Storage structure and refrigerator

Abstract

A storage structure and a refrigerator. The storage structure (43) for a refrigeration device comprises: a cabinet assembly (10) having an open end (13); a cabinet cover (20) arranged at the open end (13) of the cabinet assembly (10) and movable between a closed position and a maximum open position relative to the open end (13); a return drive assembly (30) operably connected with the cabinet assembly (10) and the cabinet cover (20) and configured to apply a driving force to the cabinet cover (20) to enable the cabinet cover (20) to automatically return when the cabinet cover (20) moves to a preset stroke position towards the closed position under the action of an external force. The preset stroke position is between the closed position and the maximum open position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a storage structure and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] In some technologies related to refrigeration equipment such as refrigerators, the equipment may have an internal sealed container that can be opened and closed to achieve the required refrigeration temperature within the container. When placing or removing items from the sealed container, a person needs to manually operate the lid or door of the sealed container to open or close it. Utility Model Content

[0003] Research has found that this method of requiring manual opening and closing of the lid or door of a sealed container carries the risk that the lid or door may not be closed properly due to carelessness or unfamiliarity with its use, resulting in the container not being closed, which could lead to the mixing of odors and difficulty in maintaining the required refrigeration temperature.

[0004] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a storage structure and a refrigerator that can improve the closing effect of the storage structure.

[0005] In one aspect of this disclosure, a storage structure for a refrigeration device is provided, comprising:

[0006] The housing assembly has an open end;

[0007] A lid is provided at the open end of the housing assembly and is movable between a closed position and a maximum open position relative to the open end;

[0008] A return drive assembly, operably connected to the housing assembly and the lid, is configured to apply a driving force to the lid in response to the lid moving toward the closed position to a preset travel position under the action of an external force, so as to enable the lid to automatically return.

[0009] The preset travel position is located between the closed position and the maximum open position.

[0010] In some embodiments, the lid has a guide mechanism that engages with the open end of the housing assembly; the return drive assembly is configured to be driven to the guide mechanism when the lid is in the preset travel position, the closed position, and any position between the preset travel position and the closed position; and not driven to the guide mechanism when the lid is in the maximum open position and any position between the maximum open position and the preset travel position.

[0011] In some embodiments, the backhaul drive component includes:

[0012] A connector, movably disposed within the side wall of the housing assembly, is capable of connecting or disconnecting from the guide mechanism; and

[0013] A drive mechanism is disposed within the side wall of the housing assembly and connected to the connector to drive the connector to move, thereby disengaging the connector from the guide mechanism or establishing a connection with the guide mechanism and driving the guide mechanism to move.

[0014] In some embodiments, the connector has a first snap-fit ​​structure, the guide mechanism has a second snap-fit ​​structure, and the connector is configured to be rotatable when the lid is in the preset stroke position, so that the first snap-fit ​​structure is snapped into the second snap-fit ​​structure by the pushing action of the second snap-fit ​​structure at a first rotation angle position, and the first snap-fit ​​structure is disengaged from the position of being snapped into the first snap-fit ​​structure by the driving action of the drive mechanism at a second rotation angle position.

[0015] In some embodiments, the backhaul drive component further includes:

[0016] The guide frame has a slide rail for the movement of the connector, and the guide frame also has a guide groove that mates with the connector;

[0017] The guide groove includes a straight groove segment and a curved groove segment, and the connector is configured to translate along the straight groove segment and rotate along the curved groove segment.

[0018] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism includes:

[0019] An elastic element, connected to the connector, is configured to drive the connector to move by an elastic force.

[0020] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism includes:

[0021] A power element, connected to the connector, is configured to drive the connector to move by outputting power to the connector.

[0022] In some embodiments, the backhaul drive component further includes:

[0023] A damping element, connected to the connector, is configured to buffer the movement of the connector when the connector is connected to the guide mechanism.

[0024] In some embodiments, the connector is hinged to the damping element so that it can rotate relative to the damping element while the lid is in the preset travel position.

