refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator that can reduce or avoid the phenomenon of the door protruding. [Solution] A hinge assembly for pivotally attaching a door to a box body includes a hinge seat, a matching seat, a first hinge shaft, and a second hinge shaft, wherein the first hinge shaft is provided on the hinge seat, and the matching seat is provided with a switching structure corresponding to the first hinge shaft, and the hinge assembly has a first state and a second state which are switchable from each other, wherein in the first state, the matching seat rotates around the central axis of the first hinge shaft by rotatably providing the first hinge shaft within the switching structure, and in the second state, the matching seat rotates around the central axis of the second hinge shaft by slidably providing the first hinge shaft within the switching structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of refrigerators, and specifically, to refrigerators.

Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, a hinge assembly is provided between the cabinet body and the door body of a refrigerator to realize the opening and closing of the door body. Currently, since the hinge assembly often has a single-axis structure, during the opening and closing of the door body, the hinge side of the door body greatly exceeds the dimensions of the refrigerator, and the protruding phenomenon of the door body is relatively serious.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator that can solve the technical problem that the protruding phenomenon of the door body is relatively serious.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] To achieve the above object, the present disclosure provides a refrigerator, including a cabinet body having a plurality of storage spaces, a door body for closing the opening of the storage space, and a hinge assembly for pivotally attaching the door body to the cabinet body. The hinge assembly includes a hinge sheet, a matching sheet, a first hinge shaft, and a second hinge shaft. The first hinge shaft is provided on the hinge sheet, and the matching sheet is provided with a switching structure corresponding to the first hinge shaft. The hinge assembly has a first state and a second state that can be switched with each other. In the first state, the first hinge shaft is rotatably provided within the switching structure, so that the matching sheet rotates around the central axis of the first hinge shaft. In the second state, the first hinge shaft is slidably provided within the switching structure, so that the matching sheet rotates around the central axis of the second hinge shaft.

[0005] Selectively, the switching structure includes a position limiting portion and a guide portion communicating with each other, wherein in the first state, the first hinge shaft is rotatably provided within the position limiting portion, and in the second state, the first hinge shaft is slidably provided within the guide portion.

[0006] Selectively, the position limiting portion has a communication opening, the communication opening communicates with the guide portion, and when the hinge assembly switches from the first state to the second state, the first hinge shaft enters the guide portion through the communication opening.

[0007] Selectively, the first hinge shaft has a first surface and a second surface connected to each other, with a connecting edge formed at the intersection of the first surface and the second surface, and when the hinge assembly switches from the first state to the second state, the connecting edge is able to pass through the communication opening, so that the first hinge shaft enters the guide portion through the communication opening.

[0008] Selectively, the first hinge axis is configured as a D-shaped axis, the first surface is configured as an arcuate surface, and the second surface is configured as a flat surface.

[0009] Selectively, the width of the communication opening is less than or equal to the width of the guide section.

[0010] Selectively, the position limiting portion is configured as a circular hole, the guide portion is configured as an arc-shaped groove, and a communication opening is formed on one side of the circular hole that communicates with the arc-shaped groove.

[0011] Selectively, an arc-shaped first position limiting surface is provided on the side of the guide portion away from the position limiting portion, and in the second state, the matching sheet has a maximum door open position, and in the maximum door open position, the first hinge shaft abuts against the first position limiting surface.

[0012] Selectively, the hinge seat is provided with a second position limiting surface, and the matching seat is provided with a position limiting bracket. In the second state, the matching seat has a maximum door open position, and at the maximum door open position, the position limiting bracket contacts the second position limiting surface.

[0013] Selectively, the second hinge shaft is mounted on the hinge seat so as to be rotatable about the central axis of the first hinge shaft, and in the first state, the second hinge shaft rotates together with the matching seat about the central axis of the first hinge shaft.

[0014] Selectively, a circular matching hole is provided in the matching sheet, the second hinge shaft is inserted into the matching hole, and in the second state, the matching sheet rotates around the central axis of the second hinge shaft via the matching hole.

[0015] Selectively, the hinge assembly includes a connecting rod having a first end and a second end provided opposite to each other, the first end being rotatably fitted onto the first hinge axis and the second end being connected to the second hinge axis.

[0016] The connecting rod and the hinge seat are selectively spaced apart.

[0017] Selectively, the second end has a first side and a second side that are provided opposite to each other, the first side being further away from the hinge seat than the second side, and the second hinge shaft being connected to the first side.

[0018] Selectively, a second position limiting column is provided on the hinge seat, in the second state the connecting rod and the second position limiting column are separated, and in the first state the matching seat further has a door closed position, in which the connecting rod abuts against the second position limiting column.

[0019] Selectively, a first position limiting column is provided on the hinge seat, and the first position limiting column is configured to restrict the rotation of the second hinge axis around the central axis of the first hinge axis so that the hinge assembly switches from the first state to the second state.

[0020] Selectively, one of the hinge sheet and the matching sheet is connected to the box body, and the other of the hinge sheet and the matching sheet is connected to the door body.

