Dual-door refrigerator having a door opening driving device and including the same

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of door opening driving device and including its double door refrigerator, the door opening driving device includes two groups of pushing mechanism, drive motor and drive gear, wherein, the pushing mechanism includes push rod assembly, floating gear, switching device and transmission component, the switching device drives the floating gear and moves along axial direction, the transmission component is connected with the push rod assembly, the drive gear is connected with the drive motor.In the utility model, one side or both sides can be realized by low-cost structure, not only function is more and control is simple, low in cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a door opening drive device and a double-door refrigerator including the same. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with the increase in refrigerator capacity and door weight, existing refrigerators are beginning to incorporate automatic door opening mechanisms to push the doors open. For double-door refrigerators, there are generally two methods for automatic door opening. One method involves a single automatic door opening mechanism. If this mechanism is placed on the left, only the left door can open automatically; the right door must be opened manually after the left door opens. The same applies if the mechanism is placed on the right. This method still requires manual operation and does not offer significant convenience. The other method involves placing an automatic door opening mechanism on each door. This method requires separate control, making it not only more costly but also more complex to control. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the high cost of automatic door opening in existing double-door refrigerators, and to provide a door opening drive device and a double-door refrigerator including the same.

[0004] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0005] A door opening drive device includes two sets of pushing mechanisms, a drive motor, and a drive gear. Each pushing mechanism includes a push rod assembly, a floating gear, a switching device, and a transmission component. The switching device drives the floating gear to move axially. The transmission component is drively connected to the push rod assembly. The drive gear is connected to the drive motor.

[0006] In a first axial position, a portion of the floating gear is at least engaged with the drive gear, and another portion of the floating gear is connected to the transmission component;

[0007] In a second axial position, a portion of the floating gear meshes with another floating gear located in a first axial position, and the other portion of the floating gear is connected to the transmission component;

[0008] In a third axial position, at least a portion of the floating gear is disengaged from the drive gear, and another portion of the floating gear is disengaged from the transmission component.

[0009] This invention achieves both single-sided and double-sided door opening using only a single drive motor. Single-sided door opening is achieved by positioning a floating gear on one side at a first axial position and a floating gear on the other side at a third axial position. Double-sided door opening is achieved by positioning a floating gear on one side at a first axial position and a floating gear on the other side at a second axial position. The forward and reverse rotation of the drive motor enables separate opening and closing of the door. Therefore, this solution achieves low-cost automatic door opening and allows selection of which side to open.

[0010] Preferably, an elastic member is provided between the transmission component and the floating gear. The elastic member provides a restoring force to the floating gear as it moves to the third axial position. After the switching device disengages from contact with the floating gear, the elastic member allows the floating gear to automatically return to the third axial position, i.e., automatically return to a non-operating state, which facilitates automatic disengagement from operation.

[0011] Preferably, the floating gear is provided with a first mating part, and the transmission component is provided with a second mating part. The first mating part and the second mating part are connected or disengaged by axial movement. This facilitates the mating of the transmission component and the floating gear, and only occupies axial space without affecting their respective transmission connections with other components.

[0012] Preferably, the transmission component includes a base, which is directly or indirectly connected to the push rod assembly, and the size of the second mating part is smaller than the size of the base. The base thus axially limits the position of the first mating part in the axial direction, preventing the first mating part from interfering with the transmission connection between the base and the push rod assembly.

[0013] Preferably, the first mating part has a pin hole or pin at its center, and the second mating part has a corresponding pin hole and pin at its center. A limiting groove is formed between the outer contour of the first mating part and the pin hole or pin, and an elastic member is disposed within the limiting groove. This not only restricts the position of the elastic member but also prevents the elastic member from occupying space in other locations.

[0014] Preferably, the actuating mechanism includes a body, a movable rod, and a top block connected to the movable rod. The movable rod is movably configured relative to the body, causing the top block to move between a position in contact with and disengage from the floating gear. The top block has an inclined contact surface for contacting the floating gear. This allows control over the extension distance of the top block driven by the movable rod, thereby controlling the contact position between the floating gear and the contact surface, and ultimately controlling the axial positions of the floating gear. Thus, convenient and reliable control of the floating gear is achieved.