[0025] In some embodiments, the opening end of the housing assembly is provided with a guide rail, and the guiding mechanism includes a guide portion that slides with the guide rail.

[0026] In some embodiments, the guide mechanism includes a support portion fixedly connected to the guide portion and abutting against the top of the sidewall of the open end in the closed position.

[0027] In some embodiments, the extension direction of the guide rail is parallel to the horizontal plane, the support mating surface of the top of the side wall that supports the support portion is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, and the vertical distance between the support mating surface and the support portion gradually decreases to zero from the maximum opening position toward the closed position.

[0028] In some embodiments, a sealing strip is provided between the top of the sidewall and the support portion.

[0029] In some embodiments, the housing assembly includes an inner housing and an outer housing connected to each other, the outer housing being located outside the inner housing and forming a receiving space between the outer housing and the inner housing to accommodate the return drive assembly and the guide rail, and the top of the sidewall including the top edge of the inner housing.

[0030] In some embodiments, the lid is provided with a handle to receive external force to open or close the lid.

[0031] In one aspect of this disclosure, a refrigerator is provided, comprising:

[0032] The refrigerator body has an internal cavity;

[0033] A drawer, movably disposed within the internal cavity; and

[0034] The aforementioned storage structure,

[0035] The storage structure is located in the drawer, and the direction in which the drawer is pulled out is opposite to the direction in which the lid is opened.

[0036] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the lid can operate between a closed position and a maximum open position relative to the opening end of the cabinet assembly. An operator can open or close the lid by applying an external force to place or remove items relative to the cabinet assembly. When the external force drives the lid towards the closed position to a preset travel position, a return drive assembly applies a driving force to the lid, causing it to automatically return. Thus, after the lid closes to the preset travel position, the return drive assembly of the storage structure can take over driving the lid. Even if the external force is no longer applied to the lid, it can still return to the closed position under the drive of the return drive assembly, ensuring reliable closure of the lid. This improves the closing effect of the storage structure, reduces the risk of odor mixing and difficulty maintaining refrigeration temperatures, and lowers the requirements for operator concentration and familiarity, thus improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0038] This disclosure will become clearer with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, wherein:

[0039] Figure 1 These are schematic diagrams illustrating the structure of some embodiments of the refrigerator according to this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram in the opening direction of the lid, based on some embodiments of the storage structure disclosed herein;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of closing the lid according to an embodiment of the storage structure disclosed herein;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of opening the box lid according to an embodiment of the storage structure disclosed herein;

[0043] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of region A;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of some embodiments of the storage structure according to the present disclosure in the direction of lid opening;

[0045] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An enlarged schematic diagram of region B;

[0046] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the movement of the middle box cover to the preset travel position.

[0047] It should be understood that the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Furthermore, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components.

[0048] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0049] 10. Enclosure assembly; 11. Inner enclosure; 12. Outer enclosure; 13. Open end; 14. Guide rail; 15. Sealing strip;

[0050] 20. Box lid; 21. Guide mechanism; 211. Guide section; 212. Support section; 213. Second snap-fit ​​structure; 22. Handle;

[0051] 30. Return drive assembly; 31. Connector; 311. First snap-fit ​​structure; 32. Drive mechanism; 321. Elastic element; 33. Guide frame; 332. Guide groove; 3321. Straight groove segment; 3322. Curved groove segment; 34. Damping element;

[0052] 41. Refrigerator body; 42. Drawers; 43. Storage structure; 44. Refrigerator door;

[0053] MP, Support mating surface; P0, Closed position; PM, Maximum open position; P1, Preset travel position. Detailed Implementation

[0054] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The descriptions of the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and are in no way intended to limit the present disclosure or its application or use. The present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully express the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that, unless specifically stated otherwise, the relative arrangement of components and steps, the composition of materials, numerical expressions, and values ​​set forth in these embodiments should be interpreted as exemplary only and not as limiting.

