refrigerator

Abstract

This application discloses a refrigerator where the door is connected to the refrigerator body via a hinge structure. The hinge structure includes a hinge base, a hinge shaft, and an adjusting shim. The adjusting shim is fitted onto the hinge shaft, and the hinge shaft is rotatably connected to the hinge base. A second mating part on the adjusting shim engages with a first mating part on the hinge base. When the adjusting shim rotates relative to the hinge base, its height in the height direction of the refrigerator body can be adjusted. In the refrigerator disclosed in this application, the height of the door body can be adjusted by adjusting the height of the adjusting shim relative to the hinge base. This is not only convenient and quick to operate, but also ensures that the adjusting shim is stably fitted onto the outer periphery of the hinge shaft, preventing it from popping off the hinge shaft and contributing to a stable connection of the adjusting shim.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of household appliance technology, and more particularly to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, refrigerator doors are typically connected to the refrigerator body via hinges. Generally, the refrigerator body is roughly square in shape, and correspondingly, the refrigerator door is also roughly square in shape. When the door is installed on one side of the refrigerator body via a hinge along its width, the hinge will cause a visual height difference between the two sides of the refrigerator door.

[0003] To adjust for this deviation, different shims are often used to raise the hinge to different heights. To facilitate installation of the shims at the hinge, they are usually designed as "C"-shaped shims. However, when the door is subjected to significant external force, the hinge may be impacted, potentially squeezing out the "C"-shaped shims and causing the shim to fail. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application discloses a refrigerator that improves the appearance of the refrigerator door while facilitating the adjustment of the height difference between the two sides of the refrigerator door.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application discloses a refrigerator, comprising: The container has a storage compartment; A door, rotatably connected to the housing, configured to close or open the storage compartment; A hinge structure configured to connect the door body and the housing, such that the door body is rotatably connected to the housing, the hinge structure comprising: A hinge seat is fixedly connected to the housing, and the hinge seat is provided with a shaft hole; A hinge shaft, one end of which passes through the shaft hole and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the door body to drive the door body to close or open the storage room; An adjusting shim is configured as a closed annular shim, the adjusting shim is sleeved on the outer periphery of the hinge shaft, and the adjusting shim is rotatable relative to the hinge seat; The hinge seat is provided with: The first mating part is disposed on one side surface of the hinge seat along the axial direction of the hinge axis; The adjusting shim is provided with: The second mating part is disposed on the side surface of the adjusting shim facing the hinge seat; The adjusting shim can rotate relative to the hinge seat so that the second mating part can engage with the first mating part to adjust the height of the adjusting shim relative to the hinge seat along the height direction of the housing.

[0006] In the refrigerator disclosed in this application, a hinge structure is provided so that the door can be installed on the cabinet during installation. The hinge structure includes a hinge seat and a hinge shaft. The hinge seat is installed on the cabinet, and the hinge shaft connects the door to the hinge seat. Thus, the hinge seat supports the door, allowing the door to rotate relative to the cabinet. Furthermore, this application adds an adjusting shim, which is fitted onto the hinge shaft. A first mating part is provided on the surface of the hinge seat opposite the adjusting shim, and a second mating part is provided on the adjusting shim. Thus, when the height of the door relative to the cabinet needs to be adjusted, it can be achieved through the rotational connection of the first and second mating parts. In other words, through the cooperation of the first and second mating parts, the height of the door can be adjusted by adjusting the height of the adjusting shim relative to the hinge seat. This is not only convenient and quick to operate, but also ensures that the adjusting shim is stably fitted onto the outer circumference of the hinge shaft. That is, the adjusting shim can be constructed as an adjusting shim with a closed ring, so there is no need to set a notch on the outer periphery of the adjusting shim, which effectively avoids the situation that the adjusting shim is easy to fall off the hinge shaft due to the notch on the outer periphery, and is conducive to the stable connection between the adjusting shim, the hinge shaft and the hinge seat.

[0007] As some alternative implementations, one of the first mating portion and the second mating portion includes a first protrusion, and the other includes at least two second protrusions with a height difference between the two second protrusions. When the adjusting shim rotates relative to the first mating portion, the first protrusion rotates relative to the two second protrusions to adjust the height of the adjusting shim.

[0008] When one of the first mating parts includes a first protrusion and the other includes two second protrusions, if the first mating part rotates relative to the second mating part, and the first protrusion is located on the first mating part and the second protrusion is located on the second mating part, then the first protrusion can rotate relative to the second protrusions. The first protrusion can be displaced from one of the second protrusions to the other for mating connection. Since the two second protrusions have different heights, the mating heights corresponding to the first protrusions are different. Therefore, by rotating the adjusting shim, the first protrusion can mate with second protrusions of different heights, thereby adjusting the height of the adjusting shim and thus adjusting the height of the door relative to the cabinet. This adjustment method is convenient and quick to operate, improving user ease of use.

[0009] Furthermore, since both the first and second mating parts adopt a design including protrusions, and the fit between the first and second protrusions is stable, it can effectively ensure that the adjusting shim can also remain at the current adjusted height after height adjustment, thus effectively ensuring the stability and reliability of the refrigerator door height adjustment.

