Door lock structure for refrigerators and refrigerators having it

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of household appliance technology, and discloses a door lock structure for a refrigerator and a refrigerator having the same. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator door and a door support structure. The door support structure includes a support beam. The refrigerator door is provided with a refrigerator door end cover. The door lock structure includes: a refrigerator door handle, which is disposed on the refrigerator door end cover and has a locking hook portion extending towards the support beam; a locking plate, which is disposed on the support beam and has a locking groove; and a compression spring, which is located between the refrigerator door handle and the refrigerator door end cover to keep the refrigerator door locked. The locking hook portion locks into or releases from the locking groove under the action of the compression spring and the refrigerator door handle. This solves the problems of existing refrigerator door lock structures being complex, having high manufacturing costs, or being unable to effectively secure the refrigerator door.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliance technology, specifically to a door lock structure for a refrigerator and a refrigerator having the same structure. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of the economy and society, people's consumption demands are constantly increasing. In some countries and regions, users have a certain demand for RV refrigerators. Currently, the door lock structures of RV refrigerators are generally quite complex, requiring higher manufacturing costs. Furthermore, some RV refrigerators lack door lock structures altogether, relying solely on magnets to hold the door in place. This lack of magnetism can result in insufficient magnetic force, causing the refrigerator door to open during RV travel due to vibrations, posing a safety hazard and impacting the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a door lock structure for a refrigerator and a refrigerator having the same, so as to solve the problems of existing refrigerator door lock structures being complex, having high manufacturing costs, or being unable to effectively secure the refrigerator door.

[0004] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a door lock structure for a refrigerator, the refrigerator including a refrigerator door and a door support structure, the door support structure including a support beam, the refrigerator door being provided with a refrigerator door end cover, the door lock structure including: a refrigerator door handle, the refrigerator door handle being disposed on the refrigerator door end cover, the refrigerator door handle being provided with a locking hook portion extending towards the support beam; a locking plate, the locking plate being disposed on the support beam, the locking plate being provided with a slot; a compression spring, the compression spring being located between the refrigerator door handle and the refrigerator door end cover, used to keep the refrigerator door in a locked state, the locking hook portion being locked into the slot or released from the slot under the action of the compression spring and the refrigerator door handle.

[0005] Beneficial effects: Placing the refrigerator door handle on the refrigerator door end cover near the support beam facilitates opening the refrigerator door; by incorporating a locking hook extending towards the support beam on the door handle, the refrigerator door can be locked without requiring a separate structure, simplifying the refrigerator door lock structure and facilitating installation; frequent opening and closing of the refrigerator door puts significant pressure on the door lock structure, requiring a robust and stable design, and the support beam, with its high strength, allows for a stable structure by fixing the strike plate to the support beam, preventing movement during door opening and closing; during the opening and closing of the refrigerator door, the force acts on the support beam without causing deformation of other refrigerator structures; a compression spring between the refrigerator door handle and the refrigerator door end cover keeps the refrigerator door locked, utilizing the spring's restoring force to maintain the locked state, resulting in a simple and low-cost structure.

[0006] When a user opens the refrigerator door, pressing the door handle compresses the spring, causing the latch to disengage from the latch plate. Holding the handle down allows the refrigerator door to open. When the door closes, the spring's restoring force locks the latch back into the latch plate, keeping the door closed.

[0007] In one optional embodiment, the refrigerator door handle includes a refrigerator door handle head, which is movably mounted to the refrigerator door end cover via a pivot and a fixing block.

[0008] Beneficial effects: The refrigerator door handle head is movably installed on the refrigerator door end cover by means of a pivot and a fixing block. The pivot fixation allows the refrigerator door handle to rotate relative to the pivot while fixing the refrigerator door handle. The fixing block fixes the refrigerator door handle and prevents the refrigerator door handle from rotating beyond the refrigerator door end cover under the action of the spring, thus limiting the range of rotation angle of the refrigerator door handle.

[0009] In one alternative embodiment, the refrigerator door handle includes a pressing portion, and the locking hook portion is located between the pressing portion and the head of the refrigerator door handle.

[0010] Beneficial effect: By placing the locking hook between the pressing part and the head of the refrigerator door handle, the refrigerator door handle can be rotated around the pivot by pressing the pressing part, and the locking hook will rotate with the refrigerator door handle, thereby unlocking the door lock structure.