[0055] The terms "first," "second," and similar words used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different parts. Words such as "including" or "contains" mean that the element preceding the word encompasses the element listed after it, and do not exclude the possibility of encompassing other elements as well. Terms such as "above," "below," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, this relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0056] In this disclosure, when a specific device is described as being located between a first device and a second device, an intermediary device may or may not be present between the specific device and the first or second device. When a specific device is described as being connected to other devices, the specific device may be directly connected to the other devices without an intermediary device, or it may be not directly connected to the other devices but have an intermediary device.

[0057] All terms used in this disclosure (including technical or scientific terms) have the same meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in a general dictionary, such as a dictionary, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not as having an idealized or highly formalized meaning, unless expressly defined herein.

[0058] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0059] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of some embodiments of the refrigerator according to the present disclosure. (Reference) Figure 1 This disclosure provides a refrigerator, including a refrigerator body 41, a drawer 42, and a storage structure 43. The refrigerator body 41 has an internal cavity. The drawer 42 is movably disposed in the internal cavity. The storage structure 43 is disposed on the drawer 42, and the direction in which the drawer 42 is pulled out is opposite to the opening direction of the lid 20 of the storage structure 43.

[0060] The refrigerator body 41 can cool its internal cavity, meeting the freezing or refrigeration needs of items. The storage structure 43 is located in the drawer 42, and can be removed and retracted from the internal cavity of the refrigerator body 41 by pulling out or pushing back the drawer 42. This facilitates the placement and removal of items from the storage structure 43, and also allows for easy cleaning and replacement of the modular storage structure 43.

[0061] The storage structure 43 can seal its storage space through the lid 20 to meet the needs of preventing odor transfer or temperature control. The opening direction of the lid 20 is opposite to the pulling direction of the drawer 42, so that after the drawer 42 is pulled out, the lid 20 has space to open backward on the rear side of the storage structure 43, which facilitates the use of the operator.

[0062] like Figure 1As shown, the refrigerator door 44 of the refrigerator body 41 can be located on the front side of the storage structure 43. When the user needs to take or put away items from the storage structure 43, after opening the refrigerator door 44, the storage structure 43 and drawer 42 can be pulled forward together, and then the lid 20 of the storage structure 43 can be pushed back to expose the opening end of the cabinet assembly 10. After the user has finished taking or putting away items, the lid 20 can be pulled forward to close the storage structure 43, and then the storage structure 43 and drawer 42 can be pushed back into the internal cavity of the refrigerator body 41, and finally the refrigerator door 44 can be closed.

[0063] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view in the opening direction of the lid, based on some embodiments of the storage structure disclosed herein. (Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 2 This disclosure provides a storage structure 43, which can be the storage structure of the aforementioned refrigerator embodiment or the storage structure of other refrigeration equipment.

[0064] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the storage structure 43 is used for a refrigeration device. The storage structure 43 includes a housing assembly 10, a lid 20, and a return drive assembly 30. The housing assembly 10 has an open end 13. The lid 20 is disposed at the open end 13 of the housing assembly 10 and is movable between a closed position and a fully open position relative to the open end 13.

[0065] The return drive assembly 30 is operably connected to the housing assembly 10 and the lid 20, and is configured to apply a driving force to the lid 20 in response to the lid 20 moving toward the closed position to a preset travel position under the action of an external force, so that the lid 20 can automatically return; wherein the preset travel position is located between the closed position and the maximum open position.

[0066] The position of the lid 20 relative to the opening end 13 includes a closed position, a fully open position, and any position between the closed position and the fully open position. The lid 20 is movable between the closed position and the fully open position relative to the opening end 13. The lid 20 can be moved to the closed position or the fully open position, or it can be moved to any position between the closed position and the fully open position, including a preset travel position.

