Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator, comprising a refrigerator body, a door body, and a hinge, wherein the hinge comprises a fixed base, a hinge arm, a transmission assembly, and a connecting member; the fixed base is connected to the refrigerator body; the hinge arm is connected to the door body; the transmission assembly is connected between the fixed base and the hinge arm; the connecting member is connected to one rod member in the transmission assembly and is elastically connected to another rod member.

Description

Refrigerator

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202420827511.X, filed on April 19, 2024; Chinese Patent Application No. 202420828701.3, filed on April 19, 2024; Chinese Patent Application No. 202420828666.5, filed on April 19, 2024; Chinese Patent Application No. 202420828603.X, filed on April 19, 2024; and Chinese Patent Application No. 202410480516.4, filed on April 19, 2024, the contents of all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular, to a refrigerator. BACKGROUND

[0003] The refrigerator includes a cabinet, a door body, and a hinge. The cabinet forms a receiving cavity for accommodating food or other items. The door body is movably arranged on the cabinet by the hinge to close or open the receiving cavity.

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect, a refrigerator is provided, including a cabinet, a door body, and a hinge. The door body is rotatably connected to the cabinet by the hinge. The hinge includes a fixed seat, a hinge arm, a transmission assembly, and a connecting piece. The fixed seat is connected to the cabinet. The hinge arm is connected to the door body. The transmission assembly includes four link members. Two of the four link members are pivotably connected to the fixed seat, and the other two of the four link members are pivotably connected to the hinge arm. The four link members are pivotably connected to each other, and the four link members, the fixed seat, and the hinge arm enclose two independent quadrilaterals. The connecting piece is connected to one of the link members of the transmission assembly, and the connecting piece is configured to be elastically connected to another link member of the transmission assembly.

[0006] In another aspect, a refrigerator is provided, including a cabinet, a door body, and a hinge. The hinge includes a fixed seat, a hinge arm, a transmission assembly, and a connecting piece. The fixed seat is connected to the cabinet. The hinge arm is connected to the door body. The transmission assembly includes a plurality of link members, and the transmission assembly is pivotably connected between the fixed seat and the hinge arm. The connecting piece is connected to one of the link members of the transmission assembly, and the connecting piece is configured to be elastically connected to another link member of the transmission assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a structural view of a refrigerator with a door body in a closed state according to some embodiments;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a structural view of a refrigerator with a door body in a maximum door opening angle according to some embodiments;

[0009] FIG. 3 is another structural view of a refrigerator with a door body in a closed state according to some embodiments;

[0010] FIG. 4 is another structural view of a refrigerator with a door body in a maximum door opening angle according to some embodiments;

[0011] FIG. 5 is a structural view of a transmission assembly according to some embodiments;

[0012] FIG. 6 is yet another structural view of a refrigerator with a door body in a closed state according to some embodiments;

[0013] FIG. 7 is a structural view of a refrigerator with a door body in a 30° door opening angle according to some embodiments;

[0014] FIG. 8 is a structural view of a refrigerator with a door body in a 60° door opening angle according to some embodiments;

[0015] FIG. 9 is a structural view of a refrigerator with a door body in a 90° door opening angle according to some embodiments;

[0016] FIG. 10 is yet another structural view of a refrigerator with a door body opened to a maximum door opening angle according to some embodiments;

[0017] FIG. 11 is a structural view of a second link according to some embodiments;

[0018] FIG. 12 is a structural view of a refrigerator with a door body in a closed state according to some embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 13 is a structural view of a refrigerator with a door body in a 30° door opening angle according to some embodiments;

[0020] FIG. 14 is a structural view of a refrigerator with a door body in a 60° door opening angle according to some embodiments;

[0021] FIG. 15 is a structural view of a refrigerator with a door body in a 90° door opening angle according to some embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 16 is a structural view of a refrigerator with a door body opened to a maximum door opening angle according to some embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 17 is another structural view of a second link according to some embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 18 is another configuration diagram of a second link according to some embodiments;

[0025] FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram of a door body of a refrigerator in a closed state according to some embodiments;

[0026] FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram of a door body of a refrigerator when a door opening angle is 30° according to some embodiments;

[0027] FIG. 21 is a configuration diagram of a door body of a refrigerator when a door opening angle is 60° according to some embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 22 is a configuration diagram of a door body of a refrigerator when a door opening angle is 90° according to some embodiments;

[0029] FIG. 23 is a configuration diagram of a door body of a refrigerator when a door is opened to a maximum door opening angle according to some embodiments;

[0030] FIG. 24 is a configuration diagram of a connection according to some embodiments;

[0031] FIG. 25 is another configuration diagram of a connection according to some embodiments;

[0032] FIG. 26 is another configuration diagram of a connection according to some embodiments;

[0033] FIG. 27 is another configuration diagram of a connection according to some embodiments;

[0034] FIG. 28 is another configuration diagram of a connection according to some embodiments;

[0035] FIG. 29 is a configuration diagram of a door body of a refrigerator in a closed state according to some embodiments;

[0036] FIG. 30 is a configuration diagram of a door body of a refrigerator when a door opening angle is 30° according to some embodiments;

[0037] FIG. 31 is a configuration diagram of a door body of a refrigerator when a door opening angle is 60° according to some embodiments;

[0038] FIG. 32 is a configuration diagram of a door body of a refrigerator when a door opening angle is 90° according to some embodiments;

[0039] FIG. 33 is a configuration diagram of a door body of a refrigerator when a door is opened to a maximum door opening angle according to some embodiments;

[0040] FIG. 34 is another configuration diagram of a second link according to some embodiments;

[0041] FIG. 35 is a configuration diagram of a door body of a refrigerator in a closed state according to some embodiments;

