Refrigerator door that can be opened in both directions

Abstract

This utility model discloses a refrigerator door that can be opened in both directions, including a door body connected to a refrigerator body. The refrigerator body has symmetrically arranged first hinge seats on its left and right sides. The other end of each first hinge seat has a first pivot located on the door body and movable relative to the door body. Symmetrically arranged independent first switches are provided on the door body. Each first switch can slide along the x-axis relative to the first pivot. The first switch abuts against the first pivot to lock it. The first switch separates from the first pivot to unlock it. The door body rotates around the locked first pivot, causing the unlocked first pivot to disengage from the door body, thus opening the door. This utility model's refrigerator door can achieve bidirectional opening and closing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliance technology, specifically to a refrigerator door opening structure, and more particularly to a refrigerator door that can be opened in both directions. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigerators, as containers that keep food or other items at a constant low temperature, have become an indispensable household appliance in modern homes. A refrigerator typically includes a separate upper and lower refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment for storing items requiring different temperatures, with two doors for each compartment. Most refrigerators on the market currently have right-opening doors, meaning the hinges are installed on the right side of the door, allowing it to open from the left side. However, with increasing demands for personalization and comfort in refrigerator use, and influenced by home layouts and furniture arrangement, users also have certain requirements regarding the refrigerator's placement and door orientation. Especially when these requirements necessitate a left-opening door, a professional is needed to remove the hinges and reposition them to the other side of the refrigerator, allowing the door to open from the opposite side. This method of reversing the door opening direction is inconvenient, expensive, and requires further professional intervention whenever the refrigerator's location needs to be changed, making it quite troublesome. Especially for motorhomes, there is no availability for professional personnel to come and replace the hinges, and they also require more space. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is: in order to solve the technical problem that the refrigerator door cannot be opened in both directions in the prior art, this utility model provides a refrigerator door that can be opened in both directions, which can realize the opening and closing of the door in both directions.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: a refrigerator door that can be opened in both directions, including a door body connected to the refrigerator body, first hinge seats symmetrically provided on the left and right sides of the refrigerator body, and a first rotating shaft located on the door body and movable relative to the door body at the other end of the first hinge seat. The door body is symmetrically provided with independent first switches, the first switches can slide along the x-direction and relative to the first rotating shaft, the first switches abut against the first rotating shaft to lock the first rotating shaft, the first switches separate from the first rotating shaft to unlock the first rotating shaft, and the door body rotates around the locked first rotating shaft to disengage the unlocked first rotating shaft from the door body to open the door body.

[0005] This utility model features a refrigerator door that can be opened in both directions. The opening direction of the refrigerator door can be quickly switched via a first switch, and both first switches can be locked simultaneously to prevent the refrigerator door from being opened from either side, thus providing a locking and protection function.

[0006] Furthermore, in order to realize the unlocking and locking functions of the first switch, the door body is provided with a first x-direction groove and a first y-direction groove. The first switch slides in the first x-direction groove, so that part of the first switch enters or leaves the first y-direction groove. The first switch enters the first y-direction groove to lock the first rotating shaft, and the first switch leaves the first y-direction groove to unlock the first rotating shaft.

[0007] Furthermore, in order to ventilate and prevent odors from entering the refrigerator, the outer end of the first switch has a fork facing the refrigerator body. The fork corresponding to the first rotating shaft that is unlocked enters the first y-direction groove. When the door is closed, the fork engages with the first rotating shaft to prevent the door from closing completely.

[0008] Furthermore, in order to lock the position of the first switch, the first x-slot has at least two limiting parts spaced apart, the first switch has a limiting post inside, the upper end of the limiting post is connected to the switch by a spring, and the first switch slides to allow the limiting post to selectively abut against either limiting part.

[0009] Furthermore, in order to accurately control the position of the first switch, when the first switch engages with the outer limiting part, the outer end of the first switch enters the first y-direction groove, and when the first switch engages with the inner limiting part, the outer end of the first switch leaves the first y-direction groove.