[0015] Preferably, the transmission component includes a base with a gear profile, the push rod assembly has a slider portion, and the slider portion has a first rack on the side adjacent to the transmission component. The base meshes with the slider portion for transmission. The rack and gear enable stable and precise movement of the slider portion, reliably transmitting motion.

[0016] Preferably, the side of the slider that is not adjacent to the transmission component has a second rack, and a driven gear is also provided on the side where the second rack is located. The second rack meshes with the driven gear for transmission. Thus, the driven gear and the transmission component restrict the movement of the slider on both sides, guiding the linear movement of the slider on one hand and achieving balanced force on both sides of the slider on the other.

[0017] Preferably, the push rod assembly includes a slider portion, a rod portion, and a contact portion. The door opening drive device includes a housing, with the two sets of pushing mechanisms, the drive motor, and the drive gear located inside the housing. The rod portion passes through the housing, and the contact portion is located outside the housing. This ensures that the internal structure is not affected by external factors, guaranteeing internal reliability.

[0018] A double-door refrigerator includes a cabinet and two doors. The double-door refrigerator also includes a door opening drive device, which is fixed on the cabinet. The push rod assemblies of the two sets of pushing mechanisms are respectively arranged facing one of the doors.

[0019] The positive and progressive effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model can achieve one-sided or double-sided door opening through a low-cost structure, which not only has multiple functions but also simple control and low cost. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the door opening drive device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a top view of the door opening drive device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the floating gear at different positions in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the switching device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission component and floating gear in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 5Enlarged schematic diagram of part D in the diagram.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission component of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the push rod assembly of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the door opening drive device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0030] Drive motor 100

[0031] Drive gear 200

[0032] Floating Gear 300

[0033] First Coordination Unit 310

[0034] Limiting groove 320

[0035] 330 pin hole

[0036] Elastic component 340

[0037] Switching device 400

[0038] Ontology 410

[0039] 420 movable bar

[0040] Top block 430

[0041] Contact surface 431

[0042] Elastic component 440

[0043] Push rod assembly 500

[0044] slider part 510

[0045] First rack 511

[0046] Second rack 512

[0047] 520 pole

[0048] Contact part 530

[0049] Passive Gear 540

[0050] Transmission component 600

[0051] Second Coordination Unit 610

[0052] 620 pin

[0053] Base 630

[0054] 700 casing

[0055] Door body 800

[0056] First axial position A

[0057] Second axial position B

[0058] Third axial position C

[0059] Door opening drive device E Detailed Implementation

[0060] The present invention will be described more clearly and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings, using a preferred embodiment.

[0061] like Figures 1-9 As shown, this embodiment discloses a door opening drive device, which includes two sets of pushing mechanisms, a drive motor 100, and drive gears 200 (there can be one or more drive gears 200). The pushing mechanism includes a push rod assembly 500, a floating gear 300, a switching device 400, and a transmission component 600. The switching device 400 drives the floating gear 300 to move axially. The transmission component 600 is connected to the push rod assembly 500, and the drive gears 200 are connected to the drive motor 100.

[0062] Among them, such as Figure 3 As shown, at a first axial position A, a portion of the floating gear 300 is engaged with at least the drive gear 200, and the other portion of the floating gear 300 is connected to the transmission component 600; at a second axial position B, a portion of the floating gear 300 is engaged with another floating gear 300 located at the first axial position A, and the other portion of the floating gear 300 is connected to the transmission component 600; at a third axial position C, a portion of the floating gear 300 is disengaged from at least the drive gear 200, and the other portion of the floating gear 300 is disengaged from the transmission component 600.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown in the upper half of the diagram, when a single door needs to be opened, if it is the left door, the left switching device 400 is activated upon receiving a command. The left floating gear 300 is fully compressed and moves to the first axial position A. Its outer ring teeth disengage from the right floating gear 300 and engage with the drive gear 200. At this time, the left floating gear 300, after being compressed, engages with the transmission component 600. The drive motor 100 then rotates, and the power is transmitted through the drive gear 200, the left floating gear 300, the left transmission component 600, and the push rod assembly 500 to push out the left door 800. If the right door needs to be opened, the right floating gear 300 is adjusted to the first axial position A.

