Hinge structure and refrigerator

Abstract

This application belongs to the field of connection structure technology, specifically relating to a hinge structure and a refrigerator. The hinge structure includes a first mounting base, a second mounting base, a transmission assembly, and an elastic component. The first and second mounting bases are respectively used to connect to the refrigerator body and the refrigerator door. The transmission assembly includes a first transmission group and a second transmission group. The first transmission group is connected to the first mounting base and includes a guide member having a first guide portion and a second guide portion connected to the first guide portion. The second transmission group is connected to the second mounting base and is also movably connected to the first transmission group. The elastic component is mounted on the second transmission group, and its end can abut against and slide along the guide member. The elastic force direction of the elastic component is parallel to the rotation axis of the refrigerator door. The end of the elastic component contacts the first and second guide portions to form different effects, stably realizing the refrigerator door's hovering and automatic closing functions, making it convenient for users to use the refrigerator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of connection structure technology, and more specifically, relates to a hinge structure and a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] To accommodate large-capacity refrigerator doors, enable large-angle opening and hovering, and optimize the refrigerator door's movement path to avoid interference with surrounding objects, refrigerator doors typically use a six-bar hinge with a spring-cam-damper assembly connected to the refrigerator body to achieve door hovering and self-closing functions.

[0003] However, the structure of this type of spring-cam-damper assembly is prone to unstable hovering angle during use, which can cause the refrigerator door to wobble during hovering, affecting the normal use of the refrigerator door and hindering the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a hinge structure and a refrigerator to solve the technical problem of instability of the hinge structure in the prior art during use.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:

[0006] Firstly, a hinge structure is provided, comprising:

[0007] The first mounting bracket is used to connect to the refrigerator body;

[0008] The second mounting bracket is used to connect to the refrigerator door of the refrigerator;

[0009] Transmission components, including:

[0010] A first transmission assembly is connected to the first mounting base. The first transmission assembly includes a guide member, which has a first guide portion and a second guide portion connected to the first guide portion.

[0011] The second transmission group is connected to the second mounting base, and the second transmission group is also movably connected to the first transmission group;

[0012] An elastic component is installed in the second transmission group. The end of the elastic component can abut against the guide and slide along the guide. The elastic force direction of the elastic component is parallel to the rotation axis of the refrigerator door.

[0013] When the end of the elastic component abuts against the first guide portion, the elastic force of the elastic component hinders the movement of the first transmission group relative to the second transmission group, so that the refrigerator door can be suspended.

[0014] When the end of the elastic component abuts against the second guide portion, the elastic force of the elastic component can drive the first transmission group to move relative to the second transmission group, so that the refrigerator door can close automatically.

[0015] By adopting the technical solution of this embodiment, the guide member, through the design of the first and second guide portions, allows the ends of the elastic component to create different effects in different contact areas. When the end of the elastic component abuts against the first guide portion, the elastic force is converted into frictional force that resists movement, reducing the angle drift or swaying of the refrigerator door and stably achieving the hovering function of the refrigerator door, allowing the refrigerator door to stop at the corresponding position for convenient user access to items. When the elastic component abuts against the second guide portion, the elastic force is converted into driving force, realizing the automatic closing of the refrigerator door. This makes it convenient for users to use the refrigerator. Furthermore, during the process of external force driving the refrigerator door to open and close, the frictional force provided by the elastic component can provide a certain buffering effect on the transmission component, reducing the risk of collision caused by excessively fast refrigerator door movement.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first guide portion includes a first surface perpendicular to the elastic force direction of the elastic component.

[0017] By adopting the technical solution of this embodiment, the first surface of the first guide portion is perpendicular to the elastic force direction of the elastic component, so that the force exerted by the elastic component on the guide can be converted into pressure perpendicular to the first surface. After this pressure is transmitted to the transmission component, it can form a frictional force with stable magnitude and direction perpendicular to the elastic force direction of the elastic component, so that the refrigerator door can be stably suspended at any angle corresponding to the first surface, providing stable support for users to take and put in items.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second guide portion includes a second surface that is inclined relative to the elastic force direction of the elastic component.

[0019] By adopting the technical solution of this embodiment, the inclined relationship between the second surface and the elastic component's elastic force direction allows the force exerted by the elastic component on the guide to be decomposed into a pressure perpendicular to the second surface and a component force along the tangential direction of the second surface. The component force along the tangential direction of the second surface can be directly converted into the power to drive the first transmission group relative to the second transmission group, thereby causing the refrigerator door to automatically rotate in the closing direction. Thus, no additional drive components need to be designed; the automatic closing function can be achieved solely through the force decomposition of the structure itself, ensuring that the refrigerator door can smoothly close itself after being opened to a certain angle, reducing the need for manual closing by the user and improving ease of use. The force exerted by the elastic component on the guide can be decomposed into a pressure perpendicular to the second surface, which can generate friction. This creates damping, providing resistance buffering during the refrigerator door closing process and slowing down the automatic closing speed of the refrigerator door.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second surface has a first side and a second side facing away from each other. The first side is connected to the first guide portion, and the second side extends in a direction away from the elastic component. When the end of the elastic component abuts against the second surface, the elastic force of the elastic component can drive the elastic component to slide in a direction from the first side to the second side, thereby causing the refrigerator door to close.