[0067] The closed position here refers to the lid 20 completely covering the opening end 13, so that the housing assembly 10 forms a sealed space. The maximum open position refers to the maximum openable position of the lid 20 relative to the opening end 13 under normal use. This position can be the position where the opening end 13 is fully exposed or the position where the opening end 13 is partially exposed. The preset travel position refers to a set position between the closed position and the maximum open position. This position is neither the closed position nor the maximum open position. Automatic return refers to the process in which the lid automatically returns to the closed position under the driving force of the return drive assembly without being subjected to the aforementioned external force.

[0068] In this embodiment, the lid can operate between a closed position and a fully open position relative to the opening end of the cabinet assembly. The operator can open or close the lid by applying an external force to place or remove items relative to the cabinet assembly. When the external force drives the lid towards the closed position to a preset travel position, the return drive assembly applies a driving force to the lid, causing it to automatically return. Thus, after the lid closes to the preset travel position, the return drive assembly of the storage structure can take over driving the lid. Even if the external force is no longer applied to the lid, it can still return to the closed position under the drive of the return drive assembly, ensuring reliable closure. This improves the closing effect of the storage structure, reduces the risk of odor mixing and difficulty maintaining the required cooling temperature, and lowers the requirements for operator concentration and familiarity, thus improving the user experience.

[0069] refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the lid 20 is provided with a handle 22 to receive external force for opening or closing the lid 20. The handle 22 may be located on the side of the lid 20 adjacent to the refrigerator door 44 for easy operation. The handle 22 may also be located in other positions on the lid 20. The lid 20 may also be provided with a glass panel for easy observation of the interior of the cabinet assembly 10.

[0070] In this embodiment, by providing a handle 22 on the lid 20, the operator can conveniently apply external force to the lid 20 to open or close it.

[0071] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the process of closing the box lid according to an embodiment of the storage structure disclosed herein. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of opening the box lid according to an embodiment of the storage structure disclosed herein.

[0072] refer to Figures 2-4In some embodiments, the lid 20 has a guide mechanism 21 that engages with the opening end 13 of the housing assembly 10; the return drive assembly 30 is configured to be driven to the guide mechanism 21 when the lid 20 is in the preset travel position, the closed position, and any position between the preset travel position and the closed position; and not driven to the guide mechanism 21 when the lid 20 is in the maximum open position and any position between the maximum open position and the preset travel position.

[0073] like Figure 3 As shown in (a), when the lid 20 is in the maximum open position PM, the guide mechanism 21 is not driven by the return drive assembly 30. In this position, the lid 20 can remain in the maximum open position PM for easy loading and unloading of items. When it is necessary to reduce the exposed area of ​​the opening end 13 or to close the opening end 13, a forward force, such as a pulling force, can be applied to the handle 22 of the lid 20, causing the lid 20 to move forward at a certain speed v until... Figure 3 The preset travel position P1 in (b). Before reaching the preset travel position P1, the return drive assembly 30 and the guide mechanism 21 are not driven together, and the operator can freely adjust and maintain the exposed range of the opening end.

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown in (b), the guide mechanism 21 of the box cover 20, having reached the preset travel position P1, establishes a drive connection with the return drive assembly 30 at that position. (See reference...) Figure 3 In (b) and (c), the return drive assembly 30 drives the guide mechanism 21 in any position between the preset travel position P1, the closed position P0, and the preset travel position P1 and the closed position P0, so as to apply a driving force F2 to the box cover 20, so that the box cover 20 continues to move forward at a certain speed v to complete the automatic return.

[0075] In addition to functioning during the closing of the cover 20, the return drive assembly 30 also functions during the opening of the cover 20. (Reference) Figure 4 (a) When the operator applies an external force F1 to the handle 22, the lid 20 can be opened against the action of the return drive assembly 30, and elastic potential energy can be accumulated in the return drive assembly 30, which includes an elastic element, during this process. If in Figure 4 If the external force F1 is removed before the preset travel position P1 shown in (b), the cover 20 returns to the closed state P0 under the driving force of the return drive assembly 30. This reduces the risk of the cover 20 failing to effectively close the opening end 13 of the box assembly 10 due to operator misoperation.