[0010] As some alternative implementations, a plurality of second protrusions are connected sequentially in the circumferential direction around the hinge axis, and the protrusion height of each second protrusion in the axial direction of the hinge axis is different along the circumferential direction of the hinge axis.

[0011] In both the first and second mating parts, there can be multiple second protrusions, and the protrusion height of each second protrusion is different. When the first protrusion mates with second protrusions of different heights, the adjusting shims can be raised to different heights. This allows the door to have multiple adjustable heights, facilitating more accurate height adjustment and ensuring the door's appearance and installation height better meet requirements, thus improving its overall aesthetic appeal.

[0012] In addition, when the second protrusions are connected in sequence, the displacement of the first protrusion between different second protrusions can be more convenient. That is, after the first protrusion is engaged with a second protrusion, the first engaging part only needs to be slightly rotated relative to the second engaging part to engage with a second protrusion of another height, thereby realizing the adjustment of the height of the adjusting shim. The operation is convenient and quick, which helps to improve the adjustment efficiency of the door height.

[0013] As some alternative implementations, the protrusion height of each of the second protrusions varies sequentially along the circumferential direction of the hinge axis.

[0014] When setting the second protrusion, the second protrusions are connected sequentially, and the protrusion height of each second protrusion changes sequentially. For example, the protrusion height of each second protrusion increases sequentially, or the protrusion height of each second protrusion decreases sequentially. In this way, when technicians or users adjust the adjusting shims, they can easily perceive the adjustment position and corresponding adjustment height of the adjusting shims, which facilitates operation by technicians or users and helps to achieve rapid height adjustment of the door.

[0015] As some alternative implementations, the height difference between two adjacent second protrusions is h, satisfying: 0.3mm ≤ h ≤ 1mm; and / or, The surface of the second protrusion along the height direction of the box is an arc surface, and the connection between two adjacent second protrusions is an arc transition.

[0016] In this application, the height difference between two adjacent second protrusions is controlled within 0.3mm-1mm. This is to avoid the height difference being too small. If h is less than 0.3mm, not only will the height change during single-level height adjustment be too small, hindering rapid adjustment of large spans, but also making effective processing difficult. Conversely, it avoids the height difference being too large. If h is greater than 1mm, the large height difference may make it difficult to adjust the position of the first protrusion from one second protrusion to another, inconvenient for technicians or users. Furthermore, a large height difference may result in an excessively high door height after a single adjustment, making it impossible to balance the heights of both sides of the door. Therefore, controlling the height difference between two adjacent second protrusions within 0.3mm-1mm not only facilitates rapid adjustment of larger height differences but also avoids the adjustment shims becoming stuck due to an excessively large height difference.

[0017] Furthermore, when designing the second protrusion, the surfaces of two adjacent second protrusions at the height of the housing are curved, and the transition between them is also curved. In other words, when the first protrusion moves between the two second protrusions, the curved surfaces of the second protrusions and the curved transition between adjacent second protrusions facilitate the movement of the first protrusion, allowing it to move from one second protrusion to the other. This makes it easier for technicians or users to adjust the height of the adjusting shims.

[0018] As some optional implementations, there are multiple first protrusions and multiple second protrusions, with multiple first protrusions connected sequentially in the circumferential direction around the hinge axis, and multiple second protrusions connected sequentially in the circumferential direction around the hinge axis, with at least one first protrusion and at least one second protrusion cooperating and connected.

[0019] In the first and second mating parts disclosed in this application, each of the first and second mating parts may have multiple first and second protrusions. These multiple first and second protrusions cooperate with each other, making the connection between the first and second mating parts more stable. This ensures that the adjusting shim remains in its current position after one adjustment unless further external force is applied. When adjusting the height without rotating the adjusting shim, the cooperation between the multiple first and second protrusions prevents the first and second mating parts from moving independently and causing a change in the height of the adjusting shim.

[0020] As some alternative implementations, the adjusting shim is provided with a plurality of second mating portions in the circumferential direction about the hinge axis, and the plurality of second mating portions are spaced apart; There are multiple first mating parts, and each first mating part is provided corresponding to each second mating part.

[0021] In this application, the number of first and second mating parts is multiple, and these multiple first and second mating parts are matched one-to-one in the circumferential direction of the hinge shaft. On the one hand, the first mating parts can better support the second mating parts, effectively supporting and supporting the adjusting shim. On the other hand, the multiple first and second mating parts are connected so that when the adjusting shim is not adjusted, the position of the adjusting shim can be locked between the first and second mating parts, preventing the adjusting shim from rotating on its own and causing a change in the height of the adjusting shim.

[0022] As some alternative implementations, the adjusting shim is further provided with: A stop portion is located between two adjacent second mating portions in the circumferential direction of the hinge shaft and is spaced apart from the second mating portions. The stop portion is configured to abut against the second mating portions to limit the mating position of the first mating portion and the second mating portions.