[0010] Furthermore, in order to ensure that the first switch in the locked state does not shift, the first y-direction groove has an arc-shaped groove, and the first switch enters the first y-direction groove so that the shift fork fits into the arc-shaped groove.

[0011] Furthermore, in order to provide sliding space for the first switch, the first x-direction groove has a clearance groove, which is arranged opposite to the arc-shaped groove. When the first switch leaves the first y-direction groove, the shift fork enters the clearance groove.

[0012] Furthermore, in order to ensure that the refrigerator door can be opened smoothly, the first rotating shaft in the locked state is located at the end of the first y-direction groove away from the refrigerator body, and the first rotating shaft in the unlocked state disengages from the door body along the first y-direction groove.

[0013] Furthermore, to avoid interference between the first rotating shaft and the first y-direction groove when the refrigerator door is opened, the first y-direction groove is an expanded diameter groove facing the refrigerator body, and the end of the first y-direction groove away from the refrigerator body is close to the outer periphery of the first rotating shaft.

[0014] Furthermore, in order for the user to quickly toggle the first switch, a toggle switch is provided on the upper surface of the first switch, and a cover plate is provided on the door body. The cover plate has a groove that mates with the toggle switch, and the first hinge seat is located above the cover plate.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0016] 1. The refrigerator door of this utility model can be opened in both directions. Two independent first switches can lock or unlock the corresponding first pivot. In the single-sided locking state, the refrigerator door can be opened on one side, and the opening direction can be switched, thereby realizing the bidirectional opening of the refrigerator door.

[0017] 2. The refrigerator door of this utility model can be opened in both directions. The first switches on both sides can lock the first pivot at the same time, thereby completely locking the refrigerator door and making it impossible to open. It also integrates a child lock function to prevent children from opening the refrigerator door.

[0018] 3. The refrigerator door of this utility model can be opened in both directions. When the refrigerator door is open, the first switch on the opening side can return to the locked position. When the door is closed, the first switch on the opening side is engaged with the first pivot, which prevents the refrigerator door from being completely closed. The refrigerator body can exchange air with the outside and dissipate the odor inside the refrigerator. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the refrigerator door that can be opened in both directions according to this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Top view;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of one-sided locking and one-sided unlocking.

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A partial sectional view;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the refrigerator door not fully closed (the first hinge on the right side of the diagram is omitted).

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Door body, 11. First hinge seat, 12. First pivot, 13. First switch, 131. Toggle fork, 132. Limiting post, 133. Spring, 134. Toggle button, 14. First x-groove, 141. Limiting part, 142. Clearance groove, 15. First y-groove, 151. Arc groove, 16. Cover plate. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are simplified schematic diagrams, illustrating only the basic structure of the present invention, and therefore only show the components relevant to the present invention.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a refrigerator door that can be opened in both directions includes a door body 1 connected to the refrigerator body. In this embodiment, the freezer door located at the top of the refrigerator is used for description. First hinge seats 11 are symmetrically provided on the left and right sides of the upper end face of the refrigerator body. The other end of the first hinge seat 11 is provided with a first pivot 12 located inside the door body and movable relative to the door body 1.

[0030] Specifically, the door body 1 is symmetrically equipped with independent first switches 13, which can slide along the x-axis relative to the first rotating shaft 12. The first switch 13 abuts against the first rotating shaft 12 to lock the first rotating shaft 12, and the first switch 13 separates from the first rotating shaft 12 to unlock the first rotating shaft 12. Corresponding to the first rotating shaft 12, the first switches 13 are also symmetrically arranged on the door body 1.

[0031] Specifically, according to the desired opening direction, slide the first switch 13 on one side to separate it from the first pivot 12, thus unlocking the first pivot 12 and locking the first pivot 12 on the other side. At this time, the door 1 rotates around the locked first pivot 12, causing the unlocked first pivot 12 to disengage from the door 1, thereby opening the door 1. To adjust the opening direction, simply switch the state of the first switch 13.

[0032] Preferably, when both first switches 13 lock the first rotating shaft 12, the refrigerator door cannot be opened, thus locking the refrigerator door. In this state, it mainly prevents children from opening the refrigerator door, thus serving as a child lock function.