[0076] The lid reaches 20. Figure 4 After the preset travel position P1 shown in (b), it continues to move backward. At this time, it has broken away from the drive connection with the return drive component 30. In this way, the lid 20 can be freely held at the maximum opening position PM or any position between the preset travel position P1 and the maximum opening position PM, so as to facilitate the loading and unloading of items.

[0077] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 An enlarged view of region A. (Reference) Figure 2 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the return drive assembly 30 includes a connector 31 and a drive mechanism 32. The connector 31 is movably disposed within the side wall of the housing assembly 10 and is capable of establishing or disengaging from the guide mechanism 21. The drive mechanism 32 is disposed within the side wall of the housing assembly 10 and connected to the connector 31 to drive the connector 31 to move, thereby disengaging the connector 31 from the guide mechanism 21 or establishing a connection with the guide mechanism 21 and driving the guide mechanism 21 to move.

[0078] A connector 31 and a drive mechanism 32 are provided inside the side wall of the housing assembly 10, for example in Figure 2 The connecting piece 31 and the drive mechanism 32 are arranged in the space between the inner box 11 and the outer box 12 shown, which can reduce the interference of other structures outside the storage structure 43 on the operational reliability of the return drive assembly 30.

[0079] The connector 31 can connect with the guide mechanism 21 at a preset travel position, and move within the side wall to drive the guide mechanism 21 within a predetermined travel range using the driving force provided by the drive mechanism 32. The connector 31 can also disconnect from the guide mechanism 21 at the preset travel position, thereby no longer transmitting the driving force provided by the drive mechanism 32 to the guide mechanism 21.

[0080] refer to Figure 5 In some embodiments, the opening end 13 of the housing assembly 10 is provided with a guide rail 14, and the guiding mechanism 21 includes a guide portion 211 that slides with the guide rail 14.

[0081] exist Figure 5 In this configuration, the guide rail 14 can be U-shaped to enclose an open receiving space on one side. The guide portion 211 is embedded in this receiving space and can slide along the guide path formed by the receiving space of the guide rail 14.

[0082] In this embodiment, the sliding cooperation between the guide portion 211 and the guide rail 14 makes the opening and closing operation of the lid 20 and the opening end 13 of the box assembly 10 smoother and more fluid, reducing the possibility of jamming when the lid 20 is opened or closed.

[0083] refer to Figure 5 In some embodiments, the guide mechanism 21 includes a support portion 212, which is fixedly connected to the guide portion 211 and abuts against the top of the side wall of the opening end 13 in the closed position.

[0084] The opening end 13 has a front wall and a rear wall in the front-rear direction of the housing assembly 10, and two side walls on both sides connecting the front wall and the rear wall respectively. When the lid 20 is in the closed position, the top of the two side walls can abut against the support portion 212 of the guide mechanism 21, so that the lid 20 can be stably supported and closed at the opening end 13. The support portion 212 can be fixedly connected to the guide portion 211 by welding or integral molding, so that both guiding and supporting can be more stable.

[0085] refer to Figures 3-5 In some embodiments, the extension direction of the guide rail 14 is parallel to the horizontal plane, the support mating surface MP that supports the support part 212 at the top of the side wall is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, and the vertical distance between the support mating surface MP and the support part 212 gradually decreases to zero from the maximum opening position toward the closed position.

[0086] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the support mating surface MP is indicated by a dashed line, and the portion of the support portion 212 opposite to this support mating surface MP is also indicated by a dashed line. It can be seen that... Figure 3 (c) and Figure 4 In (a), when the lid 20 is in the closed position, the two dashed lines coincide, allowing the support portion 212 of the lid 20 to form a tight seal with the support mating surface MP of the open end 13, thus improving the sealing performance. And... Figure 3 (a), (b) and Figure 4In (b) and (c), when the lid 20 is in the maximum open position and the preset stroke position, the lid 20 moves horizontally under the guidance of the guide rail 14 whose extension direction is parallel to the horizontal plane. This creates a gap between the support mating surface MP and the support part 212. As the lid 20 opens, the gap between the two gradually increases. This makes it less likely for the lid 20 to slide due to interference from the opening end, thus making the opening and closing of the lid 20 smoother. At the same time, when the lid 20 is closed, it can achieve better sealing performance of the storage structure. With the automatic return action of the return drive component 30 on the lid 20, the sealing of the storage structure can be effectively maintained.