[0042] FIG. 36 is a structure view of a door body of a refrigerator according to some embodiments when the door body is opened at an angle of 30°;

[0043] FIG. 37 is a structure view of a door body of a refrigerator according to some embodiments when the door body is opened at an angle of 60°;

[0044] FIG. 38 is a structure view of a door body of a refrigerator according to some embodiments when the door body is opened at an angle of 90°;

[0045] FIG. 39 is a structure view of a door body of a refrigerator according to some embodiments when the door body is opened to a maximum opening angle;

[0046] FIG. 40 is a structure view of a door body of a refrigerator according to some embodiments when the door body is in a closed state;

[0047] FIG. 41 is a structure view of a door body of a refrigerator according to some embodiments when the door body is opened at an angle of 30°;

[0048] FIG. 42 is a structure view of a door body of a refrigerator according to some embodiments when the door body is opened at an angle of 60°;

[0049] FIG. 43 is a structure view of a door body of a refrigerator according to some embodiments when the door body is opened at an angle of 90°;

[0050] FIG. 44 is a structure view of a door body of a refrigerator according to some embodiments when the door body is opened to a maximum opening angle;

[0051] FIG. 45 is a structure view of a second link, a third link, and a connecting member according to some embodiments;

[0052] FIG. 46 is another structure view of a second link, a third link, and a connecting member according to some embodiments.

[0053] FIG. 47 is an exploded view of a second link, a third link, and a connecting member according to some embodiments;

[0054] FIG. 48 is a structure view of another transmission assembly according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the described embodiments are merely a few of the embodiments of the present disclosure, but not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments provided in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0056] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the term "comprise," and variations thereof (e.g., "comprises" and "comprising"), will be construed to be inclusive in a manner consistent with the term's plain meaning, namely, "including but not limited to." In describing the description, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiments," "example," "specific example" or "some examples," and the like, mean that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment or example of the disclosure, but that it can not be included in other embodiments or examples. The illustrative appearance of the foregoing terms in various places in the description are not necessarily intended to refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0057] Hereinafter, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used only for the purpose of description and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implying the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined with "first", "second" can explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the embodiments of the disclosure, the meaning of "a plurality of" is two or more, unless otherwise specified.

[0058] In describing some embodiments, "coupled" and "connected," and variations thereof, can be used. The term "connected" should be interpreted broadly, for example, "connected" can be fixedly connected, or detachably connected, or integrated; can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. The term "coupled" indicates that two or more components have direct physical contact or electrical contact. The term "coupled" or "communicatively coupled" can also mean that two or more components do not have direct contact with each other, but still cooperate or interact with each other. The embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to the content herein.

[0059] "A, B, and C at least one of" has the same meaning as "at least one of A, B, or C", and includes the following combinations of A, B, and C: only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, and a combination of A, B, and C.

[0060] "A and / or B" includes the following three combinations: only A, only B, and a combination of A and B.

[0061] The use of “adapted for” or “configured to” herein means open and inclusive language that does not exclude devices adapted for or configured to perform additional tasks or steps.

[0062] As used herein, “about,” “approximately” or “around” includes the recited value and the average value within an acceptable range of deviation from the particular value, as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement being discussed and the error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system).

[0063] As used herein, “parallel,” “perpendicular,” “equal” includes the recited condition and conditions that approximate the recited condition, the approximation being within an acceptable range of deviation, as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement being discussed and the error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “parallel” includes absolute parallel and near parallel, where near parallel can have an acceptable range of deviation of, for example, within 5°; “perpendicular” includes absolute perpendicular and near perpendicular, where near perpendicular can also have an acceptable range of deviation of, for example, within 5°. “Equal” includes absolute equality and near equality, where near equality can have an acceptable range of deviation of, for example, a difference between the two that is less than or equal to 5% of either.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator according to some embodiments of the disclosure includes a cabinet 1. The cabinet 1 is formed with a receiving cavity configured to receive food or other items, an opening of the receiving cavity facing a cabinet door side of the cabinet 1. The refrigerator further includes a door body 2 disposed at the cabinet door side of the cabinet 1. The refrigerator further includes a hinge 3, the door body 2 being rotationally connected to the cabinet 1 by the hinge 3 to close or open the receiving cavity by the door body 2.

[0065] In the related art, the hinge includes a six-bar linkage, and when the refrigerator needs to be embedded in a cabinet, the hinge can control the door body to pass around an edge of the cabinet and move outward during opening, so as to avoid interference between the door body and the cabinet during opening and to avoid the door body from blocking the receiving cavity.

[0066] However, after the door body is opened under the action of an external force, the door body is prone to irregular rotation under the influence of inertia, self-weight, manufacturing deviation, etc. after the external force applied to the door body is removed, which causes inconvenience to a user in taking items in the receiving cavity.

[0067] Generally, the hinge of the refrigerator lacks a structure that can limit the rotation track of the door body after opening, resulting in that the door body can only rely on external force to keep the door body in the open position after opening. Once the external force is removed, the door body will continue to rotate irregularly relative to the cabinet under the influence of inertia, self-weight or manufacturing deviation. When the door body rotates towards the cabinet, it will block the opening of the accommodating cavity, causing inconvenience to the user when taking or placing the articles. When the door body rotates away from the cabinet, it will collide with the cabinet.