[0021] In the refrigerator provided by the present disclosure, when a matching sheet is connected to the door body and a hinge sheet is connected to the box body, the door body can gradually rotate from the closed position to the fully open position when opened. During this process, the hinge assembly can switch from a first state to a second state. In the first state, the door body rotates together with the matching sheet around the central axis of the first hinge axis, and in the second state, the door body rotates together with the matching sheet around the central axis of the second hinge axis. Here, when the door body rotates alone around the central axis of the first hinge axis, the outer endpoint of the door body has a first maximum projection distance, and when the door body rotates alone around the central axis of the second hinge axis, the outer endpoint of the door body has a second maximum projection distance. In this disclosure, by first rotating the matching sheet around the central axis of the first hinge axis and then rotating the matching sheet around the central axis of the second hinge axis, the protrusion distance of the outer endpoint of the door body can be made smaller than the maximum of the first and second maximum protrusion distances, thereby mitigating or avoiding the door body protrusion phenomenon. Similarly, when the door body is opened, the door body can be gradually rotated from the closed position to the fully open position, during which the hinge assembly can be switched from the second state to the first state. In this disclosure, by first rotating the matching sheet around the central axis of the second hinge axis and then rotating the matching sheet around the central axis of the first hinge axis, the protrusion distance of the outer endpoint of the door body can also be made smaller than the maximum of the first and second maximum protrusion distances.

[0022] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be described in detail in the following specific embodiments section.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] The drawings are used to deepen the understanding of the present disclosure and form part of this specification. The drawings are used to explain the present disclosure together with the following specific embodiments, but do not limit the present disclosure. [Figure 1] It is a schematic structural diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is an enlarged view of part C in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a schematic structural diagram of the hinge assembly of the refrigerator in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] It is a schematic structural diagram of the hinge assembly of the refrigerator in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] It is a partially exploded schematic diagram of the hinge assembly of the refrigerator in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a schematic structural diagram of the hinge assembly of the refrigerator in FIG. 4. [Figure 9] It is an exploded schematic diagram of the hinge assembly of the refrigerator in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] It is a partially exploded schematic diagram of the hinge assembly of the refrigerator in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] It is a schematic structural diagram of the matching sheet in the hinge assembly of the refrigerator in FIG. 8 as viewed from below. [Figure 12] It is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the hinge assembly of the refrigerator in FIG. 8. [Figure 13] It is a simplified schematic diagram of the hinge assembly of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the hinge assembly is in the first state and the matching sheet is in the door closed position. [Figure 14] It is a simplified schematic diagram of the hinge assembly of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the hinge assembly switches from the first state to the second state. [Figure 15] This is a simplified schematic diagram of a hinge assembly of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the hinge assembly is in a second state and the matching sheet is in the fully open position of the door. [Figure 16] This is a simplified schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the hinge assembly is in a first state and the door body is in the closed position. [Figure 17] This is a simplified schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the hinge assembly switches from a first state to a second state. [Figure 18] This is a simplified schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the hinge assembly is in the second state and the door body is in the maximum door-open position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] The following describes specific embodiments of this disclosure in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative and illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0025] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as “front,” “back,” “up,” “down,” “left,” and “right” are defined based on the XYZ coordinate system of Figure 1. Specifically, the X direction refers to the front-back direction, with the side indicated by the arrow being up and the opposite side being down. The Y direction refers to the left-right direction, and the Z direction refers to the up-down direction, with the side indicated by the arrow being up and the opposite side being down. Here, the up-down direction may refer to the direction of gravity for the refrigerator or hinge assembly. “Inside” and “outside” refer to the inside and outside of the contour of each part itself. The terms “first” and “second” are used to distinguish one element from another and have no order or importance. Furthermore, when the drawings are referenced in the following description, the same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same or similar elements and are not further described in this disclosure.

[0026] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator is provided. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the refrigerator may include a box 10 and doors 20. The box 10 is provided with storage spaces that open on one side, and there may be multiple storage spaces. The doors 20 can close the openings of the storage spaces, and there may be multiple doors 20. In some embodiments, each of the multiple doors 20 may close each opening of the multiple storage spaces, that is, one door 20 may close a corresponding opening, or the entire set of doors 20 may close the openings of the storage spaces, in which case there is one storage space, or a door 20 may close the openings of multiple storage spaces, in which case there is one door 20, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In an optional embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, there may be two vertically positioned doors 20 on both the left and right sides of the box 10, that is, the refrigerator of the present disclosure may include four doors 20, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0027] In some embodiments, to facilitate the opening and closing of the door 20, the Disclosure may be understood to design a hinge assembly 30 that can be connected to the door 20 and the box 10, respectively, i.e., the hinge assembly 30 is provided between the door 20 and the box 10, and the hinge assembly 30 is used to pivotally mount the door 20 to the box 10. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the refrigerator includes a plurality of door 20, each door 20 having a hinge assembly 30 on both the upper and lower sides, and two vertically adjacent door 20s may share one hinge assembly 30. That is, for two vertically adjacent door 20s in the box 10, one hinge assembly 30 may be provided above the upper door 20, and this hinge assembly 30 may be called the first hinge. A hinge assembly 30 may be provided on the lower side of the door body 20, and this hinge assembly 30 may be called a second hinge. In some embodiments, the second hinge may include a horizontal adjustment leg 9, which facilitates leveling the refrigerator. Two vertically adjacent door bodies 20 may share a single hinge assembly 30, which may be called a third hinge.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 1 to 10, the hinge assembly 30 may include a hinge seat 1, a matching seat 2, a first hinge axis 3, and a second hinge axis 4, wherein the first hinge axis 3 and the second hinge axis 4 are spaced apart, that is, the central axes of the first hinge axis 3 and the central axes of the second hinge axis 4 are located at different positions. The central axes of the first hinge axis 3 and the central axes of the second hinge axis 4 may be parallel to each other, and the matching seat 2 may be movably mounted on the hinge seat 1 via the first hinge axis 3 and the second hinge axis 4. The difference is that the hinge assembly 30, called the third hinge, includes two matching sheets 2, and the hinge sheet 1 of the hinge assembly 30 is provided with two symmetrically arranged first hinge axes 3 and two symmetrically arranged second hinge axes 4, and the first hinge axes 3 and second hinge axes 4 on the same side may be spaced apart, and each matching sheet 2 may be movably provided on the hinge sheet 1 via the first hinge axes 3 and second hinge axes 4 on the same side. One of the hinge sheet 1 and matching sheet 2 may be connected to the box body 10, and the other of the hinge sheet 1 and matching sheet 2 may be connected to the door body 20. In this way, the matching sheet 2 and the hinge sheet 1 move relative to each other when the door body 20 is opened and closed. Note that in this disclosure, only the case in which the hinge sheet 1 is connected to the box body 10 and the matching sheet 2 is connected to the door body 20 is described as an example.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 7 to 18, the hinge assembly 30 has a first state and a second state that are switchable from each other, in which the matching sheet 2 rotates around the central axis of the first hinge axis 3, and in which the matching sheet 2 rotates around the central axis of the second hinge axis 4.