[0023] A stop is provided between the two second mating parts in the circumferential direction of the hinge shaft. When the second mating part mates with the first mating part, the stop is also located between the two first mating parts. When the adjusting shim rotates relative to the hinge seat, the stop can rotate toward the first mating part. If the second mating part rotates excessively relative to the first mating part, the stop can abut against the first mating part, thereby limiting the mating position of the first and second mating parts and preventing the second mating part from dislodging from the first mating part, which would cause the adjusting shim to fail to rise.

[0024] As some alternative implementations, the hinge structure further includes: A magnetic element is disposed on the outer periphery of the hinge shaft and located between the adjusting shim and the hinge seat along the height direction of the housing. The magnetic element is configured to magnetically attract the adjusting shim to maintain the position of the adjusting shim.

[0025] In the hinge structure disclosed in this application, a magnetic element is provided between the adjusting shim and the hinge seat. Since the adjusting shim is usually made of metal, the magnetic element can magnetically hold the adjusting shim in place. When the adjusting shim is subjected to an external force and moves while in its held position, the magnetic element can magnetically hold the adjusting shim in place, preventing the adjusting shim from moving and thus helping to maintain the position of the adjusting shim.

[0026] As some alternative implementations, the adjusting shim includes: Gasket body, wherein the gasket body is provided with the second mating part; An adjustment part is provided along the height direction of the housing on the side of the gasket body away from the second mating part. The adjustment part is constructed in the shape of a nut and is configured to be turned by an adjustment tool to make the adjustment gasket rotate relative to the first mating part.

[0027] In the adjusting shim of this application, while the shim body is provided with a second mating part, an adjusting part is provided on the other side of the shim body. The adjusting part is nut-shaped. On the one hand, the adjusting part and the second mating part are integrally provided on the adjusting shim, allowing users or technicians to directly adjust the height of the adjusting shim by acting on the adjusting part. This improves the convenience of adjustment and reduces the material of the hinge structure, facilitating the installation of the hinge structure. On the other hand, when the adjusting part is constructed as a nut, technicians can directly adjust the adjusting shim with tools such as a wrench, further improving the convenience of adjusting the adjusting shim.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, this application has at least the following beneficial effects: In the refrigerator disclosed in this application, a hinge structure is provided so that the door can be installed on the cabinet during installation. The hinge structure includes a hinge seat and a hinge shaft. The hinge seat is installed on the cabinet, and the hinge shaft connects the door to the hinge seat. Thus, the hinge seat supports the door, allowing the door to rotate relative to the cabinet. Furthermore, this application adds an adjusting shim, which is fitted onto the hinge shaft. A first mating part is provided on the surface of the hinge seat opposite the adjusting shim, and a second mating part is provided on the adjusting shim. Thus, when the height of the door relative to the cabinet needs to be adjusted, it can be achieved through the rotational connection of the first and second mating parts. In other words, through the cooperation of the first and second mating parts, the height of the door can be adjusted by adjusting the height of the adjusting shim relative to the hinge seat. This is not only convenient and quick to operate, but also ensures that the adjusting shim is stably fitted onto the outer circumference of the hinge shaft. That is, the adjusting shim can be constructed as an adjusting shim with a closed ring, so there is no need to set a notch on the outer periphery of the adjusting shim, which effectively avoids the situation that the adjusting shim is easy to fall off the hinge shaft due to the notch on the outer periphery, and is conducive to the stable connection between the adjusting shim, the hinge shaft and the hinge seat. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments 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.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a hinge structure in a related technology. Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the refrigerator disclosed in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an explosion of a refrigerator as disclosed in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge structure disclosed in the embodiments of this application; Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the hinge structure disclosed in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is another exploded view of the hinge structure disclosed in the embodiments of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adjusting shim disclosed in the embodiments of this application; Figure 8 This is another exploded view of the hinge structure disclosed in the embodiments of this application; Figure 9 This is an isometric view of the adjusting shim disclosed in the embodiments of this application; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustment of the adjustment shim disclosed in the embodiments of this application.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100. Refrigerator; 1. Cabinet; 11. Storage compartment; 11a. First sub-storage compartment; 11b. Second sub-storage compartment; 2. Door; 3. Hinge structure; 31. Hinge seat; 31a. Shaft hole; 311. First mating part; 311a. First protrusion; 32. Hinge shaft; 33. Adjusting shim; 331. Second mating part; 331a. Second protrusion; 332. Stop; 34. Magnetic component; 33a. Shim body; 33b. Adjusting part; 200. Adjustment tools. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," and "middle," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0034] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, components, or parts (which may be the same or different in specific type and construction), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, components, or parts. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0037] Currently, refrigerator doors are typically connected to the refrigerator body via hinges. Generally, the refrigerator body is roughly square, and correspondingly, the refrigerator door is also roughly square. When the door is hinged to the body on one side of the refrigerator's width, the hinge can cause a visual height discrepancy between the two sides of the door. For example, in a double-door refrigerator, with a door connected to both the left and right sides of the refrigerator body, and each door connected by a hinge, the installation height of the two doors may have a certain installation deviation, resulting in a visual discrepancy in the installation position of the refrigerator door.