[0068] To solve the above problems, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a refrigerator. A connecting piece (such as a spring piece) is additionally arranged in the hinge. The connecting piece can be elastically deformed. The connecting piece is connected to one rod in the transmission assembly and elastically connected to another rod in the transmission assembly. The connecting piece is elastically deformed under the action of the latter rod (the rod elastically connected to the connecting piece), so that the connecting piece exerts a spring force on the latter rod. The spring force increases the pressure between the connecting piece and the latter rod, thereby increasing the friction between the connecting piece and the latter rod, so that the connecting piece and the latter rod are not easy to rotate relative to each other. After the door body is opened under the action of external force, when the external force applied to the door body is removed, the latter rod is not easy to rotate due to the action of the connecting piece, thereby avoiding the door body from rotating irregularly relative to the cabinet under the influence of inertia, self-weight or manufacturing deviation.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the refrigerator of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be embedded in the cabinet 4 when installed. After installation is completed, the outer side of the door body 2 can be flush with the end surface 41 of the cabinet 4. The side edge 42 is formed between the side of the cabinet 4 facing the cabinet 1 and the end surface 41 of the cabinet 4.

[0070] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 4, the hinge 3 includes a fixed seat 31. The fixed seat 31 is connected to the cabinet 1.

[0071] The hinge 3 further includes a hinge arm 32. The hinge arm 32 is connected to the door body 2.

[0072] The hinge 3 further includes a transmission assembly 33. The transmission assembly 33 is connected between the fixed seat 31 and the hinge arm 32.

[0073] The transmission assembly 33 includes four rods. Two of the four rods are pivotally connected to the fixed seat 31. The other two of the four rods are pivotally connected to the hinge arm 32. The four rods are pivotally connected to each other, and the four rods, the fixed seat 31 and the hinge arm 32 form two independent quadrilaterals.

[0074] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 3, during the opening of the door body 2, the hinge 3 changes position under the constraint of the two quadrilaterals described above, so that the hinge arm 32 moves outward along the depth direction Y of the refrigerator and moves outward along the width direction X of the refrigerator, thereby driving the door body 2 to also move outward along the depth direction Y of the refrigerator and move outward along the width direction X of the refrigerator. In this way, not only can the maximum opening angle of the door body 2 be increased, and the maximum opening angle is greater than 90°, so as to avoid the door body 2 from blocking the accommodation cavity, but also the door body 2 can bypass the edge 42 of the cabinet 4, which is conducive to reducing the interference between the door body 2 and the cabinet 4.

[0075] The hinge 3 includes a connecting piece 34 (a spring piece). The connecting piece 34 is connected to one rod in the transmission assembly, and the connecting piece 34 is configured to be elastically connected to another rod in the transmission assembly 33. In this way, the connecting piece 34 is elastically deformed under the action of the latter rod (the rod elastically connected to the connecting piece 34), so that the connecting piece 34 exerts a spring force on the latter rod. The spring force increases the pressure between the connecting piece and the latter rod, thereby increasing the friction between the connecting piece 34 and the latter rod, so that the connecting piece 34 and the latter rod are not easy to rotate relative to each other. After the door body 2 is opened under the action of an external force, when the external force applied to the door body 2 is removed, the latter rod is not easy to rotate due to the action of the connecting piece 34, so that the door body 2 can be prevented from rotating irregularly relative to the cabinet 1 under the influence of inertia, self-weight or manufacturing deviation, etc.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 5, in some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the four connecting rods of the transmission assembly can include a first connecting rod 331, a second connecting rod 332, a third connecting rod 333 and a fourth connecting rod 334. The first connecting rod 331 and the second connecting rod 332 are pivotally connected to the fixed seat 31, and the first connecting rod 331 is closer to the cabinet 1 than the second connecting rod 332.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 5, in some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the transmission assembly can further include a third connecting rod 333 and a fourth connecting rod 334. The third connecting rod 333 and the fourth connecting rod 334 are pivotally connected to the hinge arm 32, and the third connecting rod 333 is closer to the side wall of the cabinet 1 than the fourth connecting rod 334. The side wall of the cabinet 1 refers to the side of the cabinet 1 that is configured to face the cabinet 4 and is close to the hinge 3. The third connecting rod 333 and the fourth connecting rod 334 are further pivotally connected to the first connecting rod 331. The first connecting rod 331, the third connecting rod 333, the fourth connecting rod 334 and the hinge arm 32 form a quadrilateral. An end of the second connecting rod 332 away from the fixed seat 31 is pivotally connected to the third connecting rod 333. The fixed seat 31, the first connecting rod 331, the second connecting rod 332 and the third connecting rod 333 form a quadrilateral.

[0078] The third connecting rod 333 can rotate relative to the first connecting rod 331 about the second pivot shaft 302, the hinge arm 32 can rotate relative to the third connecting rod 333 about the third pivot shaft 303, the third connecting rod 333 can rotate relative to the second connecting rod 332 about the first pivot shaft 301, the second connecting rod 332 can rotate relative to the fixed base 31 about the fourth pivot shaft 304, the first connecting rod 331 can rotate relative to the fixed base 31 about the fifth pivot shaft 305, the fourth connecting rod 334 can rotate relative to the first connecting rod 331 about the sixth pivot shaft 306, and the hinge arm 32 can rotate relative to the fourth connecting rod 334 about the seventh pivot shaft 307.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 5, the first connecting rod 331, the third connecting rod 333, the fourth connecting rod 334, and the hinge arm 32 enclose a quadrilateral, that is, the axis of the second pivot shaft 302, the axis of the third pivot shaft 303, the axis of the sixth pivot shaft 306, and the axis of the seventh pivot shaft 307 enclose a quadrilateral.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the fixed base 31, the first connecting rod 331, the second connecting rod 332, and the third connecting rod 333 enclose a quadrilateral, that is, the axis of the second pivot shaft 302, the axis of the first pivot shaft 301, the axis of the fourth pivot shaft 304, and the axis of the fifth pivot shaft 305 enclose a quadrilateral.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 7 to FIG. 10, in the process of opening the door body 2, the hinge 3 changes position under the constraint of the above two quadrilaterals, drives the door body 2 to move outward along the depth direction Y of the refrigerator and outward along the width direction X of the refrigerator, which not only increases the maximum opening angle of the door body 2, and the maximum opening angle is greater than 90°, so as to avoid the door body 2 from blocking the accommodation cavity, but also forms an avoiding area for the second connecting rod 332 and the third connecting rod 333, which can avoid the edge 42 of the cabinet 4 when the opening angle of the door body 2 is greater than 90°, which is conducive to reducing the interference between the door body 2 and the cabinet 4.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 6 to FIG. 10, the rod connected by the connecting piece 34 can be the third connecting rod 333, and the rod elastically connected with the connecting piece 34 can be the second connecting rod 332.