[0021] By adopting the technical solution of this embodiment, since the first side of the second surface is connected to the first guide portion, the end of the elastic component can move along a continuous path when transitioning from the first guide portion to the second surface, reducing jamming or stagnation caused by structural abrupt changes. This natural connection design makes the process of the refrigerator door switching from the suspended state to the automatic closing state smoother, without obvious jerking, greatly improving the user's smooth operation experience. The second side extends in the direction away from the elastic component. When the end of the elastic component slides along the direction from the first side to the second side, the elastic component is continuously compressed during the sliding process, thereby continuously generating elastic force. The driving force converted from this elastic force can always act on the transmission component, ensuring sufficient power to drive the refrigerator door throughout the entire automatic closing process, reducing the possibility of stopping midway due to insufficient driving force.

[0022] In some embodiments, the guide includes a groove, an end of the elastic component is slidably mounted in the groove, a portion of the groove forms the first guide portion, and another portion of the groove forms the second guide portion.

[0023] By adopting the technical solution of this embodiment, the end of the elastic component is slidably installed in the slide groove. The slide groove can form a circumferential wrapping constraint on the end of the elastic component, so that the end of the elastic component is always confined within the slide groove during the sliding process. This reduces the possibility of lateral displacement or deviation from the guide path due to external force disturbance or assembly errors. It ensures that the contact state between the end of the elastic component and the first guide part and the second guide part remains stable, reducing functional fluctuations caused by poor contact (such as sudden changes in friction force when hovering, or interruption of driving force when automatically closing), and significantly improving the overall stability of the hinge structure movement. The two parts of the slide groove form the first guide part and the second guide part, respectively, making the connection and transition between the two more integrated and continuous. When the end of the elastic component slides along the slide groove, it can strictly follow the preset path to transition from the first guide part to the second guide part, or from the second guide part to the first guide part, further ensuring the reliability of the refrigerator door.

[0024] In some embodiments, the resilient component includes:

[0025] An elastic element is installed in the second transmission assembly;

[0026] A rolling element is movably disposed at the end of the elastic element, the rolling element abuts against the guide element and rolls along the guide element.

[0027] By adopting the technical solution of this embodiment, the rolling element is movably disposed at the end of the elastic element, that is, a movable rolling element is disposed at the end of the elastic element. When the first transmission group and the second transmission group move relative to each other, the rolling element can roll along the guide, which can reduce the friction between the elastic component and the guide, and reduce the difficulty of opening and closing the refrigerator door by external force. In addition, it can reduce the rigid friction between the elastic component and the guide, thus helping to reduce the noise generated by friction.

[0028] In some embodiments, the elastic component further includes two slidably connected mounting portions, with both ends of the elastic member respectively connected to the two mounting portions, and the rolling member rotatably disposed on the mounting portions.

[0029] By adopting the technical solution of this embodiment, the rolling element is rotatably mounted on the mounting part. The mounting part serves as an intermediate structural component connecting the elastic element and the rolling element, which can effectively reduce the assembly difficulty of the rolling element and the elastic element and help improve the assembly efficiency of the elastic component.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first transmission assembly includes a first transmission rod and a second transmission rod, the two ends of the first transmission rod are respectively rotatably connected to the first mounting base and the second transmission rod, and the end of the second transmission rod opposite to the first transmission rod is rotatably connected to the second mounting base;

[0031] The second transmission group includes a third transmission rod and a fourth transmission rod. The two ends of the third transmission rod are rotatably connected to the first mounting base and the second transmission rod, respectively. The two ends of the fourth transmission rod are rotatably connected to the middle region of the third transmission rod and the second mounting base, respectively.

[0032] The guide member is disposed on the first transmission rod, and the elastic component is mounted on the third transmission rod.

[0033] By adopting the technical solution of this embodiment, the rotational connections between the first and second transmission rods of the first transmission group, and between the second transmission rod and the second mounting base, as well as the rotational connections between the third transmission rod and the first mounting base, the third transmission rod and the second transmission rod, and the fourth transmission rod and the third transmission rod and the second mounting base of the second transmission group, together constitute a multi-node linkage transmission system. This multi-node distribution allows force to be distributed to multiple rods and connection points during transmission, reducing deformation or damage to individual nodes due to force concentration, significantly enhancing the overall stability of the hinge structure during the opening and closing of the refrigerator door, and reducing the possibility of refrigerator door shaking or offset. The guide is set on the first transmission rod, and the elastic component is installed on the third transmission rod, so that the force between the elastic component and the guide can be directly transmitted to their respective transmission groups through the first and third transmission rods. When the elastic component interacts with the guide to generate friction (achieving hovering) or driving force (achieving automatic closing), the force can be efficiently transmitted along the transmission path composed of the first, second, third, and fourth transmission rods, reducing force loss. This optimized force transmission path allows the hovering and automatic closing functions to respond more quickly and accurately, improving the sensitivity of the refrigerator door operation.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first transmission assembly has two guide members disposed opposite to each other, and the elastic component is disposed between the two guide members, with both ends of the elastic component abutting against the two guide members and sliding along the guide members.

[0035] By adopting the technical solution of this embodiment, two oppositely arranged guide members form a symmetrical constraint on the elastic component. The two ends of the elastic component abut against the two guide members respectively, allowing the elastic force to act evenly on both guide members, forming a bidirectional balanced force state. In the hovering state, the two guide members apply reaction forces to the elastic component through the first guide portion, jointly forming a stable frictional force, effectively suppressing the twisting or tilting of the refrigerator door when hovering, further reducing shaking. During automatic closing, the forces exerted on the elastic component by the second guide portions on both sides cooperate to ensure stable output of driving force and improve the overall smoothness of movement. Furthermore, the symmetrical cooperation between the two oppositely arranged guide members and the elastic component enhances the overall rigidity of the first transmission assembly. When the refrigerator door is subjected to lateral forces (such as the eccentric force when the user pushes the door), the two guide members can jointly bear the load, distributing the force to the first transmission rod through the transmission of the elastic component, reducing the bending or deformation of a single guide member due to excessive force on one side.