[0033] Specifically, the door 1 is provided with a first x-groove 14 and a first y-groove 15. The first x-groove 14 is located on the side away from the refrigerator body. The first switch 13 slides within the first x-groove 14, causing a portion of the first switch 13 to enter or disengage from the first y-groove 15. The first switch 13 enters the first y-groove 15 to lock the first rotating shaft 12, and the first switch 13 disengages from the first y-groove 15 to unlock the first rotating shaft 12. When the first switch 13 slides within the first x-groove 14, it mainly limits the first rotating shaft 12 through its outer portion. When the outer portion of the first switch 13 enters the first y-groove 15, the first rotating shaft 12 is surrounded by the first y-groove 15 and the first switch 13. At this time, the first rotating shaft 12 does not have the freedom to move along the first y-groove 15.

[0034] Preferably, the first rotating shaft 12 in the locked state is located at the end of the first y-direction groove 15 away from the refrigerator body, and the first rotating shaft 12 in the unlocked state is disengaged from the door body 1 along the first y-direction groove 15. The first y-direction groove 15 is an expanded diameter groove facing the refrigerator body, and the end of the first y-direction groove 15 away from the refrigerator body is close to the outer periphery of the first rotating shaft 12.

[0035] Specifically, the outer end of the first switch 13 has a fork 131 facing the refrigerator body. The shape of the fork 131 matches the first rotating shaft 12. When the refrigerator is in the open state, the first switch 13 on the open side is turned so that its fork 131 enters the first y-direction groove 15. When the door 1 is closed, the fork 131 will touch the first rotating shaft 12. At this time, the fork 131 and the first rotating shaft 12 are engaged to prevent the door 1 from being completely closed.

[0036] like Figure 5 As shown, the main function of the lever fork 131 is to cooperate with the first pivot 12 on the open side when the door is closed, preventing the door from closing completely. In this state, air convection can occur between the inside of the refrigerator and the outside, which can dissipate odors from the refrigerator. Since the gap in this part is relatively small, it will not affect the normal use of the refrigerator. When it is necessary to close the door, simply open the refrigerator door again to separate the lever fork 131 from the first pivot 12, and then move the first switch 13 back to allow the refrigerator door to close smoothly.

[0037] Preferably, the first y-direction groove 15 has an arc-shaped groove 151, and the first switch 13 enters the first y-direction groove 15 so that the shift fork 131 fits against the arc-shaped groove 151. The arc-shaped groove 151 can hold the shift fork 131 against it and provide support for the shift fork 131.

[0038] In Embodiment 2, based on Embodiment 1, the first x-direction groove 14 has two spaced limiting portions 141. A limiting post 132 is provided inside the first switch 13, and the upper end of the limiting post 132 is connected to the switch via a spring 133. Sliding of the first switch 13 causes the limiting post 132 to selectively abut against either limiting portion 141. When the first switch 13 engages with the outer limiting portion 141, the outer end of the first switch 13 enters the first y-direction groove 15. When the first switch 13 engages with the inner limiting portion 141, the outer end of the first switch 13 leaves the first y-direction groove 15.

[0039] With the first rotating shaft 12 locked, the limiting post 132 of the first switch 13 is located inside the outer limiting part 141. When the first switch 13 is moved inward, the limiting post 132 moves to the right and disengages from the limiting part 141 until the limiting post 132 enters the inner limiting part 141. At this time, the first switch 13 is completely withdrawn from the first y-direction groove 15.

[0040] Specifically, the first x-direction groove 14 has a clearance groove 142, which is arranged opposite to the arc-shaped groove 151. When the first switch 13 leaves the first y-direction groove 15, the shift fork 131 enters the clearance groove 142. The clearance groove 142 provides a accommodating space to ensure that the shift fork 131 on the door opening side will not interfere with the rotating shaft.