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown in the lower half of the diagram, when both doors need to open simultaneously, the switching devices 400 on both sides are activated by a command. The left floating gear 300 is fully compressed and moves to the first axial position A, while the right floating gear 300 is not fully compressed and moves to the second axial position B. At this time, the left floating gear 300 engages not only with the drive gear 200 but also with the right floating gear 300. Both floating gears 300 are engaged with their respective transmission components 600. For the left push rod assembly 500, power is transmitted via the drive gear 200, the left floating gear 300, the left transmission component 600, and finally to the left push rod assembly 500. For the right push rod assembly 500, power is transmitted via the drive gear 200, the left floating gear 300, the right floating gear 300, the right transmission component 600, and finally to the right push rod assembly 500. The floating gear 300 acts as a transition wheel. Considering durability, in actual use, the double-door opening can be set up to have two floating gears 300 working in turn, that is, the left floating gear 300 acts as the transition wheel in the first cycle, and the right floating gear 300 acts as the transition wheel in the second cycle, so as to balance the life of the parts.

[0065] In this invention, a single drive motor 100 can be used to achieve both single-sided and double-sided door opening. Single-sided door opening is achieved by positioning one floating gear 300 at a first axial position A and the other floating gear 300 at a third axial position C. Double-sided door opening is achieved by positioning one floating gear 300 at a first axial position A and the other floating gear 300 at a second axial position B. The forward and reverse rotation of the drive motor 100 enables separate opening and closing of the door. Therefore, this solution achieves low-cost automatic door opening and allows selection of which side to open.

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the actuating mechanism includes a body 410, a movable rod 420, and a top block 430 connected to the movable rod 420. The movable rod 420 is movably configured relative to the body 410, causing the top block 430 to move between a position in contact with the floating gear 300 and a position of disengagement. The top block 430 has an inclined contact surface 431 for contacting the floating gear 300. This allows control over the extension distance of the top block 430 driven by the movable rod 420, thereby controlling the contact position between the floating gear 300 and the contact surface 431, and ultimately controlling the different axial positions of the floating gear 300. Thus, convenient and reliable control of the floating gear 300 is achieved. The actuating mechanism can preferably be a solenoid valve.

[0067] like Figures 5-7As shown, in a preferred embodiment, an elastic member 340 is provided between the transmission component 600 and the floating gear 300. The elastic member 340 provides a restoring force to the floating gear 300 as it moves to the third axial position C. After the switching device 400 disengages from contact with the floating gear 300, the elastic member 340 allows the floating gear 300 to automatically return to the third axial position C, i.e., automatically return to a non-working state, which facilitates automatic disengagement from operation.

[0068] like Figures 5-7 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the floating gear 300 is provided with a first mating part 310, and the transmission component 600 is provided with a second mating part 610. The first mating part 310 and the second mating part 610 are connected or disengaged by movement in the axial direction. This facilitates the mating of the transmission component 600 and the floating gear 300, and only occupies axial space without affecting their respective transmission connections with other components.

[0069] like Figures 5-7 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the transmission component 600 includes a base 630, which is directly or indirectly connected to the push rod assembly 500. The size of the second mating part 610 is smaller than that of the base 630. The base 630 thus axially limits the position of the first mating part 310 in the axial direction, preventing the first mating part 310 from affecting the transmission connection between the base 630 and the push rod assembly 500.

[0070] like Figures 5-7 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the first mating part 310 has a pin hole 330 or a pin 620 at its center, and the second mating part 610 has a corresponding pin hole 330 and pin 620 at its center. A limiting groove 320 is formed between the outer contour of the first mating part 310 and the pin hole 330 or pin 620, and an elastic member 340 is disposed within the limiting groove 320. This not only restricts the position of the elastic member 340, but also prevents the elastic member 340 from occupying space in other locations.

[0071] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the transmission component 600 includes a base 630 with a gear profile, and the push rod assembly 500 has a slider portion 510. A first rack 511 is provided on the side of the slider portion 510 adjacent to the transmission component 600. The base 630 meshes with the slider portion 510 for transmission. The rack and gear enable stable and precise movement of the slider portion 510, reliably transmitting motion.