[0036] Secondly, a refrigerator is provided, comprising:

[0037] A hinge structure, wherein the hinge structure is the hinge structure described above;

[0038] The housing is connected to one of the first and second mounting bases of the hinge structure;

[0039] The refrigerator door is connected to the first and second mounting bases of the hinge structure.

[0040] By adopting the technical solution of this embodiment, the refrigerator door can be stably hovered and the refrigerator door can be automatically closed, which makes it convenient for users to use the refrigerator. Attached Figure Description

[0041] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge structure of the related technology;

[0043] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the hinge structure provided in an embodiment of this application (closed state);

[0044] Figure 3 A schematic diagram (intermediate state) of the hinge structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the hinge structure provided in an embodiment of this application (opened to its maximum angle);

[0046] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the hinge structure shown.

[0047] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Another perspective view of the hinge structure shown;

[0048] Figure 7 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first transmission rod provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A top sectional view of the first transmission rod shown;

[0050] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the hinge structure of the refrigerator door in different positions according to an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the third transmission rod and elastic component provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the elastic component provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 12 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the elastic component provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 13 for Figure 3 An exploded view of the hinge structure shown.

[0055] The following are the labeling elements in the figure:

[0056] Figure 1 :

[0057] 1' First mounting base; 2' Second mounting base; 3' First transmission rod; 4' Second transmission rod; 5' Third transmission rod; 6' Fourth transmission rod;

[0058] Figures 2 to 13 :

[0059] 1. First mounting base;

[0060] 2. Second mounting bracket;

[0061] 3. Transmission assembly; 31. First transmission group; 311. First transmission rod; 312. Second transmission rod; 313. Guide member; 3131. First guide portion; 3132. Second guide portion; 314. Slide groove; 3141. First surface; 3142. Second surface; 3143. First side; 3144. Second side; 32. Second transmission group; 321. Third transmission rod; 322. Fourth transmission rod;

[0062] 4. Elastic component; 41. Elastic element; 42. Rolling element; 43. Mounting part. Detailed Implementation

[0063] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0064] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0065] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0066] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, "multiple sets" means two or more sets, "multiple pieces" means two or more pieces, and "several" means one or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0067] As a commonly used refrigeration and preservation device, a refrigerator typically consists of a cabinet and a door. The door is connected to the cabinet via a hinge structure, which enables the door to open and close relative to the cabinet to meet the user's needs for retrieving and storing food.

[0068] With the development of refrigerator technology, users have placed higher demands on the convenience, space adaptability, and functional versatility of refrigerators. To adapt to large-capacity refrigerators, achieve wide-angle door opening, and optimize the refrigerator door's movement path to avoid interference with surrounding objects, the hinge structure used in refrigerator doors has gradually evolved from traditional single-axis or dual-axis hinges to multi-link hinges, among which the six-link hinge is widely used due to its unique structural advantages.

[0069] Reference Figure 1In related technologies, a six-bar linkage includes a first mounting base 1', a second mounting base 2', and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly includes a first transmission rod 3', a second transmission rod 4', a third transmission rod 5', and a fourth transmission rod 6'. The first mounting base 1' is connected to the refrigerator body, and the second mounting base 2' is connected to the refrigerator door. The two ends of the first transmission rod 3' are hinged to the ends of the first mounting base 1' and the second transmission rod 4', respectively, and the two ends of the third transmission rod 5' are hinged to the middle portions of the first mounting base 1' and the second transmission rod 4', respectively. The first mounting base 1', the first transmission rod 3', the second transmission rod 4', and the third transmission rod 5' together form a parallelogram-like structure. One end of the second transmission rod 4', away from the first transmission rod 3', is hinged to the middle region of the second mounting base 2'. Both ends of the fourth transmission rod 6' are respectively hinged to the middle region of the third transmission rod 5' and the ends of the second mounting base 2', thus forming another type of parallelogram structure. By rotating the six rods relative to each other, the relative positions of the first mounting base 1' and the second mounting base 2' can be adjusted, thereby enabling the refrigerator door to open and close.

[0070] To further enhance the user experience, related technologies often incorporate a spring-cam-damper assembly (not shown in the diagram) into the six-bar hinge. This assembly utilizes the elastic force generated by the cam compressing the spring and the synergistic effect of the damper to achieve the refrigerator door's hovering function (i.e., the refrigerator door can stably remain at a specific angle) and its self-closing function. However, this type of spring-cam-damper assembly is prone to instability in the hovering angle during use, causing the refrigerator door to wobble during hovering, affecting its normal operation and negatively impacting the overall user experience.

[0071] Based on this, this application provides a hinge structure and a refrigerator. The hinge structure includes a first mounting base, a second mounting base, a transmission assembly, and an elastic component. The first mounting base is used to connect to one of the refrigerator body and the refrigerator door; the second mounting base is used to connect to the other of the refrigerator body and the refrigerator door; the transmission assembly includes a first transmission group and a second transmission group. The first transmission group is connected to the first mounting base and includes a guide member having a first guide portion and a second guide portion connected to the first guide portion; the second transmission group is connected to the second mounting base and is also movably connected to the first transmission group; the elastic component is mounted on the second transmission group, and the end of the elastic component can abut against the guide member and slide along the guide member. The elastic force direction of the elastic component is parallel to the rotation axis of the refrigerator door.