[0083] The circumferential side wall of the end of the second connecting rod 332 away from the fixed base 31 can be configured with a pressing portion 335.

[0084] The connecting piece 34 includes a first end 341 close to the first connecting rod 331, and a second end 342 close to the hinge arm 32, and the first end 341 and the second end 342 are connected with the third connecting rod 333 to connect the connecting piece 34 to the third connecting rod 333.

[0085] The first end 341 can be arranged around the second pivot shaft 302, and the second end 342 can be arranged around the third pivot shaft 303, so as to simplify the assembly structure between the connecting piece 34 and the transmission assembly 33, and reduce the production and installation difficulty of the hinge.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first end 341 and the second end 342 can also be pivotally connected to the third connecting rod 333 at a position outside the second pivot shaft 302 and the third pivot shaft 303.

[0087] The abutting part 335 and the connecting piece 34 are abutted and matched with each other, so that the connecting piece 34 is deformed in the abutting direction, the deformation causes the connecting piece 34 to exert an elastic force on the abutting part 335, the elastic force increases the pressure between the connecting piece 34 and the abutting part 335, thereby increasing the friction between the connecting piece 34 and the abutting part 335, and the relative rotation between the connecting piece 34 and the second connecting rod 332 is not easy to occur. After the door body 2 is opened under the action of an external force, when the external force applied to the door body 2 is removed, the second connecting rod 332 where the abutting part 335 is located is not easy to rotate due to the action of the connecting piece 34, so that the door body 2 can be prevented from being irregularly rotated relative to the cabinet 1 under the influence of inertia, self-weight or manufacturing deviation, etc.

[0088] The abutting part 335 can include at least one of a circular arc segment 336, a first flange 337 and a second flange 338.

[0089] In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 6-10, the axis corresponding to the circular arc segment 336 is collinear with the axis of the first pivot shaft 301, when the connecting piece 34 is abutted and matched with the circular arc segment 336, the direction of the elastic force F of the connecting piece 34 on the circular arc segment 336 passes through the axis of the first pivot shaft 301, so that the elastic force F does not cause the second connecting rod 332 to rotate relative to the connecting piece 34, the pressure between the connecting piece 34 and the circular arc segment 336 is increased, thereby increasing the friction between the connecting piece 34 and the circular arc segment 336. After the door body 2 is opened to a preset angle and the door opening external force is removed, the relative rotation between the circular arc segment 336 and the connecting piece 34, and between the second connecting rod 332 and the third connecting rod 333 is not easy to occur, so that the door body 2 can be kept hovering, and the influence of inertia, self-weight or manufacturing deviation, etc. of the door body 2 on the opening angle of the door body 2 is overcome.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 11-16, the distance between the first flange 337 and the axis of the first pivot shaft 301 increases from the end close to the door body 2 to the end away from the door body 2, when the connecting piece 34 is abutted and matched with the first flange 337, the elastic force F of the connecting piece 34 on the first flange 337 includes two perpendicular components, one component F1 of the elastic force F is in a direction passing through the axis of the first pivot shaft 301, and the other component F2 is in a direction pointing to the cabinet 1.

[0091] The component force F1 directed to the axis of the first pivot shaft 301 makes the connector 34 press against the first flange 337, that is, increases the pressure between the connector 34 and the first flange 337, thereby increasing the friction between the connector 34 and the first flange 337.

[0092] The component force F2 directed to the cabinet 1 can push the first flange 337 towards the cabinet 1, so that the end of the second connecting rod 332 away from the fixed seat 31 moves towards the fixed seat 31. After the door body 2 is opened to a preset angle and the external force for opening the door is removed, the component force F2 makes the end of the second connecting rod 332 away from the fixed seat 31 move towards the fixed seat 31, thereby driving the door body 2 to automatically close, so that the door body 2 is closed more labor-saving.

[0093] When the connector 34 and the first flange 337 are in abutting engagement, the existence of the friction between the connector 34 and the first flange 337 enables the door body 2 to slowly close during the automatic closing, thereby avoiding that the refrigerator shakes or the hand is pinched due to the too fast closing speed of the door body 2.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 17 to 23, the distance between the second flange 338 and the axis of the first pivot shaft 301 decreases from the end close to the fourth connecting rod 334 to the end away from the fourth connecting rod 334.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 23, when the second flange 338 and the connector 34 are in abutting engagement, the elastic force F of the connector 34 on the second flange 338 includes two component forces perpendicular to each other. One component force F1 is directed to the axis of the first pivot shaft 301, and the other component force F2 is directed away from the cabinet 1.

[0096] The component force F1 directed to the axis of the first pivot shaft 301 makes the connector 34 press against the second flange 338, that is, increases the pressure between the connector 34 and the second flange 338, thereby increasing the friction between the connector 34 and the second flange 338.