[0038] To adjust for this deviation, various shims of different heights are often used in related technologies. To facilitate installation at the hinge, the shims are typically designed as "C"-shaped shims. For example, the "C"-shaped shim can be directly inserted into the hinge shaft through the notch or removed from the hinge shaft. However, when the door is subjected to significant external force, the hinge may be impacted, and the notch in the "C"-shaped shim may force it out, causing the shim to fail to raise the hinge. Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 The location indicated by the middle arrow is the notch of the "C" shaped shim. The "C" shaped shim may come off the hinge shaft from this location, causing the shim to fail.

[0039] Based on this, this application discloses a refrigerator in which the adjusting shim is constructed as a closed annular shim, and the adjusting shim can be sleeved on the hinge shaft, thus preventing the adjusting shim from coming off the hinge shaft. Moreover, the adjusting shim can rotate relative to the hinge seat, and the second mating part on the adjusting shim can be engaged with the first mating part of the hinge seat, thereby adjusting the height of the adjusting shim, thereby adjusting the height of the door and improving the visual deviation caused by the installation of the door.

[0040] The technical solution of this application will be further described below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0041] Please see Figure 2 This application discloses a refrigerator 100, which can be, for example, a double-door refrigerator 100, a single-door refrigerator 100, a three-door refrigerator 100, or a French door refrigerator 100. Alternatively, it can be a French door refrigerator 100, that is, the upper part is a double-door refrigerator compartment, providing users with spacious storage space, and the lower part is usually a drawer-type freezer compartment, which makes it easier to classify, store, and access frozen foods. The specific form is not limited in this application embodiment.

[0042] It is understandable that this single-door refrigerator may include an upper door and a lower door. When the upper and lower doors are installed by hinges, there may be a significant deviation in the distance between the upper and lower doors in the height direction of the refrigerator body. For example, if the distance between the upper and lower doors is too small or too large, it will affect the visual effect of the door being installed on the refrigerator body.

[0043] Double-door refrigerators can have a left door and a right door in the width direction of the refrigerator body. When the left and right doors are installed by hinges, there may be a large visual difference in the position of the left and right doors in the width direction of the refrigerator body. For example, if one side of the door is too high or too low, it will affect the visual effect of the door being installed on the refrigerator body.

[0044] A three-door refrigerator, compared to a single-door refrigerator, adds a middle door, meaning that along the height of the refrigerator body, the doors consist of an upper door, a middle door, and a lower door. When the upper, middle, and lower doors are installed using hinges, the distances between them along the height of the refrigerator body may vary significantly. For example, if the distances between the upper, middle, and lower doors are too small or too large, it will affect the visual appearance of the doors installed on the refrigerator body.

[0045] A cross-door refrigerator has both its upper and lower doors designed as double doors along the height of the cabinet. This means that not only will there be visual misalignment in the height of the doors, but the double-door structure also causes visual misalignment in the width of the cabinet.

[0046] Therefore, when the door is connected to the box via a hinge structure, the height deviation of the door can be adjusted by setting shims.

[0047] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 includes a cabinet 1 that defines a storage compartment 11 for storing food. The storage compartment 11 may include a freezer compartment, a refrigerator compartment, or a variable temperature compartment, etc.

[0048] Understandably, the temperature of a refrigerator compartment is typically between 0°C and 8°C, keeping food refrigerated. The temperature of a freezer compartment is typically between -14°C and -26°C, keeping food frozen. The temperature of a variable-temperature compartment is generally adjustable between 0°C and -7°C, or can be directly set to -18°C for use as a freezer.

[0049] Optionally, the storage room 11 may include a first sub-storage room 11a and a second sub-storage room 11b, with the second sub-storage room 11b located below the first sub-storage room 11a along the height direction of the housing 1.

[0050] It is understandable that either the first sub-storage compartment 11a or the second sub-storage compartment 11b could be a freezer compartment or a refrigerator compartment. Alternatively, one could be a variable temperature compartment or the other a freezer compartment.

[0051] Of course, the first sub-storage chamber 11a and the second sub-storage chamber 11b can also be set along the width of the box body 1, with one sub-storage chamber 11 on each side.

[0052] Understandably, in Figure 2 In the example, X indicates the width of box 1, Y indicates the depth of box 1, and Z indicates the height of box 1.

[0053] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 includes a door 2, which is movably connected to the cabinet 1 to open or close the storage compartment 11 to prevent cold air from leaking out of the storage compartment 11.

[0054] It is understandable that doors 2 are also installed outside the storage rooms 11, such as freezers and variable temperature rooms, to close or open these storage rooms 11.

[0055] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 further includes a refrigeration module (not shown), which is disposed inside the cabinet 1. The refrigeration module can lower the temperature inside the storage compartment 11 to different temperatures to meet the different storage needs of users.

[0056] Optionally, the refrigeration module can be a direct refrigeration module or an air-cooled refrigeration module.