[0072] The hinge structure and refrigerator provided in this application embodiment, through the design of the first and second guide portions, allow the ends of the elastic component to exert different effects in different contact areas. When the end of the elastic component abuts against the first guide portion, the elastic force is converted into a frictional force that resists movement, reducing the angle drift or wobbling of the refrigerator door and stably achieving the refrigerator door's hovering function, allowing the refrigerator door to stop at the corresponding position for convenient user access to items. When the elastic component abuts against the second guide portion, the elastic force is converted into a driving force for movement, achieving automatic closing of the refrigerator door. This makes it convenient for users to use the refrigerator.

[0073] Reference Figures 2 to 6 The hinge structure provided in this application embodiment includes a first mounting base 1, a second mounting base 2, a transmission assembly 3, and an elastic assembly 4. The first mounting base 1 is used to connect to one of the refrigerator body (not shown in the figure) and the refrigerator door (not shown in the figure); the second mounting base 2 is used to connect to the other of the refrigerator body and the refrigerator door; the transmission assembly 3 includes a first transmission group 31 and a second transmission group 32. The first transmission group 31 is connected to the first mounting base 1 and includes a guide member 313, which has a first guide portion 3131 and a second guide portion 3132 connected to the first guide portion 3131; the second transmission group 32 is connected to the second mounting base 2 and is also movably connected to the first transmission group 31; the elastic assembly 4 is mounted on the second transmission group 32, and the end of the elastic assembly 4 can abut against the guide member 313 and slide along the guide member 313. The elastic force direction of the elastic assembly 4 is parallel to the rotation axis of the refrigerator door.

[0074] When the end of the elastic component 4 abuts against the first guide portion 3131, the elastic force of the elastic component 4 can generate friction to resist the movement of the first transmission group 31 relative to the second transmission group 32, so that the refrigerator door can be suspended. When the end of the elastic component 4 abuts against the second guide portion 3132, the elastic force of the elastic component 4 can generate power to drive the first transmission group 31 to move relative to the second transmission group 32, so that the refrigerator door can be automatically closed.

[0075] It should be noted that the first mounting base 1 can be connected to either the refrigerator body or the refrigerator door via screws, clips, or other connecting structures, and the second mounting base 2 can be connected to the other of the refrigerator body and the refrigerator door via screws, clips, or other connecting structures. In this embodiment, the first mounting base 1 is connected to the refrigerator body, and the second mounting base 2 is connected to the refrigerator door.

[0076] It should be noted that the end of the elastic component 4 abutting against and sliding along the guide member 313 can mean that one end of the elastic component 4 abuts against and slides along the guide member 313, or both ends of the elastic component 4 abut against and slide along the guide member 313. Furthermore, the abutment of the end of the elastic component 4 against the guide member 313 allows the guide member 313 to compress the elastic component 4, enabling the elastic component 4 to generate elastic force.

[0077] It should be noted that the elastic component 4 may include components with elastic deformation capabilities such as springs, disc springs, and rubber blocks. When an external force is applied to the refrigerator door, the external force can cause the refrigerator door to overcome the elastic force of the elastic component 4, thus allowing the elastic component 4 to slide along the guide 313. When the end of the elastic component 4 abuts against any area of ​​the first guide 3131, after the external force disappears, the refrigerator door can be suspended under the frictional force generated by the elastic force of the elastic component 4. When the end of the elastic component 4 abuts against any area of ​​the second region, after the external force disappears, the movement of the first transmission group 31 relative to the second transmission group 32 under the force generated by the elastic force of the elastic component 4 can cause the refrigerator door to close automatically. When the refrigerator door is closed, the elastic component 4 may still have elastic force, or it may have more than just elastic force; that is, when the refrigerator door is closed, the elastic component 4 may still be compressed, or it may return to its original length.

[0078] It should be noted that the location of the connection area between the first guide portion 3131 and the second guide portion 3132 affects the range of angles at which the refrigerator door hovers and automatically closes. For example, when the end of the elastic component 4 abuts against the connection area of ​​the first guide portion 3131 and the second guide portion 3132, the opening angle of the refrigerator door is θ. Then, when the opening angle of the refrigerator door is any angle less than θ, the end of the elastic component 4 abuts against the second guide portion 3132, and the refrigerator door can automatically close. When the opening angle of the refrigerator door is any angle greater than θ, the end of the elastic component 4 abuts against the first guide portion 3131, and the refrigerator door can hover. In some embodiments, θ can be 20° to 40°. For example, θ can be 20°, 22°, 24°, 26°, 28°, 29°, 30°, 31°, 32°, 34°, 36°, 38°, or 40°.

[0079] The hinge structure provided in this application embodiment uses a guide member 313. Through the design of the first guide portion 3131 and the second guide portion 3132, the end of the elastic component 4 achieves different effects in different contact areas. When the end of the elastic component 4 abuts against the first guide portion 3131, the elastic force is converted into frictional force that resists movement, reducing the angle drift or swaying of the refrigerator door and stably achieving the hovering function of the refrigerator door, allowing it to stop at the appropriate position for convenient user access to items. When the elastic component 4 abuts against the second guide portion 3132, the elastic force is converted into driving force, achieving automatic closing of the refrigerator door. This makes it convenient for users to use the refrigerator. Furthermore, during the opening and closing of the refrigerator door driven by external force, the frictional force provided by the elastic component 4 can provide a certain buffering effect on the transmission component 3, reducing the risk of collision caused by excessively fast refrigerator door movement.