[0097] The component force F2 directed away from the cabinet 1 can push the second flange 338 away from the cabinet 1, so that the end of the second connecting rod 332 away from the fixed seat 31 moves away from the fixed seat 31. After the door body 2 is opened to a preset angle and the external force for opening the door is removed, the component force F2 makes the end of the second connecting rod 332 away from the fixed seat 31 move away from the fixed seat 31, thereby driving the door body 2 to automatically pop open after the external force for opening the door is removed, so that the door body 2 is opened more labor-saving.

[0098] Due to the existence of the friction between the connector 34 and the second flange 338, the door body 2 can be popped open for a longer time during the automatic pop opening, thereby avoiding that the hinge 3 is damaged due to the too fast pop opening speed of the door body 2.

[0099] In the implementation where the abutting portion 335 comprises the circular arc segment 336, in the process of opening the door body 2 from the first set angle to the second set angle (the second set angle is greater than the first set angle), the circular arc segment 336 abuts against the connecting piece 34. In this process, after the external force for opening the door body 2 is removed, the door body 2 can hover under the action of the connecting piece 34 and the circular arc segment 336.

[0100] For example, referring to FIG. 6, the first set angle can be 0°, and the second set angle can be the maximum opening angle of the refrigerator. In this case, the second set angle is greater than 90°, and referring to FIGS. 7-9, the door body 2 can hover at any opening angle.

[0101] For example, referring to FIGS. 13-15, the first set angle can be greater than 0°, and referring to FIG. 16, the second set angle can be the maximum opening angle of the refrigerator. In this way, the door body 2 can hover when the opening angle of the refrigerator is greater than or equal to the first set angle.

[0102] For example, referring to FIGS. 20-22, the first set angle can be greater than 0°, and the second set angle can be equal to 90°. In this way, the door body 2 can hover when the opening angle of the refrigerator is between the first set angle and 90°.

[0103] In some embodiments, the abutting portion 335 comprises a first flange 337. Referring to FIGS. 12, 13, 19, and 20, in the process of opening the door body 2 from the closed state to the first set angle, the first flange 337 abuts against the connecting piece 34, so that the door body 2 can automatically close after the external force for opening the door is removed. It can be understood that the first set angle is greater than 0°.

[0104] In some embodiments, the abutting portion 335 comprises a second flange 338. Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, when the opening angle of the door body 2 is between the second set angle and the third set angle, the second flange 338 abuts against the connecting piece 34, so that the door body 2 can automatically pop open after the external force for opening the door is removed. It should be noted that the third set angle is greater than the second set angle, and the second set angle can be greater than or equal to 90°, so that the door body 2 can automatically pop open after the external force for opening the door is removed when the opening angle is greater than or equal to 90°.

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 12-16, in some embodiments, the abutting portion 335 comprises the circular arc segment 336 and the first flange 337. The first flange 337 can be arranged at one end of the circular arc segment 336 close to the door body 2. In the process of opening the door body 2 from the closed state, the connecting piece 34 abuts against the first flange 337 and the circular arc segment 336. When the connecting piece 34 abuts against the first flange 337, the door body 2 can automatically close after the external force for opening the door is removed. When the connecting piece 34 abuts against the circular arc segment 336, the door body 2 can hover after the external force for opening the door is removed.

[0106] For example, referring to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, during the process of opening the door body 2 from the closed state to the first set angle, the first flange 337 abuts against the connecting piece 34; referring to FIG. 13-FIG. 16, during the process of opening the door body 2 from the first set angle to the second set angle, the circular arc segment 336 abuts against the connecting piece 34, and the second set angle can be between 90° and the maximum opening angle of the door.

[0107] During the process of opening the door body 2 from the closed state to the first set angle, the connecting piece 34 first cooperates with the end of the first flange 337 away from the circular arc segment 336, and then the cooperation position of the first flange 337 with the connecting piece 34 approaches the circular arc segment 336 until the end of the first flange 337 close to the circular arc segment 336 cooperates. During this process, since the distance between the first flange 337 and the axis of the first pivot shaft 301 increases from the end close to the door body 2 to the end away from the door body 2, the compression degree of the first flange 337 to the connecting piece 34 increases, that is, the connecting piece 34 moves in the direction away from the first pivot shaft 301 under the abutting action of the first flange 337, the deformation amount of the connecting piece 34 increases, and therefore the elastic force F of the connecting piece 34 to the first flange 337 also increases. In this way, as the opening angle of the door increases, the component force F2 also increases, so that the angle that the door body 2 can rotate after the opening force of the door is removed increases, thereby enabling the door body 2 to automatically close after the opening angle of the door increases.

[0108] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned first flange 337 can be a plane or a curved surface, as long as the distance between the first flange 337 and the axis of the first pivot shaft 301 increases from the end away from the circular arc segment 336 to the end close to the circular arc segment 336.

[0109] In the implementation mode in which the first flange 337 is a curved surface, the first flange 337 can protrude towards the connecting piece 34. Compared with the implementation mode in which the first flange 337 is concave in the direction away from the connecting piece 34, the first flange 337 protrudes towards the connecting piece 34, and during the process of increasing the opening angle of the door body 2, each position on the first flange 337 can abut against the connecting piece 34, so that the abutting cooperation between the first flange 337 and the connecting piece 34 is continuous and stable.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 10, in some possible implementation modes of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first flange 337 can be a circular arc surface, so that the distance between the first flange 337 and the axis of the first pivot shaft 301 increases relatively smoothly from the end of the first flange 337 away from the circular arc segment 336 to the end close to the circular arc segment 336.

[0111] When the connecting piece 34 cooperates with the first flange 337 and the opening angle of the door body 2 increases, it is beneficial to smoothly increase the component force F2 (closing force) of the elastic force, and beneficial to the smooth change of the speed of the door body 2 when automatically closing at different opening angles.