[0087] refer to Figure 5 In some embodiments, a sealing strip 15 is provided between the top of the sidewall and the support portion 212. The sealing strip 15 may be disposed in a groove at the top of the sidewall, in a groove on the support portion 212 facing the top of the sidewall, or in the installation space enclosed by the top of the sidewall and the support portion 212.

[0088] By providing a sealing strip 15 between the top of the side wall and the support 212, the sealing performance between the lid 20 and the body assembly 10 can be effectively improved, thereby enhancing the internal airtightness of the storage structure 43.

[0089] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the housing assembly 10 includes an inner housing 11 and an outer housing 12 connected to each other. The outer housing 12 is located outside the inner housing 11 and forms a receiving space between the outer housing 12 and the inner housing 11 to accommodate the return drive assembly 30 and the guide rail 14. The top of the side wall includes the top edge of the inner housing 11.

[0090] By providing an outer casing 12 on the outside of the inner casing 11, a space for accommodating the return drive assembly 30 and the guide rail 14 can be easily formed between the inner casing 11 and the outer casing 12, reducing the assembly difficulty of the storage structure. Furthermore, when the support portion 212 abuts against the top edge of the inner casing 11, the outer casing 12 can shield and protect the support position, reducing the possibility of external impurities entering the support mating surface MP and affecting the seal.

[0091] Figure 6 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram in the opening direction of the lid, based on some embodiments of the storage structure disclosed herein. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An enlarged schematic diagram of region B. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the movement of the middle box cover to its preset travel position. (Reference) Figures 6-8In some embodiments, the connector 31 has a first snap-fit ​​structure 311, the guide mechanism 21 has a second snap-fit ​​structure 213, and the connector 31 is configured to be rotatable when the cover 20 is in the preset stroke position, so that the first snap-fit ​​structure 311 is snapped into the second snap-fit ​​structure 213 by the pushing action of the second snap-fit ​​structure 213 at a first rotation angle position, and the first snap-fit ​​structure 311 is disengaged from the position of being snapped into the first snap-fit ​​structure 311 by the driving action of the drive mechanism 32 at a second rotation angle position.

[0092] The first snap-fit ​​structure 311 can be designed as a slot, and the second snap-fit ​​structure 213 can be set as a protruding hook. When the hook is inserted into the slot, the connection between the first snap-fit ​​structure 311 and the second snap-fit ​​structure 213 is easily established. When the hook is removed from the slot, the connection between the first snap-fit ​​structure 311 and the second snap-fit ​​structure 213 is easily released.

[0093] With the lid 20 in the preset travel position, the connector 31 can be pulled to the right by the lower drive mechanism 32, or pushed to the right by the upper second locking structure 213. Thus, the connector 31 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise around its axis under the action of the drive mechanism 32 or the second locking structure 213, thereby achieving... Figure 8 The first rotation angle position shown is achieved by the pushing action of the second locking structure 213, which causes the first locking structure 311 to engage with the second locking structure 213, and in conjunction with... Figure 7 The consistent second rotation angle position, driven by the driving mechanism 32, causes the first locking structure 311 to leave the position where it is locked with the first locking structure 311.

[0094] refer to Figure 7 In some embodiments, the return drive assembly 30 further includes a guide frame 33, which has a slide rail for the movement of the connector 31, and the guide frame 33 also has a guide groove 332 that mates with the connector 31. The guide groove 332 includes a straight groove segment 3321 and a curved groove segment 3322, and the connector 31 is configured to translate along the straight groove segment 3321 and rotate along the curved groove segment 3322.