[0011] In one optional embodiment, a circular groove is provided on the refrigerator door handle and the refrigerator door end cover, and a hollow cylinder is provided in the middle of the circular groove for installing the compression spring.

[0012] Beneficial effects: By using a hollow cylinder to install the compression spring, the spring can be prevented from bending during compression. The hollow cylinder can also act as a guide rod, providing radial support for the spring. This allows the spring to compress and extend along the hollow cylinder, preventing bending and thus avoiding malfunctions in the door lock structure caused by the bending of the compression spring, ensuring the normal operation of the door lock structure.

[0013] In one alternative embodiment, the slot on the latch plate is used to secure the latch portion.

[0014] Beneficial effects: The locking plate has a slot to fix the lock hook, which makes the locking plate more secure to the lock hook. When the refrigerator has two doors, the locking plate can fix both doors at the same time. The structure has high utilization rate, simplifies the door lock structure and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0015] In one alternative embodiment, during the closing of the refrigerator door, the portion of the latch that contacts the latch plate is configured as a ramp structure.

[0016] Beneficial effect: By setting the contact part between the locking hook and the strike plate during the closing process as a ramp structure, the locking hook can be smoothly slid into the slot of the strike plate when the refrigerator door is closed.

[0017] In one alternative embodiment, during the closing of the refrigerator door, the portion of the latch plate that contacts the latch hook is configured as a ramp structure.

[0018] Beneficial effects: The part of the strike plate that contacts the hook is designed with a ramp structure, which makes the closing process smoother. The ramp structure also reduces the impact and wear on the contact surface of the strike plate and hook during closing, reducing damage to the door lock structure and increasing its service life.

[0019] In one optional embodiment, the refrigerator has two refrigerator doors, one above the other, and a support beam is located between the two refrigerator doors. The door lock structures are symmetrically arranged on the end caps of the two refrigerator doors near the support beam, so that the locking hooks on the end caps of the two refrigerator doors can be fixed in the slots on the latch plate.

[0020] Beneficial effects: The refrigerator has two doors, one above the other, separating the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. Each compartment is individually sealed, resulting in more stable temperatures and allowing for separate food storage. A support beam is located between the two doors, and the latch plate is mounted on the support beam. The latches on both door endcaps can be secured in slots on the latch plate. In this configuration, only one latch plate on the support beam is needed to secure both doors simultaneously, resulting in a simple structure. The door lock mechanism is located on the door endcap near the support beam, making opening the door more convenient and improving the user experience.

[0021] In one optional embodiment, the refrigerator is provided with two refrigerator doors, left and right, and the support beam is located between the two refrigerator doors. The door lock structures are symmetrically arranged on the end caps of the two refrigerator doors near the support beam, so that the locking hooks on the end caps of the two refrigerator doors can be fixed in the slots on the locking plate.

[0022] Beneficial effects: The refrigerator has two doors, one on the left and one on the right, which can provide more storage space. The latch plate is set on the support beam between the two refrigerator doors. The door lock structure is symmetrically set on the end cover of the two refrigerator doors near the support beam, so that the locking hooks on the end cover of the two refrigerator doors can be fixed in the slots on the latch plate. Only one latch plate is needed, which simplifies the fixing structure.

[0023] Secondly, this utility model also provides a refrigerator, including a door lock structure, which is installed on the opening side of the refrigerator door.

[0024] Beneficial effects: Since the refrigerator includes a door lock structure, it has the same effect as a door lock structure, which will not be elaborated here. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the door lock structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the installation location of the door lock structure shown;

[0028] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the door lock structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a side sectional view of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of refrigerator A shown;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the installation position of the door lock structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0033] 1. Refrigerator door end cap; 11. Refrigerator door handle; 111. Lock hook part; 112. Refrigerator door handle head; 113. Pressing part; 12. Compression spring; 13. Rotating shaft; 14. Fixing block; 2. Support beam; 21. Lock plate; 211. Slot. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0035] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 6 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 6 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a door lock structure for a refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator door and a door support structure. The door support structure includes a support beam 2. The refrigerator door is provided with a refrigerator door end cover 1. The door lock structure includes: a refrigerator door handle 11, which is disposed on the refrigerator door end cover 1 and has a locking hook portion 111 extending toward the support beam 2; a locking plate 21, which is disposed on the support beam 2 and has a slot 211; and a compression spring 12, which is located between the refrigerator door handle 11 and the refrigerator door end cover 1 and is used to keep the refrigerator door locked. The locking hook portion 111 is locked into or released from the slot 211 under the action of the compression spring 12 and the refrigerator door handle 11.