[0057] Specifically, a direct refrigeration module may include a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and capillary tube. The refrigerant first passes through the compressor and condenser to become a high-pressure refrigerant liquid. The high-pressure refrigerant from the condenser is then throttled through the capillary tube to become a low-pressure refrigerant liquid. It first enters the high-temperature evaporator in the refrigerator compartment, where partial evaporation and vaporization occur, before entering the low-temperature evaporator in the freezer compartment. During low-temperature evaporation, after sufficient vaporization, it is drawn into the compressor for compression, and then condensed back into a liquid by the condenser. This cycle continues continuously, achieving the refrigeration effect.

[0058] An air-cooled refrigeration module may include a compressor, condenser, evaporator, capillary tube, and fan. After the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and capillary tube generate cold air through the cooling process, the fan blows air onto the evaporator. The air passing through the evaporator becomes cold air, which can be blown into the refrigerator compartment and freezer compartment for cooling.

[0059] In some embodiments, the refrigerator 100 also includes a control board (not shown), which is electrically connected to a structure such as a refrigeration module to control the operation of the refrigerator 100.

[0060] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some implementations, the refrigerator 100 also includes a hinge structure 3, which is configured to connect the door 2 to the cabinet 1 so that the door 2 is rotatably connected to the cabinet 1.

[0061] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the hinge structure 3 includes a hinge base 31 and a hinge shaft 32. The hinge base 31 is fixedly connected to the housing 1, and the hinge base 31 is provided with a shaft hole 31a. One end of the hinge shaft 32 passes through the shaft hole 31a, and the other end of the hinge shaft 32 is rotatably connected to the door body 2.

[0062] It is understood that this application achieves the rotational connection of the door body 2 relative to the box body 1 through the cooperation of the hinge shaft 32 and the hinge seat 31.

[0063] Please see Figure 6 In some embodiments, the hinge structure 3 includes an adjusting shim 33, which is configured as a closed annular shim. The adjusting shim 33 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the hinge shaft 32 and is rotatable relative to the hinge seat 31.

[0064] In other words, the adjusting shim 33 of this application can be sleeved on the outer periphery of the hinge shaft 32. The outer periphery of the adjusting shim is not provided with a notch and communicates with the shaft hole on which the adjusting shim is sleeved on the hinge shaft, thereby avoiding the notch design of the "C"-shaped shim and preventing the adjusting shim 33 from falling off the hinge shaft 32.

[0065] Please see Figure 6In some embodiments, the hinge seat 31 is provided with a first mating part 311, which is disposed on one side surface of the hinge seat 31 along the axial direction of the hinge shaft 32. The adjusting shim 33 is provided with a second mating part 331, which is disposed on the side surface of the adjusting shim 33 facing the hinge seat 31. The adjusting shim 33 is rotatable relative to the hinge seat 31 so that the second mating part 331 can engage with the first mating part 311 to adjust the height of the adjusting shim 33 relative to the hinge seat 31 in the height direction along the housing 1.

[0066] It is understandable that the axial direction of the hinge seat 31 is in the same direction as the height direction of the housing 1.

[0067] In the refrigerator 100 disclosed in this application, the door 2 is installed on the cabinet 1 via a hinge structure 3. In the hinge structure 3, a hinge seat 31 is installed on the cabinet 1, and a hinge shaft 32 connects the hinge shaft 32 to the door 2. Thus, the hinge seat 31 can support the door 2, thereby enabling the door 2 to rotate. Furthermore, this application adds an adjusting shim 33, which is fitted onto the hinge shaft 32. A first mating part 311 is provided on the surface of the hinge seat 31 opposite to the adjusting shim 33, and a corresponding second mating part 331 is provided on the adjusting shim 33. Therefore, when it is necessary to adjust the height of the door 2 relative to the cabinet 1, this can be achieved through the rotational connection of the first mating part 311 and the second mating part 331. In other words, by cooperating with the first mating part 311 and the second mating part 331, the height of the door body 2 can be adjusted by adjusting the height of the adjusting shim 33 relative to the hinge seat 31. This not only makes the operation convenient and quick, but also ensures that the adjusting shim 33 can be stably fitted onto the outer periphery of the hinge shaft 32. Specifically, the adjusting shim 33 can be constructed as a closed annular adjusting shim 33, thus eliminating the need for notches on the outer periphery of the adjusting shim 33. This effectively prevents the adjusting shim 33 from easily detaching from the hinge shaft 32 due to notches on its outer periphery, and facilitates a stable connection between the adjusting shim 33, the hinge shaft 32, and the hinge seat 31.

[0068] For example, when the second mating part 331 of the adjusting shim 33 is connected to the first mating part 311, it can be a convex fit or a threaded fit. For instance, both the first mating part 311 and the second mating part 331 are provided with convex parts. The convex parts on both parts cause the second mating part 331 to be pushed up relative to the first mating part 311 in the axial direction of the hinge shaft 32, thereby realizing the adjustment of the height of the adjusting shim 33. As another example, the first mating part 311 can be a protrusion on the hinge seat 31 with a thread on its surface. The second mating part 331 is a thread on the surface of the adjusting shim 33, with the thread extending in the axial direction of the hinge shaft 32. When the adjusting shim rotates relative to the first mating part 311, the engagement of the first and second mating parts allows the adjusting shim to move in the axial direction of the hinge shaft, thereby adjusting the height of the adjusting shim 33 to different heights, thus realizing the adjustment of the door body 2 at different heights.