[0095] The return drive assembly 30 can be assembled into an easy-to-assemble component structure via the guide frame 33, and the connector 31 can move within the slide rail of the guide frame 33 and be guided by the guide groove 332. This, combined with the straight groove segment 3321 and the curved groove segment 3322 of the guide groove 332, makes it easier to realize the automatic return of the cover 20 by translating the connector 31 along the straight groove segment 3321, and to realize the establishment or disengagement of the connection between the connector 31 and the guide mechanism 21 by rotating along the curved groove segment 3322.

[0096] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, the drive mechanism 32 includes an elastic element 321 connected to the connector 31 and configured to drive the connector 31 to move by an elastic force.

[0097] The elastic element 321 may include a spring, a sheet spring, or a torsion spring, etc. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the elastic element 321 is a spring. During the process of the lid 20 moving from its closed position to a preset travel position under external force, the connecting piece 31, under the action of the second engaging structure 213 of the guide mechanism 21, pulls the elastic element 321, causing it to stretch and store energy. When the connecting piece 31 reaches... Figure 8 When in the position shown, the connector 31 rotates and is restricted to that position, and the second snap-fit ​​structure 213 disengages from the first snap-fit ​​structure 311 of the connector 31.

[0098] When the lid 20 is gradually pulled down by an external force... Figure 8 When the preset travel position is shown, the second locking structure 213 of the guide mechanism 21 pushes the first locking structure 311 of the connector 31 to the right, causing the connector 31 to rotate, thereby establishing the connection between the second locking structure 213 and the first locking structure 311. At this time, the elastic potential energy accumulated by the elastic element 321 pulls the connector 31, causing the guide mechanism 21 to move to the right as well.

[0099] Besides using this elastic element driving method, an active driving method can also be used. In other embodiments, the drive mechanism 32 may also include a power element connected to the connector 31 and configured to drive the connector 31 to move by outputting power to the connector 31. The power element may include a structure with a motor or pneumatic motor in conjunction with a transmission element such as a ball screw, a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, etc., which makes the driving action of the return drive assembly more controllable.

[0100] refer to Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8In some embodiments, the return drive assembly 30 further includes a damping element 34 connected to the connector 31 and configured to buffer the movement of the connector 31 when the connector 31 is connected to the guide mechanism 21.

[0101] The damping element 34 may include a spring damper, a hydraulic damper, a pulse damper, a rotational damper, or a viscous damper, etc. It can buffer the movement of the connecting member 31 when the connecting member 31 is connected to the guide mechanism 21, thereby reducing the risk that the cover 20 will be damaged or the operator will be injured due to the excessively rapid movement of the cover 20 when driven by the drive mechanism 32.

[0102] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, the connector 31 is hinged to the damping element 34 so that the cover 20 can rotate relative to the damping element 34 when the cover 20 is in the preset travel position.

[0103] In order to minimize the interference of the damping element 34 with the rotation of the connecting member 31, the connecting member 31 can be hinged to the damping element 34. In this way, when the cover 20 is in the preset stroke position, it can rotate relative to the damping element 34 without being easily stuck due to the restriction of the damping element 34.

[0104] The embodiments of this disclosure have now been described in detail. To avoid obscuring the concept of this disclosure, some details known in the art have not been described. Those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein based on the above description.

[0105] While specific embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A storage structure (43) for use in a refrigeration device, characterized in that, include: The housing assembly (10) has an open end (13); A lid (20) is provided at the opening end (13) of the housing assembly (10) and is movable between a closed position and a maximum open position relative to the opening end (13); The return drive assembly (30), operably connected to the housing assembly (10) and the lid (20), is configured to apply a driving force to the lid (20) in response to the lid (20) moving toward the closed position to a preset travel position under the action of an external force, so that the lid (20) can automatically return; The preset travel position is located between the closed position and the maximum open position.