[0041] Specifically, the upper surface of the first switch 13 is also provided with a toggle switch 134, and the door body 1 is also provided with a cover plate 16. The cover plate 16 has a groove that mates with the toggle switch 134, and the first hinge seat 11 is located above the cover plate 16. The first switch 13 can be quickly slidable via the toggle switch 134, improving convenience. The cover plate 16 can hold the first switch 13 in place, preventing the first switch 13 from being pushed out by the spring 133. At the same time, the groove guides and limits the first switch 13, ensuring its movement path.

[0042] In summary, the refrigerator door of this utility model can be opened in both directions. The opening direction of the refrigerator door can be quickly switched by the first switch, and the two first switches can be locked at the same time so that neither side of the refrigerator door can be opened, thus playing a locking and protection role.

[0043] The above description is based on the preferred embodiments of this utility model. Through the above description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the technical concept of this utility model. The technical scope of this utility model is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator door that can be opened in both directions, comprising a door body (1) connected to the refrigerator body, characterized in that, The refrigerator body has symmetrical first hinge seats (11) on its left and right sides. The other end of the first hinge seat (11) has a first pivot (12) located on the door and movable relative to the door (1). The door (1) has symmetrically independent first switches (13). The first switch (13) can slide along the x-direction relative to the first pivot (12). The first switch (13) abuts against the first pivot (12) to lock the first pivot (12). The first switch (13) separates from the first pivot (12) to unlock the first pivot (12). The door (1) rotates around the locked first pivot (12) so that the unlocked first pivot (12) disengages from the door (1) to open the door (1).

2. The refrigerator door that can be opened in both directions according to claim 1, characterized in that, The door body (1) is provided with a first x-groove (14) and a first y-groove (15). The first switch (13) slides in the first x-groove (14), so that part of the first switch (13) enters or leaves the first y-groove (15). The first switch (13) enters the first y-groove (15) to lock the first rotating shaft (12), and the first switch (13) leaves the first y-groove (15) to unlock the first rotating shaft (12).

3. The refrigerator door that can be opened in both directions according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer end of the first switch (13) has a fork (131) facing the refrigerator body. The fork (131) corresponding to the unlocked first pivot (12) enters the first y-slot (15). When the door (1) is closed, the fork (131) engages with the first pivot (12) to prevent the door (1) from being completely closed.

4. The refrigerator door that can be opened in both directions according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first x-groove (14) has at least two limiting parts (141) spaced apart. The first switch (13) has a limiting post (132). The upper end of the limiting post (132) is connected to the switch by a spring (133). The first switch (13) slides so that the limiting post (132) selectively abuts against any of the limiting parts (141).

5. The refrigerator door that can be opened in both directions according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the first switch (13) engages with the outer limiting part (141), the outer end of the first switch (13) enters the first y-direction groove (15). When the first switch (13) engages with the inner limiting part (141), the outer end of the first switch (13) leaves the first y-direction groove (15).

6. The refrigerator door that can be opened in both directions according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first y-direction groove (15) has an arc-shaped groove (151), and the first switch (13) enters the first y-direction groove (15) to make the shift fork (131) fit into the arc-shaped groove (151).

7. The refrigerator door that can be opened in both directions according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first x-direction groove (14) has a clearance groove (142), which is arranged opposite to the arc groove (151). When the first switch (13) leaves the first y-direction groove (15), the shift fork (131) enters the clearance groove (142).

8. The refrigerator door that can be opened in both directions according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, When locked, the first pivot (12) is located at the end of the first y-direction groove (15) away from the refrigerator body. When unlocked, the first pivot (12) is disengaged from the door body (1) along the first y-direction groove (15).

9. The refrigerator door that can be opened in both directions according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first y-direction groove (15) is an expanded diameter groove facing the refrigerator body, and the end of the first y-direction groove (15) away from the refrigerator body is close to the outer periphery of the first rotating shaft (12).

10. The refrigerator door that can be opened in both directions according to claim 9, characterized in that, The upper surface of the first switch (13) is also provided with a toggle switch (134), and the door body (1) is also provided with a cover plate (16). The cover plate (16) has a groove that cooperates with the toggle switch (134), and the first hinge seat (11) is located above the cover plate (16).

Images