[0030] According to the above-described technical proposal, in the hinge assembly 30 provided by this disclosure, when the matching sheet 2 is connected to the door body 20 and the hinge sheet 1 is connected to the box body 10, when the door body 20 is opened, the door body 20 can gradually rotate from the closed position to the fully open position. In this process, the hinge assembly 30 can switch from a first state to a second state. In the first state, the door body 20 rotates together with the matching sheet 2 around the central axis of the first hinge axis 3. In the second state, the door body 20 rotates together with the matching sheet 2 around the central axis of the second hinge axis 4. Here, when the door body 20 rotates alone around the central axis of the first hinge axis 3, the outer endpoint 201 of the door body 20 has a first maximum projection distance. When the door body 20 rotates alone around the central axis of the second hinge axis 4, the outer endpoint 201 of the door body 20 has a second maximum projection distance. In this disclosure, the protrusion distance of the outer endpoint 201 of the door body 20 can be made smaller than the maximum of the first and second maximum protrusion distances by first rotating the matching sheet 2 around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3 and then rotating the matching sheet 2 around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4. As a result, when the hinge assembly 30 of this disclosure is applied to a refrigerator, the protrusion phenomenon of the door body 20 can be reduced or avoided. Similarly, when the door body 20 is opened, the door body 20 can be gradually rotated from the closed position to the fully open position. In this process, the hinge assembly 30 can be switched from the second state to the first state. In this disclosure, the protrusion distance of the outer endpoint 201 of the door body 20 can also be made smaller than the maximum of the first and second maximum protrusion distances by first rotating the matching sheet 2 around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4 and then rotating the matching sheet 2 around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3.

[0031] It should be understood that in actual use of the refrigerator, the user can open the door 20 to any position before the maximum open position. In this process, the hinge assembly 30 may remain in the first state only and not switch to the second state, or the hinge assembly 30 may remain in the second state only and not switch to the first state. This disclosure illustrates the former as an example.

[0032] In this manner, in embodiments of the refrigerator of the present disclosure that include the hinge assembly 30, the refrigerator can be built into a cabinet inside a room. The installation of the hinge assembly 30 reduces or avoids the protrusion of the door body 20, so that only a small gap is required between the refrigerator and the cabinet plate or wall of the cabinet. This improves the user experience. In this case, the refrigerator of the present disclosure can be configured as a built-in refrigerator. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the protrusion distance of the door body 20 can be 5 mm or less, for example, 2 mm, 4 mm, etc., and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0033] In some embodiments, when the door body 20 is opened, the door body 20 first rotates around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3, and if the first maximum protrusion distance is greater than the second maximum protrusion distance, the matching sheet 2 is configured to switch the hinge assembly 30 to the second state before the protrusion distance of the outer endpoint 201 of the door body 20 increases to the first maximum protrusion distance. In this way, the protrusion phenomenon of the door body 20 in that embodiment can be reduced or avoided. Similarly, in some embodiments, when the door body 20 is opened, the door body 20 first rotates around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4, and if the second maximum protrusion distance is greater than the first maximum protrusion distance, the matching sheet 2 is configured to switch the hinge assembly 30 to the first state before the protrusion distance of the outer endpoint 201 of the door body 20 increases to the second maximum protrusion distance. In this way, the protrusion phenomenon of the door body 20 in that embodiment can also be reduced or avoided. In some embodiments, the first maximum projection distance may be less than the second maximum projection distance, and the door body 20 can rotate first around the central axis of the first hinge axis 3 and then around the central axis of the second hinge axis 4. The projection distance may also be understood as the distance that the outer endpoint 201 of the door body 20 extends beyond the refrigerator in the left-right direction during the rotation of the door body 20. Herein, the projection distance of the door body 20 in this disclosure may be less than the minimum of the first and second maximum projection distances, or less than the maximum of the first and second maximum projection distances, but is not limited to this disclosure.