2. The storage structure (43) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lid (20) has a guide mechanism (21) that engages with the opening end (13) of the box assembly (10); the return drive assembly (30) is configured to be driven to the guide mechanism (21) when the lid (20) is in the preset travel position, the closed position, and any position between the preset travel position and the closed position. And when the lid (20) is in the maximum opening position and in any position between the maximum opening position and the preset stroke position, it is not driven to connect with the guide mechanism (21).

3. The storage structure (43) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The return drive assembly (30) includes: A connector (31) is movably disposed within the side wall of the housing assembly (10) and is capable of connecting or disconnecting from the guide mechanism (21); and A drive mechanism (32) is disposed inside the side wall of the housing assembly (10) and connected to the connector (31) to drive the connector (31) to move so that the connector (31) disengages from the guide mechanism (21) or establishes a connection with the guide mechanism (21) and drives the guide mechanism (21) to move.

4. The storage structure (43) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connector (31) has a first snap-fit ​​structure (311), the guide mechanism (21) has a second snap-fit ​​structure (213), and the connector (31) is configured to be rotatable when the cover (20) is in the preset stroke position, so that the first snap-fit ​​structure (311) is snapped into the second snap-fit ​​structure (213) by the pushing action of the second snap-fit ​​structure (213) at the first rotation angle position, and the first snap-fit ​​structure (311) is moved away from the position of being snapped into the first snap-fit ​​structure (311) by the driving action of the drive mechanism (32) at the second rotation angle position.

5. The storage structure (43) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The return drive assembly (30) also includes: The guide frame (33) has a slide for the movement of the connector (31), and the guide frame (33) also has a guide groove (332) that cooperates with the connector (31); The guide groove (332) includes a straight groove segment (3321) and a curved groove segment (3322), and the connector (31) is configured to translate along the straight groove segment (3321) and rotate along the curved groove segment (3322).

6. The storage structure (43) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (32) includes: An elastic element (321), connected to the connector (31), is configured to drive the connector (31) to move by an elastic force.

7. The storage structure (43) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (32) includes: A power element, connected to the connector (31), is configured to drive the connector (31) to move by outputting power to the connector (31).

8. The storage structure (43) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The return drive assembly (30) also includes: A damping element (34), connected to the connector (31), is configured to buffer the movement of the connector (31) when the connector (31) is connected to the guide mechanism (21).

9. The storage structure (43) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The connector (31) is hinged to the damping element (34) so ​​that the cover (20) can rotate relative to the damping element (34) when the cover (20) is in the preset stroke position.

10. The storage structure (43) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The box assembly (10) has a guide rail (14) at its open end (13), and the guide mechanism (21) includes a guide part (211) that slides with the guide rail (14).

11. The storage structure (43) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The guide mechanism (21) includes a support (212), which is fixedly connected to the guide (211) and abuts against the top of the side wall of the opening end (13) in the closed position.

12. The storage structure (43) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The extension direction of the guide rail (14) is parallel to the horizontal plane. The support mating surface (MP) at the top of the side wall that supports the support part (212) is inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The vertical distance between the support mating surface (MP) and the support part (212) gradually decreases to zero from the maximum opening position toward the closed position.

13. The storage structure (43) according to claim 11, characterized in that, A sealing strip (15) is provided between the top of the side wall and the support (212).

14. The storage structure (43) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The housing assembly (10) includes an inner housing (11) and an outer housing (12) connected to each other. The outer housing (12) is located outside the inner housing (11) and forms a receiving space with the inner housing (11) to accommodate the return drive assembly (30) and the guide rail (14). The top of the side wall includes the top edge of the inner housing (11).

15. The storage structure (43) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lid (20) is provided with a handle (22) to receive external force to open or close the lid (20).

16. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The refrigerator body (41) has an internal cavity; A drawer (42) is movably disposed within the internal cavity; and The storage structure (43) according to any one of claims 1-15, The storage structure (43) is located in the drawer (42), and the direction of the drawer (42) being pulled out is opposite to the direction of the opening of the lid (20).

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