[0069] To facilitate understanding of the solution in this application, the following explanation will be based on the example where both the first mating part 311 and the second mating part 331 are convex parts.

[0070] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, one of the first mating part 311 and the second mating part 331 includes a first protrusion 311a, and the other includes at least two second protrusions 331a. There is a height difference between the two second protrusions 331a. When the adjusting shim 33 rotates relative to the first mating part 311, the first protrusion 311a rotates relative to the two second protrusions 331a to adjust the height of the adjusting shim 33.

[0071] In the adjustment process of the hinge structure 3 of this application, when one of the first mating parts 311 and the second mating part 331 includes a first protrusion 311a and the other includes two second protrusions 331a, if the first mating part 311 rotates relative to the second mating part 331, and the first protrusion 311a is located on the first mating part 311 and the second protrusion 331a is located on the second mating part 331, then the first protrusion 311a can rotate relative to the second protrusion 331a. The first protrusion 311a can be displaced from one of the second protrusions 331a to the other for mating connection. Since the heights of the two second protrusions 331a are different, the mating heights corresponding to the first protrusion 311a are different. Thus, by rotating the adjusting shim 33, the first protrusion 311a can be mated with the second protrusions 331a of different heights, thereby realizing the adjustment of the height of the adjusting shim 33, and thus realizing the adjustment of the height of the door relative to the box 1. This adjustment method is convenient and quick to operate, which helps to improve the user's ease of operation.

[0072] For example, the first mating part 311 may include a first protrusion 311a, and the second mating part 331 may include two second protrusions 331a. The first protrusion 311a rotates relative to the two second protrusions 331a so that the first protrusion 311a can abut against the two second protrusions 331a along the height direction of the housing 1, thereby realizing the adjustment of the different heights of the adjusting shim 33. Alternatively, the first mating part 311 may include two second protrusions 331a, or the first mating part 311 may include a first protrusion 311a.

[0073] In some embodiments, there are multiple first protrusions 311a and multiple second protrusions 331a. Multiple first protrusions 311a are connected in sequence around the circumferential direction of the hinge shaft 32, and multiple second protrusions 331a are connected in sequence around the circumferential direction of the hinge shaft 32. At least one first protrusion 311a and at least one second protrusion 331a are connected in a cooperative manner.

[0074] In the first mating part 311 and the second mating part 331 disclosed in this application, both the first mating part 311 and the second mating part 331 are provided with multiple first protrusions 311a and multiple second protrusions 331a. The multiple first protrusions 311a and multiple second protrusions 331a cooperate with each other, making the connection between the first mating part 311 and the second mating part 331 more stable. This allows the adjusting shim 33 to remain in its current position after one adjustment unless further external force is applied. When the height is adjusted without rotating the adjusting shim 33, the cooperation between the multiple first protrusions 311a and multiple second protrusions 331a can prevent the first mating part 311 and the second mating part 331 from moving on their own, thus avoiding changes in the height of the adjusting shim 33.

[0075] Please see Figure 7 In some embodiments, a plurality of second protrusions 331a are connected sequentially around the circumferential direction of the hinge shaft 32, and the protrusion height of each second protrusion 331a in the axial direction of the hinge shaft 32 is different along the circumferential direction of the hinge shaft 32.

[0076] It is understandable that when there are multiple first protrusions 311a, the arrangement of the first protrusions 311a should be the same as that of multiple second protrusions 331a connected in sequence, and the protrusion height of each first protrusion 311a should be different.

[0077] In the first mating part 311 and the second mating part 331, there can be multiple second protrusions 331a, and the protrusion height of each second protrusion 331a is different. When the first protrusion 311a mates with second protrusions 331a of different heights, the adjusting shim 33 is raised to different heights. In this way, the door body 2 can have different adjustable heights, which helps to more accurately adjust the height of the door body 2, so that the door body 2 can better meet the installation requirements in terms of appearance and installation height, thus improving the appearance of the door body 2.

[0078] In addition, when the second protrusions 331a are connected in sequence, the displacement of the first protrusion 311a between different second protrusions 331a is more convenient. That is, after the first protrusion 311a is engaged with a second protrusion 331a, the first engaging part 311 only needs to rotate slightly relative to the second engaging part 331 to make the first protrusion 311a engage with a second protrusion 331a of another height, thereby realizing the adjustment of the height of the adjusting shim 33. The operation is convenient and quick, which helps to improve the adjustment efficiency of the height of the door body 2.

[0079] Please see Figure 7 In some embodiments, the protrusion height of each second protrusion 331a varies sequentially along the circumferential direction of the hinge axis 32.

[0080] For example, when the second protrusions 331a are provided, the second protrusions 331a are connected sequentially and the protrusion height of each second protrusion 331a changes sequentially. For example, the protrusion height of each second protrusion 331a increases sequentially, or the protrusion height of each second protrusion 331a decreases sequentially. In this way, when technicians or users adjust the adjusting shim 33, they can easily perceive the adjustment position and corresponding adjustment height of the adjusting shim 33, which facilitates operation by technicians or users and helps to achieve rapid height adjustment of the door body 2.