[0080] Reference Figures 5 to 7 The first guide portion 3131 includes a first surface 3141, which is perpendicular to the elastic force direction of the elastic component 4.

[0081] It should be noted that the elastic force direction of the elastic component 4 is parallel to the rotation axis of the refrigerator door, while the first surface 3141 is perpendicular to the elastic force direction of the elastic component 41. Therefore, the first surface 3141 is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the refrigerator door.

[0082] It should be noted that when the end of the elastic component 4 is a plane, the first surface 3141 can also be a plane. In this case, all areas of the first surface 3141 are perpendicular to the elastic force direction of the elastic component 4. When the end of the elastic component 4 is an arc surface or a sphere, the first surface 3141 can be a matching arc surface. In this case, the component force between the first surface 3141 and the elastic component 4 that forms an angle with the elastic force direction will be canceled out, leaving only the component force parallel to the elastic force direction.

[0083] It should be noted that the guide member 313 includes a first guide portion 3131, and the first guide portion 3131 includes a first surface 3141. Thus, the first surface 3141 belongs to the guide member 313. The first surface 3141 can be one of several surfaces of the guide member 313.

[0084] The first surface 3141 of the first guide portion 3131 is perpendicular to the elastic force direction of the elastic component 4, so that the force exerted by the elastic component 4 on the guide 313 can be converted into pressure perpendicular to the first surface 3141. After this pressure is transmitted to the transmission component 3, it can form a frictional force with a stable magnitude and a direction perpendicular to the elastic force direction of the elastic component 4, so that the refrigerator door can be stably suspended at any angle corresponding to the first surface 3141, providing stable support for users to take and put in items.

[0085] In some embodiments, the second guide portion 3132 includes a second surface 3142 that is inclined relative to the elastic direction of the elastic component 4.

[0086] It should be noted that the guide member 313 includes a second guide portion 3132, and the second guide portion 3132 includes a second surface 3142. Thus, the second surface 3142 belongs to the guide member 313. The second surface 3142 can be one of several surfaces of the guide member 313.

[0087] The inclined relationship between the second surface 3142 and the elastic component 4 allows the force exerted by the elastic component 4 on the guide member 313 to be decomposed into a pressure perpendicular to the second surface 3142 and a component force along the tangent direction of the second surface 3142. The component force along the tangent direction of the second surface 3142 can be directly converted into the power to drive the first transmission group 31 to move relative to the second transmission group 32, thereby causing the refrigerator door to automatically rotate in the closing direction. In this way, there is no need to design additional drive components; the automatic closing function can be achieved solely through the force decomposition of the structure itself, ensuring that the refrigerator door can smoothly close itself after being opened to a certain angle, reducing the user's manual closing operation and improving ease of use. The force exerted by the elastic component 4 on the guide member 313 can be decomposed into a pressure perpendicular to the second surface 3142, which can generate friction. This can create damping, providing resistance buffering during the closing process of the refrigerator door and slowing down the automatic closing speed of the refrigerator door.

[0088] In some embodiments, the direction and magnitude of the component force along the tangent direction of the second surface 3142 can be adjusted by adjusting the tilt angle of the second surface 3142 during the design process, so that the refrigerator door has a suitable closing speed.

[0089] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The second surface 3142 has a first side 3143 and a second side 144 facing away from each other. The first side 3143 is connected to the first guide portion 3131, and the second side 144 extends in a direction away from the elastic component 4. When the end of the elastic component 4 abuts against the second surface 3142, the elastic force of the elastic component 4 can drive the elastic component 4 to slide in the direction from the first side 3143 to the second side 144, so as to close the refrigerator door.

[0090] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the elastic component 4 is always compressed, meaning its elasticity is formed by compression. As the elastic component 4 slides along the direction from the first side 3143 to the second side 144, it gradually relaxes. When the elastic component 4 is located on the second side 144, it can remain compressed and retain its elasticity, or it can return to its original length without retaining its elasticity. Furthermore, when the refrigerator door is closed, the elastic component 4 can be located on the second side 144, or it can be located between the first side 3143 and the second side 144 (in this case, the elastic component 4 is still compressed and retains its elasticity).

[0091] Because the first side 3143 of the second surface 3142 is connected to the first guide portion 3131, the end of the elastic component 4 can move along a continuous path when transitioning from the first guide portion 3131 to the second surface 3142, reducing jamming or stagnation caused by structural abrupt changes. This natural connection design makes the process of the refrigerator door switching from the hovering state to the automatic closing state smoother, without obvious jerking, greatly improving the user's smooth operating experience. The second side 144 extends in a direction away from the elastic component 4. When the end of the elastic component 4 slides along the direction from the first side 3143 to the second side 144, the elastic component 4 will be continuously compressed during the sliding process, thereby continuously generating elastic force. The driving force converted from this elastic force can always act on the transmission component 3, ensuring sufficient power to drive the refrigerator door throughout the entire automatic closing process, reducing the possibility of stopping midway due to insufficient driving force.

[0092] In this embodiment of the application, the first guide portion 3131 is the first surface 3141 of the guide member 313, the first surface 3141 is perpendicular to the elastic force direction of the elastic component 4, the second guide portion 3132 is the second surface 3142 of the guide member 313, the second surface 3142 is inclined relative to the elastic force direction of the elastic component 4, the first side 3143 of the second surface 3142 is connected to the first surface 3141, and the second side 144 extends in a direction away from the elastic component 4.