[0034] When the matching sheet 2 moves relative to the hinge sheet 1, the matching sheet 2 rotates selectively around the central axis of the first hinge axis 3 and around the central axis of the second hinge axis 4. In other words, in the first state, the hinge assembly 30 is configured to restrict the matching sheet 2 from rotating around the central axis of the second hinge axis 4, and in the second state, the hinge assembly 30 is configured to restrict the matching sheet 2 from rotating around the central axis of the first hinge axis 3.

[0035] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 6 to 15, the first hinge shaft 3 is provided on one of the matching sheet 2 and the hinge sheet 1, and a switching structure 5 corresponding to the first hinge shaft 3 may be provided on the other of the matching sheet 2 and the hinge sheet 1. In the first state, the matching sheet 2 rotates around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3 by rotatably providing the first hinge shaft 3 within the switching structure 5. In the second state, the matching sheet 2 rotates around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4 by slidably providing the first hinge shaft 3 within the switching structure 5. In this way, by using the switching structure 5, it is possible to enable the matching sheet 2 to rotate selectively around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3 and around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4, and the hinge assembly 30 can be switched between the first state and the second state. Here, the rotatable provision of the first hinge shaft 3 within the switching structure 5 may be understood as the relative rotation of the first hinge shaft 3 and the switching structure 5. The slidable provision of the first hinge shaft 3 within the switching structure 5 may be understood as the relative sliding of the first hinge shaft 3 and the switching structure 5. In this way, it is possible to achieve rotation of the matching sheet around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4, and in the second state, interference between the second hinge shaft 4 and the other of the matching sheet 2 and the hinge sheet 1 can be avoided.

[0036] In some embodiments of this disclosure, relative stationarity between the first hinge shaft 3 and the hinge sheet 1 can be achieved by providing the first hinge shaft 3 on the hinge sheet 1. For example, the first hinge shaft 3 is fixedly connected to the hinge sheet 1. When the hinge sheet 1 is connected to the box body 10, the hinge sheet 1, the first hinge shaft 3, and the box body 10 are kept stationary, and accordingly, relative stationarity between the switching structure 5 and the matching sheet 2 can be achieved by providing the switching structure 5 on the matching sheet 2. For example, the switching structure 5 can be formed on the matching sheet 2. When the matching sheet 2 is connected to the door body 20, the matching sheet 2, the switching structure 5, and the door body 20 rotate synchronously. Hereinafter, this disclosure exemplifies the case in which the first hinge shaft 3 is fixedly connected to the hinge sheet 1 and the switching structure 5 is formed on the matching sheet 2.

[0037] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 6 to 15, the switching structure 5 may include a position limiting section 51 and a guide section 52 that communicate with each other, and in the first state, the first hinge shaft 3 is rotatably provided within the position limiting section 51, and in the second state, the first hinge shaft 3 is slidably provided within the guide section 52. Here, the relative rotation between the first hinge shaft 3 and the position limiting section 51 enables the matching sheet 2 to rotate around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3. The relative sliding between the first hinge shaft 3 and the guide section 52 enables the matching sheet 2 to rotate around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4. That is, in the second state, the center of the circle corresponding to the guide section 52 coincides with the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4. In this way, the relative sliding between the first hinge shaft 3 and the guide section 52 allows the guide section 52 to guide the matching sheet 2. This improves the smoothness of opening and closing the door body 20. In some embodiments, the guide portion 52 can be configured as an arc-shaped groove, in which case, in the second state, the center of the circle corresponding to the arc-shaped groove coincides with the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4.

[0038] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 9 to 15, the position limiting section 51 may have a communication opening 511, which may communicate with the guide section 52. When the hinge assembly 30 switches from a first state to a second state, the first hinge shaft 3 enters the guide section 52 through the communication opening 511, and the first hinge shaft 3 and the guide section 52 slide relative to each other. In other words, in the first state, the hinge assembly 30 is configured to restrict the first hinge shaft 3 and the position limiting section 51 from rotating relative to each other, and the position limiting section 51 restricts the first hinge shaft 3 from entering the guide section 52 through the communication opening 511. When the hinge assembly 30 switches from the first state to the second state, that is, when the matching sheet 2 rotates by a preset angle with respect to the hinge axis, the hinge assembly 30 is configured to allow the first hinge axis 3 to enter the guide portion 52 through the communication opening 511, thereby enabling the hinge assembly 30 to switch from the first state to the second state.