[0081] In some embodiments, the surface of the second protrusion 331a along the height direction of the housing 1 is an arc surface, and the connection between two adjacent second protrusions 331a is an arc transition.

[0082] When the second protrusion 331a is configured, the surfaces of two adjacent second protrusions 331a at the height of the housing 1 are arc-shaped, and the transition between them is also arc-shaped. That is, when the first protrusion 311a moves between the two second protrusions 331a, the arc-shaped surfaces of the second protrusions 331a and the arc-shaped transition between the two adjacent second protrusions 331a facilitate the movement of the first protrusion 311a, making it easier for the first protrusion 311a to move from one second protrusion 331a to the other. This makes it easier for technicians or users to adjust the height of the adjusting shim 33.

[0083] Please see Figure 7 In some embodiments, the height difference between two adjacent second protrusions 331a is h, satisfying: 0.3mm≤h≤1mm.

[0084] For example, h can be 0.3mm-0.5mm, 0.5mm-0.7mm, 0.7mm-1mm, etc. For instance, h can be 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm, or 1mm, etc.

[0085] In setting the height difference between two adjacent second protrusions 331a, this application controls the height difference between the two adjacent second protrusions 331a to be between 0.3mm and 1mm. On the one hand, this avoids the height difference between the two adjacent second protrusions 331a being too small. If h is less than 0.3mm, not only will the height change difference be too small when adjusting the height at one level, making it inconvenient to quickly adjust the height of a large span, but also the height difference between the two adjacent second protrusions 331a being too small will make it difficult to achieve effective processing. On the other hand, this avoids the height difference between the two adjacent second protrusions 331a being too large. If h is greater than 1mm, the height difference between the two adjacent second protrusions 331a will be too large, which may make it difficult to adjust the position of the first protrusion 311a from one second protrusion 331a to another, making it inconvenient for technicians or users to operate. At the same time, if the height difference between the two adjacent second protrusions 331a is too large, it may cause the height of the door body 2 after one adjustment to be too high, resulting in an inability to balance the height of the two sides of the door body 2. Therefore, this application controls the height difference between two adjacent second protrusions 331a to 0.3mm-1mm, which not only facilitates the rapid adjustment of a large height difference, but also avoids the situation where the adjustment shim 33 gets stuck due to an excessively large height difference between the two adjacent second protrusions 331a.

[0086] In some embodiments, the adjusting shim 33 is provided with a plurality of second mating portions 331 in the circumferential direction around the hinge shaft 32, and the plurality of second mating portions 331 are spaced apart. There are a plurality of first mating portions 311, and each first mating portion 311 is provided corresponding to each second mating portion 331.

[0087] In this application, when the first mating part 311 and the second mating part 331 are provided, there are multiple first mating parts 311 and multiple second mating parts 331, which are matched one-to-one in the circumferential direction of the hinge shaft 32. On the one hand, the first mating part 311 can better support the second mating part 331, so as to effectively support and pad the adjusting shim 33. On the other hand, the multiple first mating parts 311 and multiple second mating parts 331 are connected, and when the adjusting shim 33 is not adjusted, the position of the adjusting shim 33 can be locked between each first mating part 311 and each second mating part 331, so as to prevent the adjusting shim 33 from rotating on its own and causing a change in the height of the adjusting shim 33.

[0088] Please see Figure 8 In some embodiments, the adjusting shim 33 is further provided with a stop portion 332, which is located between two adjacent second mating portions 331 in the circumferential direction of the hinge shaft 32 and is spaced apart from the second mating portions 331. The stop portion 332 is configured to abut against the second mating portions 331 to limit the mating position of the first mating portion 311 and the second mating portion 331.

[0089] For example, in the circumferential direction of the hinge shaft 32, a stop 332 is provided between the two second mating parts 331. When the second mating part 331 engages with the first mating part 311, the stop 332 is also located between the two first mating parts 311. When the adjusting shim 33 rotates relative to the hinge seat 31, the stop 332 can rotate toward the first mating part 311. If the second mating part 331 rotates excessively relative to the first mating part 311, the stop 332 can abut against the first mating part 311, thereby limiting the engagement position of the first mating part 311 and the second mating part 331, and preventing the second mating part 331 from dislodging from the first mating part 311 and causing the adjusting shim 33 to fail to rise.

[0090] Optionally, the stop portion 332 may be a protrusion, a protrusion, a protrusion, etc., and this application does not make specific limitations here.

[0091] Please see Figure 9 In some embodiments, the adjusting shim 33 includes a shim body 33a and an adjusting part 33b. The shim body 33a is provided with a second mating part 331. The adjusting part 33b is located along the height direction of the housing 1 on the side of the shim body 33a opposite to the second mating part 331. The adjusting part 33b is constructed in the shape of a nut and is configured to be turned by an adjusting tool to make the adjusting shim 33 rotate relative to the first mating part 311.