[0093] Thus, when the end of the elastic component 4 transitions from the first surface 3141 to the second surface 3142, it can move along a continuous path, reducing the jamming or stagnation caused by structural abrupt changes.

[0094] In some embodiments, the guide 313 includes a groove 314, the end of the elastic component 4 is slidably mounted in the groove 314, a portion of the groove 314 forms a first guide portion 3131, and another portion of the groove 314 forms a second guide portion 3132.

[0095] It should be noted that the end of the elastic component 4 is slidably mounted on the slide groove 314. This can be achieved by forming a slider that fits the slide groove 314 at the end of the elastic component 4, or by providing a rolling element 42 that fits the slide groove 314, etc.

[0096] The end of the elastic component 4 is slidably mounted in the slide groove 314. The slide groove 314 can form a circumferential wrapping constraint on the end of the elastic component 4, so that the end of the elastic component 4 is always confined within the slide groove 314 during the sliding process. This reduces the possibility of lateral displacement or deviation from the guide path due to external force disturbance or assembly error. This ensures that the contact state between the end of the elastic component 4 and the first guide part 3131 and the second guide part 3132 remains stable, reducing functional fluctuations caused by poor contact (such as sudden changes in friction force when hovering or interruption of driving force when automatically closing), and significantly improving the overall stability of the hinge structure movement. The two parts of the slide groove 314 respectively form the first guide part 3131 and the second guide part 3132, making the connection and transition between the two more integrated and continuous. When the end of the elastic component 4 slides along the slide groove 314, it can strictly follow the preset path to transition from the first guide part 3131 to the second guide part 3132, or from the second guide part 3132 to the first guide part 3131, further ensuring the reliability of the refrigerator door.

[0097] Reference Figure 9 In this embodiment of the application, the first guide portion 3131 includes a first surface 3141, which is part of the bottom of the groove 314. The second guide portion 3132 includes a second surface 3142, which is another part of the bottom of the groove 314. The first surface 3141 and the second surface 3142 are connected to form a complete bottom of the groove 314.

[0098] Reference Figure 9 In (a), when the refrigerator door is closed, the elastic component 4 abuts against the second surface 3142 and is located on the second side 144 of the second surface 3142; see reference. Figure 9 In (b), when the refrigerator door opens from the closed state to an angle θ, the elastic component 4 moves to the connection area between the second surface 3142 and the first surface 3141; see reference. Figure 9 In step (c), when the refrigerator door is at its maximum opening angle, the elastic component 4 abuts against the first surface 3141 and is located on the side away from the second surface 3142 from the first surface 3141. When the refrigerator door is at its maximum opening angle... Figure 9 (a) and Figure 9 When the angle range between (b) is reached, after the external force is removed, the elastic component 4 can gradually move towards the second side 144, and the refrigerator door can close automatically; when the refrigerator door is in the range of (b), the elastic component 4 can gradually move towards the second side 144, and the refrigerator door can close automatically; Figure 9 (b) and Figure 9When the angle is within the range of (c) in the middle, the refrigerator door can be suspended at the current opening angle after the external force is removed.

[0099] In the embodiments of this application, Figure 9 In (b), the refrigerator door opening angle is 30°, which means θ is 30°. When the refrigerator door opening angle is less than 30°, the refrigerator door can close automatically after the external force is removed; when the refrigerator door opening angle is greater than 30°, the refrigerator door can stay at the current opening angle after the external force is removed.

[0100] Reference Figures 10 to 12 In some embodiments, the elastic component 4 includes an elastic element 41 and a rolling element 42. The elastic element 41 is mounted on the second transmission assembly 32. The rolling element 42 is movably disposed at the end of the elastic element 41, and the rolling element 42 abuts against the guide element 313 and rolls along the guide element 313.

[0101] It should be noted that the elastic element 41 can be a component with elastic deformation capability, such as a spring, disc spring, or rubber block. The elastic element 41 shown in the figure is a spring.

[0102] It should be noted that the rolling element 42 and the elastic element 41 can be directly connected, meaning that the rolling element 42 and the elastic element 41 are in direct contact. Alternatively, the rolling element 42 and the elastic element 41 can also be indirectly connected, meaning that the rolling element 42 can be connected to the elastic element 41 through other components, and the rolling element 42 and the elastic element 41 are not in direct contact. The rolling element 42 is movably disposed at the end of the elastic element 41, meaning that the rolling element 42 can rotate relative to the elastic element 41.

[0103] The rolling element 42 is movably disposed at the end of the elastic element 41, that is, the rolling element 42 is disposed at the end of the elastic element 41. When the first transmission group 31 and the second transmission group 32 move relative to each other, the rolling element 42 can roll along the guide 313, which can reduce the friction between the elastic component 4 and the guide 313 and reduce the difficulty of opening and closing the refrigerator door with external force. In addition, it can reduce the rigid friction between the elastic component 4 and the guide 313, thus helping to reduce the noise generated by friction.

[0104] In some embodiments, the rolling element 42 is a spherical ball, and the bottom of the groove 314 is an arc surface that matches the ball. Thus, the first surface 3141 and the second surface 3142 are both arc surfaces that match the ball.

[0105] Setting the rolling element 42 as a spherical ball and setting the bottom of the groove 314 as an arc surface that matches the ball can increase the contact area between the groove 314 and the rolling element 42, which helps to improve the rolling stability of the rolling element 42.

[0106] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12The elastic component 4 also includes two slidingly connected mounting portions 43, with the two ends of the elastic member 41 connected to the two mounting portions 43 respectively, and the rolling member 42 rotatably disposed on the mounting portion 43.