[0039] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 9 to 15, the first hinge shaft 3 may have a first surface 31 and a second surface 32 connected to each other. One of the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 may be configured as an arcuate surface so that the first hinge shaft 3 and the position limiting portion 51 can rotate relative to each other. A connecting edge 33 is formed at the intersection of the first surface 31 and the second surface 32. When the hinge assembly 30 switches from a first state to a second state, the connecting edge 33 can pass through the communication opening 511. As a result, the first hinge shaft 3 enters the guide portion 52 through the communication opening 511. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, in the first state, the first hinge shaft 3 and the position limiting portion 51 rotate relative to each other, but the connecting edge 33 is restricted from entering the guide portion 52 through the communication opening 511, and the first hinge shaft 3 is restricted to the position limiting portion 51 and cannot enter the guide portion 52 through the communication opening 511. As shown in Figure 14, when the hinge assembly 30 switches from the first state to the second state, the first hinge shaft 3 and the position limiting portion 51 rotate relative to each other until the connecting edge 33 enters the communication opening 511. In this case, by continuing to rotate the matching sheet 2, the first hinge shaft 3 can enter the guide portion 52 through the communication opening 511. As a result, the cooperation between the connecting edge 33 and the communication opening 511 prevents the first hinge shaft 3 from unintentionally entering the guide portion 52 in the first state, improving the stability and reliability of the door body 20 when opening and closing, and ensuring that the hinge shaft assembly switches smoothly from the first state to the second state.

[0040] Selectively, in some embodiments, the position limiting portion 51 may be configured as a circular hole, as shown in Figures 9 to 15. This allows relative rotation between the position limiting portion 51 and the first hinge shaft 3 to be achieved in the first state. The guide portion 52 may be configured as an arc-shaped groove, and a communication opening 511 communicating with the arc-shaped groove is formed on one side of the circular hole, so that in the second state, the center of the circle corresponding to the arc-shaped groove coincides with the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4.

[0041] In one selective embodiment, as shown in Figures 11 to 15, the arc-shaped groove has a width in its radial direction, and the width of the arc-shaped groove may be smaller than the diameter of the circular hole. Thus, in the first state, the second surface 32 may be positioned on the opposite side of the communication opening 511. In this case, as the first hinge shaft 3 and the circular hole rotate relative to each other, the first surface 31 continues to contact the communication opening 511, and the portion of the first hinge shaft 3 between the communication opening 511 and the connecting edge 33 cannot pass through the communication opening 511. Therefore, before the connecting edge 33 reaches the communication opening 511, the first hinge shaft 3 gets caught on the communication opening 511 and can only rotate relative to the circular hole, and cannot enter the arc-shaped groove through the communication opening 511. Thus, the width of the arc-shaped groove can be set smaller than the diameter of the circular hole, and furthermore, it is possible to avoid the first hinge shaft 3 unintentionally entering the guide portion 52 in the first state. As shown in Figure 14, when the hinge assembly 30 switches from the first state to the second state, the first hinge shaft 3 and the circular hole rotate relative to each other until the connecting edge 33 arrives at the communication opening 511. In this case, the entirety of the second surface 32 is positioned between the two arcuate surfaces of the arcuate groove, so that the entire first hinge shaft 3 can enter the arcuate groove through the communication opening 511, ensuring that the hinge shaft assembly switches smoothly from the first state to the second state.

[0042] In another optional embodiment, the hinge assembly 30 may further include a switching member. When the hinge assembly 30 switches from a first state to a second state, the switching member can move from a position that restricts the first hinge shaft 3 from entering the guide portion 52 to a position that allows the first hinge shaft 3 to enter the guide portion 52, thereby also ensuring a smooth switch of the hinge shaft assembly from the first state to the second state. The switching member may be provided on the hinge seat 1 so as to be retractable. In the first state, the switching member extends and contacts the first hinge shaft 3, restricting the first hinge shaft 3 from entering the guide portion 52. When the hinge assembly 30 switches from the first state to the second state, the switching member contracts, releasing contact with the first hinge shaft 3 and allowing the first hinge shaft 3 to enter the guide portion 52. In this embodiment, the width of the arc-shaped groove may be greater than or equal to the width of the circular hole.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first hinge axis 3 may be configured as a D-shaped axis, as shown in Figures 9 to 15. Accordingly, the first surface 31 may be configured as an arcuate surface, and the second surface 32 may be configured as a flat surface. Of course, the first hinge axis 3 may be configured as a special shape axis of other non-circular axes, and the second surface 32 may be configured as a curved surface, wave surface, stepped surface, etc. The present disclosure can be designed as appropriate as needed.

[0044] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 9 to 15, the width of the communication opening 511 is not greater than the width of the guide section 52; that is, the width of the communication opening 511 may be less than or equal to the width of the guide section 52. This improves the smoothness of opening and closing the door body 20, and prevents the first hinge shaft 3 from getting caught inside the guide section 52 due to significant friction between it and the guide section 52 if the width of the communication opening 511 is greater than the width of the guide section 52.

[0045] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 15 and 18, an arc-shaped first position limiting surface 521 may be provided on the side of the guide portion 52 away from the position limiting portion 51. In the second state, the matching sheet 2 has a fully open door position, and in this fully open door position, the first hinge shaft 3 abuts against the first position limiting surface 521. In this way, the abutment of the first hinge shaft 3 against the first position limiting surface 521 can be prevented from the matching sheet 2 continuing to rotate, and as a result, the door body 20 can be prevented from being opened excessively. In this case, when the door body 20 is opened, the hinge assembly 30 sequentially switches from the first state to the second state.