[0037] In this embodiment, the refrigerator door handle 11 is mounted on the refrigerator door end cover 1 near the support beam 2, facilitating the opening of the refrigerator door. By providing a locking hook portion 111 extending towards the support beam 2 on the refrigerator door handle 11, the refrigerator door locking function is achieved without the need for a separate structure, simplifying the refrigerator door lock structure and making installation easier. Frequent opening and closing of the refrigerator door puts significant pressure on the refrigerator door lock structure, requiring a robust and stable structure. The support beam 2 has high strength, and the locking plate 21 is fixedly mounted on the support beam 2, preventing it from moving with the opening and closing of the refrigerator door, thus providing a stable structure. During the opening and closing of the refrigerator door, the force acts on the support beam 2 without causing deformation of other refrigerator structures. A compression spring 12 is provided between the refrigerator door handle 11 and the refrigerator door end cover 1 to keep the refrigerator door locked. By utilizing the restoring force of the spring to maintain the locked state, the structure is simple and the cost is low.

[0038] When the user opens the refrigerator door, pressing the refrigerator door handle 11 compresses the compression spring 12, causing the locking hook 111 to move out of the slot 211 of the latch plate 21. By pressing and pulling, the refrigerator door can be opened. When the refrigerator door is closed, the restoring force of the compression spring 12 fixes the locking hook 111 in the slot 211 of the latch plate 21, keeping the refrigerator door closed.

[0039] Specifically, regarding the refrigerator door lock structure, the following three embodiments are included:

[0040] Specifically, in the first embodiment, the refrigerator is a single-door refrigerator, which includes a refrigerator door and a door support structure. The door support structure includes a support beam 2. The refrigerator door is provided with a refrigerator door end cover 1. The door lock structure includes: a refrigerator door handle 11, which is provided on the refrigerator door end cover 1 and has a locking hook portion 111 extending towards the support beam 2; a locking plate 21, which is provided on the support beam 2 and has a slot 211; and a compression spring 12, which is located between the refrigerator door handle 11 and the refrigerator door end cover 1 and is used to keep the refrigerator door locked. The locking hook portion 111 is locked into or released from the slot 211 under the action of the compression spring 12 and the refrigerator door handle 11.

[0041] Specifically, in the second embodiment, the refrigerator is a double-door refrigerator, with the refrigerator door including a refrigerator door and a freezer door. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator door and a door support structure. The door support structure includes a support beam 2, which is horizontally positioned between the refrigerator door and the freezer door. The refrigerator door is equipped with a refrigerator door end cover, and the freezer door is equipped with a freezer door end cover. The door lock structure includes a refrigerator door handle 11, including a refrigerator door handle and a freezer door handle. The refrigerator door handle is located on the refrigerator door end cover near the support beam, and the freezer door handle is located on the freezer door end cover near the support beam. The freezer door handle is provided with a locking hook portion 111 extending towards the support beam 2; a locking plate 21 is provided on the support beam 2, and the locking plate 21 is provided with a slot 211; there are two compression springs 12, one of which is located between the refrigerator door handle and the refrigerator door end cover near the support beam, and the other is located between the freezer door handle and the freezer door end cover near the support beam, which are used to keep the refrigerator door locked. The locking hook portion 111 is locked into the slot 211 or released from the slot 211 under the action of the compression spring 12 and the refrigerator door handle 11.

[0042] Specifically, in the third embodiment, the refrigerator is a double-door refrigerator with left and right doors. The refrigerator doors include a refrigerator door and a freezer door. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator door and a door support structure. The door support structure includes a support beam 2, which is vertically positioned between the refrigerator door and the freezer door. The refrigerator door is equipped with a refrigerator door end cover, and the freezer door is equipped with a freezer door end cover. The door lock structure includes a refrigerator door handle 11, which includes a refrigerator door handle and a freezer door handle. The refrigerator door handle is located on the refrigerator door end cover near the support beam, and the freezer door handle is located on the freezer door end cover near the support beam. The freezer door handle is provided with a locking hook portion 111 extending towards the support beam 2; a locking plate 21 is provided on the support beam 2, and the locking plate 21 is provided with a slot 211; there are two compression springs 12, one of which is located between the refrigerator door handle and the refrigerator door end cover near the support beam, and the other is located between the freezer door handle and the freezer door end cover near the support beam, which are used to keep the refrigerator door locked. The locking hook portion 111 is locked into the slot 211 or released from the slot 211 under the action of the compression spring 12 and the refrigerator door handle 11.

