205 in the circumferential direction of the base 204 can protect the transmission gear 203, motor 202 and output shaft 201 mounted on the base 204 from the influence of external structures.

[0100] Furthermore, the base 204 has a notch 206, which is used to accommodate the structure of the refrigerator body 2. This arrangement reduces the space occupied by the hinge assembly 1 while accommodating and accommodating the structure of the refrigerator body 2.

[0101] Regarding the installation of hinge assembly 1, as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the hinge assembly 1 is installed in the mounting cavity at the top of the cabinet 2. Installing the hinge assembly 1 in the mounting cavity not only protects it but also makes efficient use of space, reducing the overall space occupied by the refrigerator.

[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 assembly for opening and closing a door body of a refrigerator, the hinge assembly comprising a hinge which is a six-bar linkage and includes a first link member, a second link member, a third link member, and a sixth link member, the first link member being hingedly connected with the second link member and the third link member, respectively, characterized in that, The position where the first link member is hinged to the second link member is the first hinge position, and the position where the first link member is hinged to the third link member is the second hinge position. The hinge assembly also includes an electric actuator. The input end of the electric actuator is used to connect to an external power source, and the output end of the electric actuator is used to output rotational motion and act on the first hinge position or the second hinge position to cause the second link member or the third link member to rotate.

2. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting rod member 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. One of the first hinge hole and the second hinge hole is a target hinge hole, and the connecting rod member corresponding to the target hinge hole is a target connecting rod member. A rotating shaft is provided inside the target hinge hole, and the first connecting rod component is hinged to the target connecting rod component through the rotating shaft; The output end of the electric actuator has an output shaft, and the output shaft is connected to the end of the rotating shaft facing the output shaft.

3. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The rotating shaft is provided with a connecting hole, which extends along the axial direction of the rotating shaft, and the output shaft is embedded in the connecting hole.

4. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The first connecting rod member has two opposing first sidewalls and a first top wall connected between the two first sidewalls, the two first sidewalls and the first top wall forming a first receiving cavity, and one end of the target connecting rod member for hinged to the first connecting rod member is located in the first receiving cavity, and the target hinge hole extends from one of the first sidewalls to the other first sidewall. Two bearings are fitted on the rotating shaft, and the two bearings are respectively embedded in the target hinge holes on the two first side walls.

5. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, The target connecting rod component is a second connecting rod component, the target hinge hole is a first hinge hole, the second connecting rod component has two oppositely arranged second side walls and a second top wall connected between the two second side walls, the two second side walls and the second top wall form a second receiving cavity; The two second sidewalls are respectively disposed opposite to the two first sidewalls, and the second sidewalls, together with the corresponding first sidewalls and the outer wall surface of the rotating shaft, form a stepped portion, and the bearing is disposed on the stepped portion.

6. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The electric actuator further includes a motor and a transmission gear, the input end of which is connected to the motor, and the output end of which is connected to the output shaft.

7. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The electric actuator also includes a base, on which the transmission gear, the motor and the output shaft are all mounted. The base has an opening, and the output shaft extends out of the opening from the bottom surface of the base and is connected to the rotating shaft for transmission. The bottom surface of the base is in contact with the outer wall surface of the first connecting rod member.

8. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The base has a sidewall in the circumferential direction, and the sidewall extends along the height direction of the base; And / or, the motor is a flat motor.

9. A refrigerator, comprising a cabinet and a door, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes a hinge assembly as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. The refrigerator as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The top of the housing has a mounting cavity, and the hinge assembly is mounted in the mounting cavity.

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