[0046] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the hinge sheet 1 may be provided with a second position limiting surface 13, and the matching sheet 2 may be provided with a position limiting bracket 6. In the second state, the matching sheet 2 has a fully open door position, and at this fully open door position, the position limiting bracket 6 abuts against the second position limiting surface 13. In this way, the contact between the position limiting bracket 6 and the second position limiting surface 13 can restrict the matching sheet 2 from continuing to rotate, and as a result, it is possible to prevent the door body 20 from opening excessively. In this case, when the door body 20 is opened, the hinge assembly 30 sequentially switches from the first state to the second state. In some embodiments, at the fully open door position, the position limiting bracket 6 can abut against the second position limiting surface 13, and the first hinge shaft 3 can abut against the first position limiting surface 521. This improves the stability of the door body 20 at the fully open door position. Optionally, the position limiting bracket 6 may be detachably connected to the matching sheet 2, for example, the position limiting bracket 6 may be connected to the matching sheet 2 via fasteners. This is advantageous for attaching and detaching the position limiting bracket 6 and the matching sheet 2. Optionally, the second position limiting surface 13 may be configured as an inclined surface, i.e., positioned at an angle with respect to the front-rear direction, and the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0047] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 6 to 18, the second hinge shaft 4 may be rotatably mounted on the hinge seat 1 around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3. In the first state, the second hinge shaft 4 rotates together with the matching seat 2 around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3. When the matching seat 2 rotates in this manner around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3, interference between the matching seat 2 and the second hinge shaft 4 can be avoided, and the position of the second hinge shaft 4 can be adjusted by rotating the second hinge shaft 4 in sync with the matching seat 2. As a result, when the hinge assembly 30 is in the second state, the position of the second hinge shaft 4 is adjusted, so when the matching seat 2 rotates around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4, the protrusion distance of the door body 20 can be further reduced, and the protrusion phenomenon of the door body 20 can be further mitigated or avoided.

[0048] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 8 to 15, the matching sheet 2 may be provided with a circular matching hole 21, and the second hinge shaft 4 may be inserted into the matching hole 21. In the second state, the matching sheet 2 rotates around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4 via the matching hole 21. Thus, through the cooperation of the second hinge shaft 4 and the matching hole 21, in the first state the matching sheet 2 and the second hinge shaft 4 can rotate synchronously around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3, and in the second state the matching sheet 2 can rotate around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4 via the matching hole 21.

[0049] In some embodiments, the hinge assembly 30 may include a connecting rod 7, as shown in Figures 3 to 10 and Figures 13 to 15. The connecting rod 7 has a first end 71 and a second end 72 that are opposite each other. The first end 71 is rotatably fitted onto the first hinge shaft 3, and the second end 72 is connected to the second hinge shaft 4. In this way, the connecting rod 7 is fitted onto the first hinge shaft 3, so that in the first state, the second hinge shaft 4 can rotate the connecting rod 7 around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3. In this way, the connecting rod 7 can guide the second hinge shaft 4, so that the second hinge shaft 4 can rotate precisely around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3. Of course, in some other embodiments, the hinge seat 1 may be provided with an arc-shaped guide groove, and a portion of the second hinge shaft 4 may be located within the guide groove, with the center of the circle in the guide groove coinciding with the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3. In this way, in the first state, the guide groove can also guide the second hinge shaft 4. Hereinafter, this disclosure will provide an illustrative example of the case in which the hinge assembly 30 includes a connecting rod 7.

[0050] In some embodiments, the connecting rod 7 and the hinge seat 1 may be spaced apart, as shown in Figures 3 to 9. This prevents friction between the connecting rod 7 and the hinge seat 1 when the matching seat 2 rotates, thereby improving the smoothness of the rotation of the matching seat 2 and the smoothness of opening and closing the door body 20.

[0051] In some embodiments, a washer 81 may be provided on the first hinge shaft 3, as shown in Figures 7 and 10. The washer 81 abuts against the hinge seat 1, and the first end 71 is fitted onto the first hinge shaft 3 and abuts against the washer 81. By providing a washer 81 between the first end 71 of the connecting rod 7 and the hinge seat 1 in this way, the thickness of the washer 81 can be used to separate the connecting rod 7 and the hinge seat 1, resulting in a simple structure and easy operation.

[0052] Selectively, in some embodiments, a radial flange 82 may be provided on the first hinge shaft 3, as shown in Figures 7 and 10, with the first end 71 positioned between the radial flange 82 and the washer 81. This prevents the first end 71 of the connecting rod 7 from moving away from the washer 81, thereby improving the reliability of the hinge assembly 30. Here, the radial flange 82 may be formed integrally with the first hinge shaft 3, and of course, the radial flange 82 may be detachably connected to the first hinge shaft 3, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0053] In an embodiment where the connecting rod 7 and the hinge seat 1 are spaced apart, as shown in Figures 7 to 10, the second end 72 may have a first side and a second side facing each other, with the first side being further away from the hinge seat 1 than the second side, and the second hinge shaft 4 may be connected to the first side. This allows for a space to be created between the second hinge shaft 4 and the hinge seat 1, preventing friction between the second hinge shaft 4 and the hinge seat 1 when the matching seat 2 rotates, improving the smoothness of the rotation of the matching seat 2, and improving the smoothness of opening and closing the door body 20.