[0107] It should be noted that the rolling element 42 can be rotatably mounted on the mounting part 43 via the connecting shaft.

[0108] The rolling element 42 is rotatably mounted on the mounting part 43. The mounting part 43 serves as an intermediate structural component connecting the elastic element 41 and the rolling element 42, which can effectively reduce the assembly difficulty of the rolling element 42 and the elastic element 41 and help improve the assembly efficiency of the elastic component 4.

[0109] In some embodiments, the mounting portion 43 is cylindrical, with one mounting portion 43 sleeved around the outer periphery of another mounting portion 43, and the elastic member 41 may be disposed in the empty area in the middle of the mounting portion 43.

[0110] Reference Figure 13 In some embodiments, the first transmission group 31 includes a first transmission rod 311 and a second transmission rod 312. The two ends of the first transmission rod 311 are rotatably connected to the first mounting base 1 and the second transmission rod 312, respectively. The end of the second transmission rod 312 opposite to the first transmission rod 311 is rotatably connected to the second mounting base 2. The second transmission group 32 includes a third transmission rod 321 and a fourth transmission rod 322. The two ends of the third transmission rod 321 are rotatably connected to the first mounting base 1 and the second transmission rod 312, respectively. The two ends of the fourth transmission rod 322 are rotatably connected to the middle region of the third transmission rod 321 and the second mounting base 2, respectively. The guide member 313 is disposed on the first transmission rod 311, and the elastic component 4 is mounted on the third transmission rod 321.

[0111] It should be noted that the first mounting base 1, the second mounting base 2, the first transmission rod 311, the second transmission rod 312, the third transmission rod 321 and the fourth transmission rod 322 form a six-bar linkage structure.

[0112] The rotational connections between the first transmission rod 311 and the second transmission rod 312, and between the second transmission rod 312 and the second mounting base 2 in the first transmission group 31, and the rotational connections between the third transmission rod 321 and the first mounting base 1, the third transmission rod 321 and the second transmission rod 312, and the fourth transmission rod 322 and the third transmission rod 321 and the second mounting base 2 in the second transmission group 32, together constitute a multi-node linkage transmission system. This multi-node distribution allows force to be distributed to multiple rods and connection points during transmission, reducing deformation or damage to individual nodes due to force concentration, significantly enhancing the overall stability of the hinge structure during the opening and closing of the refrigerator door, and reducing the possibility of refrigerator door shaking or offset. The guide member 313 is set on the first transmission rod 311, and the elastic component 4 is installed on the third transmission rod 321, so that the force between the elastic component 4 and the guide member 313 can be directly transmitted to their respective transmission groups through the first transmission rod 311 and the third transmission rod 321. When the elastic component 4 interacts with the guide 313 to generate friction (to achieve hovering) or driving force (to achieve automatic closing), the force can be efficiently transmitted along the transmission path composed of the first transmission rod 311, the second transmission rod 312, the third transmission rod 321, and the fourth transmission rod 322, reducing force loss. This optimized force transmission path makes the hovering and automatic closing functions respond more quickly and accurately, improving the sensitivity of the refrigerator door operation.

[0113] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first transmission group 31 has two guide members 313, which are arranged opposite to each other. The elastic component 4 is disposed between the two guide members 313, and the two ends of the elastic component 4 abut against the two guide members 313 and slide along the guide members 313 respectively.

[0114] Two opposing guide members 313 form a symmetrical constraint on the elastic component 4. The two ends of the elastic component 4 abut against the two guide members 313 respectively, allowing the elastic force to be evenly applied to both guide members 313, creating a bidirectional balanced force state. In the suspended state, the two guide members 313 apply reaction forces to the elastic component 4 through the first guide portion 3131, jointly forming a stable frictional force, effectively suppressing the torsion or tilting of the refrigerator door during suspension, further reducing swaying. During automatic closing, the forces exerted on the elastic component 4 by the second guide portions 3132 on both sides cooperate to ensure stable output of driving force and improve the overall smoothness of movement. Furthermore, the symmetrical cooperation between the two opposing guide members 313 and the elastic component 4 enhances the overall rigidity of the first transmission assembly 31. When the refrigerator door is subjected to lateral forces (such as the eccentric force when the user pushes the door), the two guide members 313 can jointly bear the load, distributing the force to the first transmission rod 311 through the transmission of the elastic component 4, reducing the bending or deformation of a single guide member 313 due to excessive force on one side.

[0115] In this embodiment, the first transmission group 31 includes a first transmission rod 311 and a second transmission rod 312, and guide members 313 are provided on both opposite sides of the first transmission rod 311.