[0043] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the refrigerator door handle 11 includes a refrigerator door handle head 112, which is movably mounted on the refrigerator door end cover 1 via a pivot 13 and a fixing block 14.

[0044] In this embodiment, the refrigerator door handle head 112 is movably mounted on the refrigerator door end cover 1 by means of the rotating shaft 13 and the fixing block 14. The rotating shaft fixation allows the refrigerator door handle 11 to rotate relative to the rotating shaft 13 while fixing the refrigerator door handle 11. The fixing block 14 fixes the refrigerator door handle 11, preventing the refrigerator door handle 11 from rotating beyond the refrigerator door end cover 1 under the action of the spring, and limiting the range of rotation angle of the refrigerator door handle 11.

[0045] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the refrigerator door handle 11 includes a pressing part 113 and a locking hook part 111 located between the pressing part 113 and the refrigerator door handle head 112.

[0046] In this embodiment, the locking hook 111 is disposed between the pressing part 113 and the refrigerator door handle head 112. By pressing the pressing part 113, the refrigerator door handle 11 rotates around the pivot 13, and the locking hook 111 rotates with the refrigerator door handle 11, thereby unlocking the door lock structure.

[0047] like Figure 5As shown, in one embodiment, a circular groove is provided on the refrigerator door handle 11 and the refrigerator door end cover 1, and a hollow cylinder is provided in the middle of the circular groove for installing a compression spring 12.

[0048] In this embodiment, by using a hollow cylinder to install the compression spring 12, the bending of the spring during compression can be prevented. The hollow cylinder can also act as a guide rod, providing radial support for the spring, allowing it to compress and extend along the hollow cylinder. This avoids bending of the spring and prevents malfunctions in the door lock structure caused by bending of the compression spring 12, thus ensuring the normal use of the door lock structure.

[0049] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the slot 211 on the latch plate 21 is used to fix the latch portion 111.

[0050] In this embodiment, a slot 211 is provided on the latch plate 21 to fix the lock hook 111, which can make the latch plate 21 fix the lock hook 111 more firmly. When the refrigerator is set with two refrigerator doors, the latch plate 21 can simultaneously fix the two refrigerator doors. The structure has high utilization rate, simplifies the door lock structure, and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0051] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, during the closing process of the refrigerator door, the portion of the latch 111 that contacts the latch plate 21 is configured as a ramp structure.

[0052] In this embodiment, the contact portion between the locking hook 111 and the latch plate 21 during the closing process is set as a ramp structure, so that when the refrigerator door is closed, the locking hook 111 can smoothly slide into the slot 211 of the latch plate 21.

[0053] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, during the closing process of the refrigerator door, the portion of the latch plate 21 that contacts the latch hook 111 is configured as a ramp structure.

[0054] In this embodiment, the part of the strike plate 21 that contacts the hook portion 111 is designed as a ramp structure, which makes the closing process smoother. The ramp structure also reduces the collision and wear on the contact surfaces of the strike plate 21 and the hook portion 111 during the closing process, thereby reducing damage to the door lock structure and improving its service life.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, in one embodiment, the refrigerator has two refrigerator doors, one above the other, and a support beam 2 is located between the two refrigerator doors. Door lock structures are symmetrically arranged on the refrigerator door end caps 1 near the support beam 2, so that the locking hooks 111 on the two refrigerator door end caps 1 can be fixed in the slots 211 on the locking plate 21.

[0056] In this embodiment, the refrigerator has two doors, one above the other, separating the refrigeration and freezing compartments. The refrigeration and freezing compartments are sealed separately, resulting in more stable temperatures within each compartment and allowing for partitioned food storage. A support beam is located between the two refrigerator doors, and a latch plate 21 is mounted on the support beam. The latches 111 on both refrigerator door end caps 1 can be fixed in the slots 211 on the latch plate 21. In this case, only one latch plate 21 needs to be mounted on the support beam to simultaneously secure both refrigerator doors, resulting in a simple structure. The door lock structure is located on the refrigerator door end cap 1 near the support beam, making opening the door more convenient and improving the user experience.