[0054] In some embodiments, the second hinge shaft 4 may be molded integrally with the connecting rod 7. This eliminates the step of connecting the second hinge shaft 4 to the connecting rod 7, reducing the number of parts in the hinge assembly 30, which is advantageous for the assembly of the hinge assembly 30. In some other embodiments, the second hinge shaft 4 may be welded to or detachably connected to the connecting rod 7, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0055] In some embodiments, a second position limiting column 12 may be provided on the hinge sheet 1, as shown in Figures 3, 4, 6-10, and 12-15. In the second state, the connecting rod 7 and the second position limiting column 1 are separated, and in the first state, the matching sheet 2 also has a door-closed position, in which the connecting rod 7 abuts against the second position limiting column 12. In this way, the contact between the connecting rod 7 and the second position limiting column 12 provides a door-closing stopper to the door body 20, preventing the door body 20 from entering the storage space.

[0056] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 9, 10, and 13-15, a first position limiting column 11 is provided on the hinge seat 1, and the first position limiting column 11 is configured to restrict the rotation of the second hinge shaft 4 around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3 so that the hinge assembly 30 switches from a first state to a second state. In other words, when the hinge assembly 30 switches from a first state to a second state, the first position limiting column 11 restricts the second hinge shaft 4 from continuing to rotate around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3. In this way, the second hinge shaft 4 can rotate around its central axis as the matching seat 2 continues to rotate, thereby enabling the hinge assembly 30 to switch from a first state to a second state. In some embodiments, when a connecting rod 7 is connected between the first hinge shaft 3 and the second hinge shaft 4, as shown in Figure 14, the first position limiting column 11 comes into contact with the second hinge shaft 4 when the hinge assembly 30 switches from the first state to the second state. In this case, the first position limiting column 11 restricts the connecting rod 7 from continuing to rotate around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3, thereby enabling the hinge assembly 30 to switch from the first state to the second state.

[0057] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 13 to 18, in the first state, the angle between the door body 20 and the box body 10 can be 0° to 50°, and in the second state, the angle between the door body 20 and the box body 10 can be 50° to 120°. In this way, the door body 20 of this disclosure can achieve a large angle of opening and closing on its own. Of course, this disclosure may design the angle between the door body 20 and the box body 10 as appropriate, if necessary, but is not limited thereto.

[0058] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 13 to 18, the door body 20 may be located on the front side of the box body 10, and the first hinge shaft 3 may be located on the front side of the second hinge shaft 4. In this configuration, when the door body 20 is opened, it first rotates around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3, which is advantageous for shortening the protruding distance of the door body 20.

[0059] Hereinafter, this disclosure will describe in detail the opening and closing process of the door body 20 in combination with the specific embodiments described above. As shown in Figures 13 to 18, when the door body 20 is opened, the hinge assembly 30 first switches to a first state, then the matching sheet 2 rotates around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3, the connecting rod 7 no longer contacts the second position limiting column 12, and the connecting rod 7 drives the second hinge shaft 4 to rotate synchronously with the matching sheet 2. In this process, the first hinge shaft 3 gets caught in the position limiting portion 51, and the position limiting portion 51, which is configured as a circular hole, and the first hinge shaft 3 can only rotate relative to each other. When the door body 20 rotates 50° relative to the box body 10, the first hinge shaft 3 and the circular hole rotate relative to each other until the connecting edge 33 arrives at the communication opening 511. In this case, the first hinge shaft 3 can enter the guide section 52, which is configured as an arc-shaped groove, through the communication opening 511, and the connecting rod 7 abuts against the first position limiting column 11, restricting the second hinge shaft 4 from continuing to rotate around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3. Subsequently, as the door body 20 continues to rotate, the hinge assembly 30 switches from the first state to the second state, the arc-shaped groove and the first hinge shaft 3 slide relative to each other, and the matching sheet 2 rotates around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4. When the door body 20 rotates 120° relative to the box body 10, the position limiting bracket 6 abuts against the second position limiting surface 13, and the first hinge shaft 3 abuts against the first position limiting surface 521. In this case, the door body 20 is in the maximum open position.

[0060] When the door body 20 is to be closed, the reverse steps of the above steps should be performed. Specifically, the hinge assembly 30 first switches to the second state, then the matching sheet 2 rotates around the central axis of the second hinge shaft 4, the position limiting bracket 6 no longer contacts the second position limiting surface 13, the first hinge shaft 3 no longer contacts the first position limiting surface 521, and the arc-shaped groove and the first hinge shaft 3 slide relative to each other. When the angle between the door body 20 and the box body 10 becomes 50°, the connecting edge 33 arrives just at the communication opening 511, and then passes through the communication opening 511 into the position limiting section 51. Subsequently, as the door body 20 continues to rotate, the hinge assembly 30 switches to the first state, and the connecting rod 7 drives the second hinge shaft 4 to rotate synchronously with the matching sheet 2 around the central axis of the first hinge shaft 3. In this process, the first hinge shaft 3 gets caught in the position limiting section 51, and the position limiting section 51, which is configured as a circular hole, can only rotate relative to the first hinge shaft 3, so that the connecting rod 7 no longer comes into contact with the first position limiting column 11. When the angle between the door body 20 and the box body 10 becomes 0°, the connecting rod 7 comes into contact with the second position limiting column 12. In this case, the door body 20 is in the closed position.