[0112] In some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the tangent line of the first flange 337 near one end of the circular arc segment 336 and the tangent line of the circular arc segment 336 near one end of the first flange 337 are collinear, so that the distance between the first flange 337 near one end of the circular arc segment 336 and the axis of the first pivot shaft 301 is equal to the distance between the circular arc segment 336 and the axis of the first pivot shaft 301, the elastic force of the connecting member 34 on the critical position of the first flange 337 and the circular arc segment 336 is consistent with the elastic force of the connecting member 34 on the circular arc segment 336, and the connecting member 34 is smoother when transitioning from the first flange 337 to the circular arc segment 336, and accordingly the change range of the opening resistance of the door body 2 in the corresponding opening process is reduced.

[0113] In some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the radius corresponding to the first flange 337 can be smaller than the radius corresponding to the circular arc segment 336. Since the first flange 337 and the circular arc segment 336 are structures constructed on the circumferential side wall of one end of the second connecting rod 332, and the axis of the circular arc segment 336 and the axis of the first pivot shaft 301 are collinear, under the premise that the arc length corresponding to the first flange 337 is the same, compared with the radius of the circular arc segment 336, when the radius corresponding to the first flange 337 is reduced, the compression amount of the connecting member 34 to the first flange 337 will increase, so that the elastic force of the connecting member 34 to the first flange 337 is increased, and the component force F2 (closing force) of the elastic force is also increased, so that the door body 2 is easily automatically closed after the opening external force is removed.

[0114] In the implementation manner in which the abutting portion 335 includes the circular arc segment 336 and the second flange 338, referring to FIGS. 19 to 23, the second flange 338 can be connected to one end of the circular arc segment 336 near the cabinet 1, and in the opening process of the door body 2, the connecting member 34 is in abutting cooperation with the circular arc segment 336 and the second flange 338. When the connecting member 34 is in abutting cooperation with the circular arc segment 336, the door body 2 can hover after the opening external force is removed. When the connecting member 34 is in abutting cooperation with the second flange 338, the door body 2 can be automatically opened after the opening external force is removed.

[0115] For example, referring to FIGS. 20 to 22, when the opening angle of the door body 2 is between the first set angle and the second set angle, the connecting member 34 is in abutting cooperation with the circular arc segment 336; referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, when the opening angle of the door body 2 is between the second set angle and the third set angle, the connecting member 34 is in abutting cooperation with the second flange 338.

[0116] It should be noted that the second set angle can be greater than or equal to 90°, the third set angle is greater than the second set angle, and the third set angle can be the maximum opening angle of the refrigerator.

[0117] In the process of opening the door body 2 from the second set angle to the third set angle, the connecting piece 34 first cooperates with the second flange 338 near one end of the circular arc segment 336, and then the cooperation position of the second flange 338 and the connecting piece 34 moves away from the circular arc segment 336 until it cooperates with the other end of the second flange 338 away from the circular arc segment 336. In this process, since the distance between the second flange 338 and the axis of the first pivot shaft 301 decreases from the end near the circular arc segment 336 to the end away from the circular arc segment 336, the compression degree of the second flange 338 to the connecting piece 34 decreases, that is, the connecting piece 34 gradually moves towards the first pivot shaft 301 under the pressing action of the second flange 338, the deformation amount of the connecting piece 34 decreases, and thus the elastic force F of the connecting piece 34 to the second flange 338 also decreases. Therefore, as the door opening angle increases, the component force F2 also decreases, so that the force with which the door body 2 can automatically pop open after the door opening external force is removed decreases. Thus, the door opening angle of the door body 2 increases, and the force with which the door body 2 automatically pops open decreases. When the door opening angle of the door body 2 is at the maximum door opening angle, the force with which the door body 2 automatically pops open is the smallest, thereby avoiding impact on the door body 2.

[0118] In the implementation mode in which the pressing part 335 includes the circular arc segment 336, the first flange 337 and the second flange 338, referring to FIGS. 19 to 23, the first flange 337 can be adjacent to one end of the circular arc segment 336 near the door body 2, and the second flange 338 can be adjacent to the other end of the circular arc segment 336 near the cabinet 1.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, when the opening angle of the door body 2 is between 0° and the first set angle, the connecting piece 34 can be in pressing cooperation with the first flange 337, so that the door body 2 can automatically close after the door opening external force is removed when the door opening angle is less than the first set angle.

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 20 to 22, when the opening angle of the door body 2 is between the first set angle and the second set angle, the connecting piece 34 can be in pressing cooperation with the circular arc segment 336, so that the door body 2 can hover.

[0121] Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, when the opening angle of the door body 2 is between the second set angle and the third set angle, the connecting piece 34 can be in pressing cooperation with the second flange 338, so that the door body 2 can automatically pop open after the door opening external force is removed.

[0122] In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 17 to 19, the first flange 337 includes a first curved surface 3371. The first flange 337 further includes a first flat surface 3372 connected to the first curved surface 3371, and the first curved surface 3371 is connected to the circular arc segment 336. The second flange 338 includes a second curved surface 3381. The second flange 338 further includes a second flat surface 3382 connected to the second curved surface 3381, and the second curved surface 3381 is connected to the circular arc segment 336.