[0057] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the refrigerator is provided with two refrigerator doors, left and right, and the support beam 2 is located between the two refrigerator doors. The door end caps 1 of the two refrigerator doors near the support beam 2 are symmetrically provided with door lock structures, so that the locking hooks 111 on the two refrigerator door end caps 1 can be fixed in the slots 211 on the locking plate 21.

[0058] In this embodiment, the refrigerator has two door structures on the left and right sides, which can provide a larger storage space. The latch plate 21 is set on the support beam between the two refrigerator doors. The two refrigerator doors have symmetrical door lock structures on the door end caps 1 near the support beam, so that the latch hooks 111 on the two door end caps 1 can be fixed on the slots 211 on the latch plate 21. Only one latch plate 21 is needed, which simplifies the fixing structure.

[0059] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, another aspect provides a refrigerator, which includes a door lock structure installed on the opening side of the refrigerator door.

[0060] Specifically, regarding the structure of the refrigerator, the following four embodiments are included:

[0061] Specifically, in the first embodiment, the refrigerator is a single-door refrigerator, which only has a refrigerator door.

[0062] Specifically, in the second embodiment, the refrigerator is a double-door refrigerator with the freezer door located on the upper side and the refrigerator door located on the lower side.

[0063] Specifically, in the third embodiment, the refrigerator is a double-door refrigerator with the freezer door on the left and the refrigerator door on the right.

[0064] Specifically, in the fourth embodiment, the refrigerator is a double-door refrigerator with the freezer door on the right and the refrigerator door on the left.

[0065] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A door lock structure for a refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes a refrigerator door and a door support structure. The door support structure includes a support beam (2). The refrigerator door is provided with a refrigerator door end cover (1). The door lock structure includes: A refrigerator door handle (11) is provided on the refrigerator door end cover (1), and the refrigerator door handle (11) is provided with a locking hook (111) extending in the direction of the support beam (2); A locking plate (21) is provided on the support beam (2), and the locking plate (21) is provided with a slot (211); A compression spring (12) is located between the refrigerator door handle (11) and the refrigerator door end cover (1) to keep the refrigerator door locked. The locking hook (111) is locked into or released from the slot (211) by the action of the compression spring (12) and the refrigerator door handle (11).

2. The door lock structure for a refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerator door handle (11) includes a refrigerator door handle head (112), which is movably mounted on the refrigerator door end cover (1) via a pivot (13) and a fixing block (14).

3. The door lock structure for a refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The refrigerator door handle (11) includes a pressing part (113), and the locking hook part (111) is located between the pressing part (113) and the refrigerator door handle head (112).

4. The door lock structure for a refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The refrigerator door handle (11) and the refrigerator door end cover (1) are respectively provided with circular grooves, and a hollow cylinder is provided in the middle of the circular groove for installing the compression spring (12).

5. The door lock structure for a refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The slot (211) on the latch plate (21) is used to fix the latch (111).

6. The door lock structure for a refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that, During the closing process of the refrigerator door, the part of the locking hook (111) that contacts the locking plate (21) is set as a ramp structure.

7. The door lock structure for a refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that, During the closing process of the refrigerator door, the part of the latch plate (21) that contacts the latch hook (111) is set as a ramp structure.

8. The door lock structure for a refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The refrigerator is provided with two refrigerator doors, one above the other. The support beam (2) is located between the two refrigerator doors. The door lock structure is symmetrically arranged on the refrigerator door end caps (1) near the support beam (2) of the two refrigerator doors, so that the lock hooks (111) on the two refrigerator door end caps (1) can be fixed in the slots (211) on the latch plate (21).

9. The door lock structure for a refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The refrigerator is provided with two refrigerator doors, left and right. The support beam (2) is located between the two refrigerator doors. The door lock structure is symmetrically arranged on the refrigerator door end caps (1) of the two refrigerator doors near the support beam (2), so that the lock hooks (111) on the two refrigerator door end caps (1) can be fixed in the slots (211) on the latch plate (21).

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes a door lock structure, which is configured as a door lock structure for a refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and the door lock structure is installed on the opening side of the refrigerator door.

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