[0116] In this embodiment, the hinge structure includes a first mounting base 1, a second mounting base 2, a transmission assembly 3, and an elastic assembly 4. The first mounting base 1 is used to connect to the refrigerator body; the second mounting base 2 is used to connect to the refrigerator door; the transmission assembly 3 includes a first transmission group 31 and a second transmission group 32. The first transmission group 31 includes a first transmission rod 311 and a second transmission rod 312. The two ends of the first transmission rod 311 are rotatably connected to the first mounting base 1 and the second transmission rod 312, respectively, and the end of the second transmission rod 312 facing away from the first transmission rod 311 is rotatably connected to the second mounting base 2; the second transmission group 32 includes a third transmission rod 321 and a fourth transmission rod 322. The two ends of the third transmission rod 321 are rotatably connected to the first mounting base 1 and the second transmission rod 312, respectively, and the two ends of the fourth transmission rod 322 are rotatably connected to the middle area of ​​the third transmission rod 321 and the second mounting base 2, respectively; guide members 313 are provided on both opposite sides of the first transmission rod 311, and the guide members 313 include grooves 31. 4. A portion of the bottom of the slide groove 314 forms a first surface 3141, which is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the refrigerator door. Another portion of the bottom of the slide groove 314 forms a second surface 3142, which is inclined relative to the rotation axis of the refrigerator door. The first side 3143 of the second surface 3142 is connected to the first surface 3141, and the second side 144 of the second surface 3142 extends in a direction away from the elastic component 4. The elastic component 4 includes an elastic element 41, two mounting portions 43, and two rolling elements 42. The two mounting portions 43 are slidably connected. The elastic element 41 is a spring, and the elastic force of the elastic element 41 is parallel to the rotation axis of the refrigerator door. The elastic element 41 is disposed in the empty area in the middle of the two mounting portions 43. The two ends of the elastic element 41 are respectively connected to the two mounting portions 43. The two rolling elements 42 are rotatably mounted on the mounting portions 43 through connecting shafts. The two rolling elements 42 abut against the two guide elements 313 respectively. The rolling elements 42 are balls, and the elastic element 41 is always compressed. When the rolling element 42 abuts against the first surface 3141, the elastic force of the elastic component 4 generates friction to allow the refrigerator door to hover. When the rolling element 42 abuts against the second surface 3142, the elastic force of the elastic component 4 generates power to drive the refrigerator door to close automatically. When an external force opens the refrigerator door from the closed state to 30°, the degree of compression of the elastic element 41 gradually increases, and the elastic force of the elastic element 41 gradually increases. During the process of opening the refrigerator door from 30° to the maximum angle, the degree of compression of the elastic element 41 remains unchanged, and the magnitude of the elastic force of the elastic element 41 remains unchanged.

[0117] This application also provides a refrigerator, including a hinge structure, a cabinet, and a refrigerator door. The hinge structure is the hinge structure in any of the above embodiments. The cabinet is connected to one of the first mounting base 1 and the second mounting base 2 of the hinge structure. The refrigerator door is connected to the other of the first mounting base 1 and the second mounting base 2 of the hinge structure.

[0118] The refrigerator in this embodiment can stably achieve the door-hovering function and the automatic door-closing function, which makes it convenient for users to use the refrigerator.

[0119] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A hinge structure, characterized in that, include: The first mounting bracket is used to connect to the refrigerator body; The second mounting bracket is used to connect to the refrigerator door of the refrigerator; Transmission components, including: A first transmission assembly is connected to the first mounting base. The first transmission assembly includes a guide member, which has a first guide portion and a second guide portion connected to the first guide portion. The second transmission group is connected to the second mounting base, and the second transmission group is also movably connected to the first transmission group; An elastic component is installed in the second transmission group. The end of the elastic component can abut against the guide and slide along the guide. The elastic force direction of the elastic component is parallel to the rotation axis of the refrigerator door. When the end of the elastic component abuts against the first guide portion, the elastic force of the elastic component hinders the movement of the first transmission group relative to the second transmission group, so that the refrigerator door can be suspended. When the end of the elastic component abuts against the second guide portion, the elastic force of the elastic component can drive the first transmission group to move relative to the second transmission group, so that the refrigerator door can close automatically.

2. The hinge structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first guide portion includes a first surface, which is perpendicular to the elastic force direction of the elastic component.

3. The hinge structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second guide portion includes a second surface that is inclined relative to the elastic force direction of the elastic component.

4. The hinge structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The second surface has a first side and a second side facing away from each other. The first side is connected to the first guide portion, and the second side extends in a direction away from the elastic component. When the end of the elastic component abuts against the second surface, the elastic force of the elastic component can drive the elastic component to slide in a direction from the first side to the second side, thereby causing the refrigerator door to close.

5. The hinge structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The guide includes a groove, the end of the elastic component is slidably mounted in the groove, a portion of the groove forms the first guide portion, and another portion of the groove forms the second guide portion.

6. The hinge structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic component includes: An elastic element is installed in the second transmission assembly; A rolling element is movably disposed at the end of the elastic element, the rolling element abuts against the guide element and rolls along the guide element.

7. The hinge structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The elastic component further includes two slidably connected mounting portions, with both ends of the elastic element connected to the two mounting portions respectively, and the rolling element rotatably disposed on the mounting portions.

8. The hinge structure according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first transmission assembly includes a first transmission rod and a second transmission rod. The two ends of the first transmission rod are rotatably connected to the first mounting base and the second transmission rod, respectively. The end of the second transmission rod opposite to the first transmission rod is rotatably connected to the second mounting base. The second transmission group includes a third transmission rod and a fourth transmission rod. The two ends of the third transmission rod are rotatably connected to the first mounting base and the second transmission rod, respectively. The two ends of the fourth transmission rod are rotatably connected to the middle region of the third transmission rod and the second mounting base, respectively. The guide member is disposed on the first transmission rod, and the elastic component is mounted on the third transmission rod.

9. The hinge structure according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first transmission assembly has two guide members, which are arranged opposite to each other. The elastic component is disposed between the two guide members, and both ends of the elastic component abut against the two guide members and slide along the corresponding guide members.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: A hinge structure, wherein the hinge structure is the hinge structure as described in any one of claims 1-9; The housing is connected to the first mounting base of the hinge structure; The refrigerator door is connected to the second mounting base of the hinge structure.

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