[0123] In this way, when the abutting convex portion 343 of the connecting piece 34 abuts against the first flange 337 and the abutting convex portion 343 abuts against the arc segment 336, the direction of the elastic force of the abutting convex portion 343 against the abutting portion 335 is changed to pass through the axis of the first pivot shaft 301 through the first curved surface 3371; when the abutting convex portion 343 of the connecting piece 34 abuts against the arc segment 336 and the abutting convex portion 343 abuts against the second flange 338, the direction of the elastic force of the abutting convex portion 343 against the abutting portion 335 is deviated from the axis of the first pivot shaft 301 through the second curved surface 3381, which is beneficial to reduce the shaking of the refrigerator or damage to the door body 2 caused by the fast opening speed of the door body 2 and prolong the service life of the door body 2.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first curved surface 3371 and the second curved surface 3381 are circular arc surfaces, and the corresponding radii of the first curved surface 3371 and the second curved surface 3381 are smaller than the corresponding radius of the arc segment 336. In this way, during the opening of the door body 2, the abutting convex portion 343 of the connecting piece 34 can stably rotate between the first flange 337 and the arc segment 336 and between the arc segment 336 and the second flange 338, which is beneficial to reduce the shaking of the refrigerator or damage to the door body 2 caused by the fast opening speed of the door body 2.

[0125] In some embodiments, the tangent line of the first curved surface 3371 near one end of the arc segment 336 is collinear with the tangent line of the arc segment 336 near the first curved surface 3371, and the tangent line of the second curved surface 3381 near one end of the arc segment 336 is collinear with the tangent line of the arc segment 336 near the second curved surface 3381. In this way, the abutting convex portion 343 of the connecting piece 34 rotates more stably between the first flange 337 and the arc segment 336 and between the arc segment 336 and the second flange 338.

[0126] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 24, in some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present disclosure, one side of the connecting piece 34 facing the abutting portion 335 can be a curved surface, which can be concave in a direction away from the abutting portion 335. In this way, the structure of the connecting piece 34 is simple and easy to process and manufacture. The abutting portion 335 abuts against the curved surface to compress the connecting piece 34, so that the connecting piece 34 exerts an elastic force on the abutting portion 335, thereby enabling the door body 2 to realize at least one of the functions of automatic door closing, hovering, and automatic opening after the door is opened and the opening external force is removed.

[0127] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 25, in some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the connecting piece 34 can include an abutting convex portion 343, which protrudes toward the abutting portion 335. The abutting convex portion 343 can be formed by bending the connecting piece 34, and the abutting convex portion 343 abuts against the abutting portion 335.

[0128] In the case that the length between the first end 341 and the second end 342 of the connecting piece 34 is unchanged, the matching protrusion 343 is configured on the connecting piece 34, the extension length of the connecting piece 34 can be increased, and thus the deformation amount of the connecting piece 34 is increased, and the elastic force of the matching protrusion 343 against the pressing part 335 is increased, so that the door body 2 rotates more smoothly when the door body 2 is hovering, automatically closed and automatically popped open.

[0129] Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, in some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the connecting piece 34 can further include a body segment, and the matching protrusion 343 can include a first matching segment 3431, which is adjacent to the body segment and located at one end of the body segment close to the first end 341.

[0130] The first matching segment 3431 includes a pressing surface 3433 towards one side of the circular-arc segment 336, and the pressing surface 3433 is inclined towards the circular-arc segment 336 relative to the body segment, and the pressing surface 3433 is matched with the circular-arc segment 336.

[0131] It should be noted that the pressing surface 3433 is inclined towards the circular-arc segment 336 relative to the body segment, that is, the distance between the pressing surface 3433 and the surface where the side of the body segment towards the second connecting rod 332 is located increases from the end close to the body segment to the end away from the body segment.

[0132] Compared with the body segment, the distance between the first matching segment 3431 and the circular-arc segment 336 is reduced, and thus the elastic force F between the first matching segment 3431 and the circular-arc segment 336 is increased, so that the friction between the first matching segment 3431 and the circular-arc segment 336 is increased, and the relative rotation between the circular-arc segment 336 and the matching protrusion 343 and between the second connecting rod 332 and the third connecting rod 333 is more difficult to occur, so that the door body 2 is more likely to be kept hovering after being opened.

[0133] In some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the pressing surface 3433 can be a plane or a circular-arc surface, and when the pressing surface 3433 is a circular-arc surface, the axis corresponding to the circular-arc surface can be located on the side of the connecting piece 34 towards the circular-arc segment 336 or on the side of the connecting piece 34 towards the fourth connecting rod 334, as long as the distance between the pressing surface 3433 and the surface where the side of the body segment towards the second connecting rod 332 is located increases from the end close to the body segment to the end away from the body segment.

[0134] In the case that the straight-line length between the two ends of the pressing surface 3433 along the extension direction of the connecting piece 34 is unchanged, compared with the implementation manner in which the pressing surface 3433 is a plane, when the pressing surface 3433 is a circular-arc surface, the extension length of the pressing surface 3433 is increased, and thus the deformation amount of the connecting piece 34 and the elastic force F of the connecting piece 34 against the circular-arc segment 336 are increased.

[0135] Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, the abutting surface 3433 can be a circular arc surface, and the axis corresponding to the abutting surface 3433 is located on the side of the connecting piece 34 facing the circular arc segment 336. An end of the abutting surface 3433 close to the body segment can be tangent to the body segment, so that the transition between the body segment and the abutting surface 3433 is smooth, facilitating the construction of the matching protrusion 343 on the connecting piece 34.

[0136] In the implementation mode in which the abutting surface 3433 is a circular arc surface and the axis corresponding to the abutting surface 3433 is located on the side of the connecting piece 34 facing the circular arc segment 336, the radius corresponding to the abutting surface 3433 can be equal to the radius corresponding to the circular arc segment 336. In this way, when the circular arc segment 336 is abutted with the abutting surface 3433, the part of the circular arc segment 336 corresponding to the abutting surface 3433 is completely fitted with the abutting surface 3433, increasing the contact area between the abutting surface 3433 and the circular arc segment 336, and further increasing the friction between the abutting surface 3433 and the circular arc segment 336, which is conducive to keeping the door body 2 hovering after being opened.