[0092] In the adjusting shim 33 of this application, while the shim body 33a is provided with a second mating part 331, an adjusting part 33b is provided on the other side of the shim body 33a. The adjusting part 33b is nut-shaped. On the one hand, the adjusting part 33b and the second mating part 331 are integrally provided on the adjusting shim 33, allowing users or technicians to directly adjust the height of the adjusting shim 33 by adjusting the adjusting part 33b. This improves the convenience of adjustment and reduces the material of the hinge structure 3, facilitating the installation of the hinge structure 3. On the other hand, when the adjusting part 33b is constructed as a nut, technicians can directly adjust the adjusting shim 33 with a wrench, further improving the convenience of adjusting the adjusting shim 33.

[0093] Optionally, the adjusting part 33b may be integrally formed with the gasket body 33a, or the nut may be welded to the gasket body 33a to form the adjusting part 33b. This application does not make specific limitations here.

[0094] Please see Figure 10 In some embodiments, the hinge structure 3 further includes a magnetic element 34, which is disposed on the outer periphery of the hinge shaft 32 and is located between the adjusting shim 33 and the hinge seat 31 along the height direction of the housing 1. The magnetic element 34 is configured to magnetically attract the adjusting shim 33 to maintain the position of the adjusting shim 33.

[0095] In the hinge structure 3 disclosed in this application, a magnetic element 34 is provided between the adjusting shim 33 and the hinge seat 31. Since the adjusting shim 33 is usually made of metal, the magnetic element 34 can magnetically hold the adjusting shim 33 in place. When the adjusting shim 33 is subjected to an external force and moves while in its held position, the magnetic element 34 can magnetically hold the adjusting shim 33 in place, preventing the adjusting shim 33 from moving and thus helping to maintain the position of the adjusting shim 33.

[0096] Optionally, the magnetic component 34 may be a magnet or an electromagnet, and this application does not specifically limit it.

[0097] The refrigerator disclosed in the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the refrigerator of this application and its core ideas. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The container has a storage compartment; A door, rotatably connected to the housing, configured to close or open the storage compartment; A hinge structure configured to connect the door body and the housing, such that the door body is rotatably connected to the housing, the hinge structure comprising: A hinge seat is fixedly connected to the housing, and the hinge seat is provided with a shaft hole; A hinge shaft, one end of which passes through the shaft hole and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the door body to drive the door body to close or open the storage room; An adjusting shim is configured as a closed annular shim, the adjusting shim is sleeved on the outer periphery of the hinge shaft, and the adjusting shim is rotatable relative to the hinge seat; The hinge base is provided with: The first mating part is disposed on one side surface of the hinge seat along the axial direction of the hinge axis; The adjusting shim is provided with: The second mating part is disposed on the side surface of the adjusting shim facing the hinge seat; The adjusting shim can rotate relative to the hinge seat so that the second mating part can engage with the first mating part to adjust the height of the adjusting shim relative to the hinge seat along the height direction of the housing.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the first mating part and the second mating part includes a first protrusion, and the other includes at least two second protrusions. There is a height difference between the two second protrusions. When the adjusting shim rotates relative to the first mating part, the first protrusion rotates relative to the two second protrusions to adjust the height of the adjusting shim.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple second protrusions are connected sequentially around the hinge axis in the circumferential direction, and the protrusion height of each second protrusion in the axial direction of the hinge axis is different along the circumferential direction of the hinge axis.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The protrusion height of each of the second protrusions varies sequentially along the circumferential direction of the hinge axis.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The height difference h between two adjacent second protrusions satisfies: 0.3mm ≤ h ≤ 1mm; and / or, The surface of the second protrusion along the height direction of the box is an arc surface, and the connection between two adjacent second protrusions is an arc transition.

6. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, There are multiple first protrusions and multiple second protrusions. Multiple first protrusions are connected in sequence around the circumferential direction of the hinge axis. Multiple second protrusions are connected in sequence around the circumferential direction of the hinge axis. At least one first protrusion and at least one second protrusion are connected in cooperation.

7. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Around the circumferential direction of the hinge axis, the adjusting shim is provided with a plurality of second mating parts, and the plurality of second mating parts are spaced apart; There are multiple first mating parts, and each first mating part is provided corresponding to each second mating part.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The adjusting shim is also provided with: A stop portion is located between two adjacent second mating portions in the circumferential direction of the hinge shaft and is spaced apart from the second mating portions. The stop portion is configured to abut against the second mating portions to limit the mating position of the first mating portion and the second mating portions.

9. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The hinge structure also includes: A magnetic element is disposed on the outer periphery of the hinge shaft and located between the adjusting shim and the hinge seat along the height direction of the housing. The magnetic element is configured to magnetically attract the adjusting shim to maintain the position of the adjusting shim.

10. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The adjusting shim includes: Gasket body, wherein the gasket body is provided with the second mating part; An adjustment part is provided along the height direction of the housing on the side of the gasket body away from the second mating part. The adjustment part is constructed in the shape of a nut and is configured to be subjected to external force to make the adjustment gasket rotate relative to the first mating part.

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