[0072] like Figures 5-8As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the side of the slider portion 510 that is not adjacent to the transmission component 600 has a second rack 512, and a driven gear 540 is also provided on the side where the second rack 512 is located. The second rack 512 meshes with the driven gear 540 for transmission. Thus, the driven gear 540 and the transmission component 600 restrict the movement of the slider portion 510 on one hand, and on the other hand, achieve balanced force on both sides of the slider portion 510.

[0073] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the push rod assembly 500 includes a slider portion 510, a rod portion 520, and a contact portion 530. The door opening drive device includes a housing 700, with two sets of pushing mechanisms, a drive motor 100, and a drive gear 200 located inside the housing 700. The rod portion 520 passes through the housing 700, and the contact portion 530 is located outside the housing 700. This ensures that the internal structure is not affected by external factors, guaranteeing internal reliability.

[0074] This embodiment also discloses a double-door refrigerator, including a cabinet and two doors 800. The double-door refrigerator also includes a door opening drive device E, which is fixed on the cabinet. The push rod assemblies 500 of the two push mechanisms are respectively arranged toward one door 800.

[0075] This invention enables one-sided or double-sided door opening through a low-cost structure, offering multiple functions, simple control, and low cost.

[0076] While specific embodiments of this utility model have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of this utility model, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A door opening drive device, characterized in that, The door opening drive device includes two sets of pushing mechanisms, a drive motor, and a drive gear. Each pushing mechanism includes a push rod assembly, a floating gear, a switching device, and a transmission component. The switching device drives the floating gear to move axially. The transmission component is drively connected to the push rod assembly. The drive gear is connected to the drive motor. In a first axial position, a portion of the floating gear is at least engaged with the drive gear, and another portion of the floating gear is connected to the transmission component; In a second axial position, a portion of the floating gear meshes with another floating gear located in a first axial position, and the other portion of the floating gear is connected to the transmission component; In a third axial position, at least a portion of the floating gear is disengaged from the drive gear, and another portion of the floating gear is disengaged from the transmission component.

2. The door opening drive device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, An elastic component is provided between the transmission component and the floating gear, and the elastic component is used to provide a restoring force for the floating gear when it moves to the third axial position.

3. The door opening drive device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The floating gear is provided with a first mating part, and the transmission component is provided with a second mating part. The first mating part and the second mating part are connected or disengaged by moving in the axial direction.

4. The door opening drive device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The transmission component includes a base, which is directly or indirectly connected to the push rod assembly, and the size of the second mating part is smaller than the size of the base.

5. The door opening drive device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first mating part has a pin hole or pin at its center, and the second mating part has a corresponding pin hole and pin at its center. A limiting groove is formed between the outer contour of the first mating part and the pin hole or pin, and an elastic component is provided in the limiting groove.

6. The door opening drive device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pushing mechanism includes a body, a movable rod, and a top block connected to the movable rod. The movable rod is movably configured relative to the body, causing the top block to move between a position in contact with the floating gear and a position out of contact with the floating gear. The top block has an inclined contact surface for contacting the floating gear.

7. The door opening drive device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission component includes a base with a gear profile, the push rod assembly has a slider portion, the slider portion has a first rack on the side adjacent to the transmission component, and the base engages with the slider portion for transmission.

8. The door opening drive device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The slider part has a second rack on the side not adjacent to the transmission component, and a driven gear is also provided on the side where the second rack is located. The second rack meshes with the driven gear for transmission.

9. The door opening drive device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The push rod assembly includes a slider part, a rod part, and a contact part. The door opening drive device includes a housing. The two sets of pushing mechanisms, the drive motor, and the drive gear are located inside the housing. The rod part passes through the housing, and the contact part is located outside the housing.

10. A double-door refrigerator, comprising a cabinet and two doors, characterized in that, The double-door refrigerator further includes a door opening drive device as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the door opening drive device is fixed on the cabinet body, and the push rod assemblies of the two sets of push mechanisms are respectively arranged facing one of the doors.

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