[0061] While preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described with reference to the drawings, they are not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments of this disclosure. Within the scope of the technical idea of ​​this disclosure, various simple modifications can be made to the technical ideas of this disclosure, and all such simple modifications are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0062] Furthermore, the various technical features described in the specific embodiments above can be combined in any suitable manner, provided they do not conflict. To avoid unnecessary repetition, this disclosure omits descriptions of various possible combinations.

[0063] Furthermore, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be combined in any way, and as long as they do not contradict the spirit of this disclosure, they should also be considered as part of the disclosure. Explanation of the symbols

[0064] 1. Hinge seat 11. First Position Restriction Pillar 12. Second Position Restriction Pillar 13. Second position restriction surface 2. Matching Sheet 21 matching holes 3. First hinge axis 31 Page 1 32 Side 2 33 Connection Edge 4. Second hinge axis 5 Switching structure 51 Position restriction section 511 Connecting port 52 Information Department 521 First position restriction surface 6 Position restriction bracket 7 connecting rods 71 1st end 72 2nd end 81 Washer 82 Radial flange 9 Leveling feet 10 box body 20 Door Body 201 Outer endpoint 30 Hinge Assembly

Claims

1. It is a refrigerator, A box-shaped structure having multiple storage spaces, A door body for closing the opening of the aforementioned storage space, The door body includes a hinge assembly for pivotally attaching it to the box body, The hinge assembly includes a hinge seat, a matching seat, a first hinge shaft, and a second hinge shaft, wherein the first hinge shaft is provided on the hinge seat, the matching seat is provided with a switching structure corresponding to the first hinge shaft, and the hinge assembly has a first state and a second state that are switchable from each other. In the first state, the first hinge shaft is rotatably provided within the switching structure, causing the matching sheet to rotate around the central axis of the first hinge shaft; in the second state, the first hinge shaft is slidably provided within the switching structure, causing the matching sheet to rotate around the central axis of the second hinge shaft. A refrigerator characterized by the following features.

2. The switching structure includes a position limiting portion and a guide portion that communicate with each other, wherein in the first state, the first hinge shaft is rotatably provided within the position limiting portion, and in the second state, the first hinge shaft is slidably provided within the guide portion. The refrigerator according to feature 1.

3. The position limiting portion has a communication opening, the communication opening is in communication with the guide portion, and when the hinge assembly switches from the first state to the second state, the first hinge shaft enters the guide portion through the communication opening. The refrigerator according to feature 2.

4. The first hinge shaft has a first surface and a second surface connected to each other, and a connecting edge is formed at the intersection of the first surface and the second surface. When the hinge assembly switches from the first state to the second state, the connecting edge is able to pass through the communication opening, so that the first hinge shaft enters the guide portion through the communication opening. The refrigerator according to feature 3.

5. The first hinge axis is configured as a D-shaped axis, the first surface is configured as an arc surface, and the second surface is configured as a plane. The refrigerator according to feature 4.

6. The width of the communication opening is less than or equal to the width of the guide section. The refrigerator according to feature 3.

7. The position limiting portion is configured as a circular hole, the guide portion is configured as an arc-shaped groove, and a communication opening is formed on one side of the circular hole that communicates with the arc-shaped groove. The refrigerator according to feature 2.

8. An arc-shaped first position limiting surface is provided on the side of the guide portion away from the position limiting portion, and in the second state, the matching sheet has a door maximum open position, and in the door maximum open position, the first hinge shaft abuts against the first position limiting surface. The refrigerator according to feature 2.

9. A second position limiting surface is provided on the hinge seat, a position limiting bracket is provided on the matching seat, and in the second state, the matching seat has a maximum door open position, and in the maximum door open position, the position limiting bracket abuts against the second position limiting surface. The refrigerator according to feature 1 or 8.

10. The second hinge shaft is mounted on the hinge seat so as to be rotatable around the central axis of the first hinge shaft, and in the first state, the second hinge shaft rotates together with the matching seat around the central axis of the first hinge shaft. A refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. A circular matching hole is provided in the matching sheet, the second hinge shaft is inserted into the matching hole, and in the second state, the matching sheet rotates around the central axis of the second hinge shaft via the matching hole. The refrigerator according to feature 10.

12. The hinge assembly includes a connecting rod, the connecting rod having a first end and a second end provided opposite to each other, the first end being rotatably fitted onto the first hinge shaft and the second end being connected to the second hinge shaft. The refrigerator according to feature 11.

13. The connecting rod and the hinge seat are provided spaced apart. The refrigerator according to feature 12.

14. The second end has a first side and a second side that are provided opposite to each other, the first side being further away from the hinge seat than the second side, and the second hinge shaft being connected to the first side. The refrigerator according to feature 13.

15. A second position limiting column is provided on the hinge seat, and in the second state, the connecting rod and the second position limiting column are separated, and in the first state, the matching seat further has a door closed position, and in the door closed position, the connecting rod abuts against the second position limiting column. The refrigerator according to feature 12.

16. A first position limiting column is provided on the hinge seat, and the first position limiting column is configured to restrict the rotation of the second hinge axis around the central axis of the first hinge axis so that the hinge assembly switches from the first state to the second state. The refrigerator according to feature 10.

17. One of the hinge sheet and the matching sheet is connected to the box body, and the other of the hinge sheet and the matching sheet is connected to the door body. The refrigerator according to feature 1.

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