[0137] Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, in the implementation mode in which the matching protrusion 343 includes the first matching segment 3431, the matching protrusion 343 can further include a second matching segment 3432. The second matching segment 3432 is adjacent to an end of the first matching segment 3431 away from the body segment, and the second matching segment 3432 protrudes toward the second connecting rod 332 relative to the body segment. The second matching segment 3432 can increase the deformation amount of the connecting piece 34, thereby increasing the elastic force F exerted by the connecting piece 34 on the circular arc segment 336, so that the door body 2 is more stable when hovering.

[0138] The side of the second matching segment 3432 facing the second connecting rod 332 has a limiting surface 3434, which is a circular arc surface, and the axis corresponding to the limiting surface 3434 is located on the side of the connecting piece 34 facing the fourth connecting rod 334. When the door body 2 is opened to a set door opening angle, the limiting surface 3434 moves into the limiting recess 339 and abuts against the limiting recess 339, so as to prevent the included angle between the second connecting rod 332 and the third connecting rod 333 from continuing to decrease, thereby preventing the door body 2 from continuing to open.

[0139] In addition to being able to cooperate with the abutting portion 335 to limit the opening angle of the door body 2 when the door body 2 is opened to a set door opening angle, the second matching segment 3432 can also increase the deformation amount of the connecting piece 34 when the door opening angle of the door body 2 is less than the set door opening angle, thereby increasing the elastic force F exerted by the connecting piece 34 on the circular arc segment 336, so that the door body 2 is more stable when hovering.

[0140] The second fitting section 3432 is adjacent to the first fitting section 3431 near one end of the first connecting rod 331, so that the structure of the first fitting section 3431 and the second fitting section 3432 is more compact, and it is convenient to construct the first fitting section 3431 and the second fitting section 3432 on the connecting piece 34, thereby facilitating the machining and manufacturing of the connecting piece 34.

[0141] The tangent line of the limiting surface 3434 near one end of the abutting surface 3433 and the abutting surface 3433 near one end of the limiting surface 3434 can be arranged in a same line, so that the transition between the first fitting section 3431 and the second fitting section 3432 is more gentle, and it is convenient to construct the first fitting section 3431 and the second fitting section 3432 on the connecting piece 34.

[0142] In some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the second fitting section 3432 can be an arc surface, the corresponding axis of the second fitting section 3432 can be located on the side of the connecting piece 34 away from the circular arc section 336, the corresponding radius of the second fitting section 3432 can be greater than the corresponding radius of the circular arc section 336, the protruding direction of the second fitting section 3432 is opposite to the direction of the pressure of the circular arc section 336 on the first fitting section 3431, so that when the circular arc section 336 abuts against the first fitting section 3431, the deformation amount of the second fitting section 3432 is greater, thereby increasing the deformation amount of the entire connecting piece 34, increasing the elastic force F of the connecting piece 34 on the circular arc section 336, and stabilizing the door body 2 in hovering.

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 28-33, in some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the connecting piece 34 can further include an auxiliary protruding portion 344, the auxiliary protruding portion 344 protrudes towards the abutting portion 335, the auxiliary protruding portion 344 can be adjacent to or spaced apart from the fitting protruding portion 343, and the auxiliary protruding portion 344 can be formed by bending the connecting piece 34. In the case where the length between the first end 341 and the second end 342 of the connecting piece 34 is unchanged, constructing the auxiliary protruding portion 344 on the connecting piece 34 can increase the extension length of the connecting piece 34, thereby increasing the deformation amount of the connecting piece 34, and further increasing the elastic force of the fitting protruding portion 343 on the abutting portion 335, so that the door body 2 rotates stably in hovering, automatic door closing, and automatic opening.

[0144] In some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the auxiliary protruding portion 344 can be arranged between the fitting protruding portion 343 and the first end 341 of the connecting piece 34, that is, the auxiliary protruding portion 344 is closer to the cabinet 1 than the fitting protruding portion 343.

[0145] In other possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the auxiliary protruding portion 344 can be arranged between the fitting protruding portion 343 and the second end 342 of the connecting piece 34, that is, the auxiliary protruding portion 344 is closer to the door body 2 than the fitting protruding portion 343.

[0146] In some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the connecting piece 34 comprises a plurality of auxiliary protrusions 344, which can be arranged between the matching protrusion 343 and the first end 341 of the connecting piece 34, between the matching protrusion 343 and the second end 342 of the connecting piece 34, or part of the plurality of auxiliary protrusions 344 are arranged between the matching protrusion 343 and the first end 341 of the connecting piece 34, and the other part of the plurality of auxiliary protrusions 344 are arranged between the matching protrusion 343 and the second end 342 of the connecting piece 34.

[0147] In some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present disclosure, if the thickness of the connecting piece 34 is less than 1.5 mm, since the spring steel material generally contains a higher carbon content than ordinary steel material, generally between 0.6% and 1.2%, the material properties are relatively brittle, for example, when closing the door, the connecting piece 34 is prone to fatigue fracture.

[0148] In some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the thickness of the connecting piece 34 is greater than or equal to 1.5 mm, so that the service life of the connecting piece 34 can be prolonged.

[0149] In some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present disclosure, if the thickness of the connecting piece 34 is greater than 2.5 mm, the strength of the connecting piece 34 is too high, which causes difficulty in opening or closing the door when the connecting piece 34 and the abutting portion 335 abut, and makes the hinge 3 inconvenient to use.

[0150] In some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the thickness of the connecting piece 34 is less than or equal to 2.5 mm, so that the connecting piece 34 is prone to elastic deformation, and the elastic force of the matching protrusion 343 on the abutting portion 335 can be increased, so that the door body 2 rotates stably when hovering, automatically closing and automatically bouncing open.

[0151] In some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the thickness of the connecting piece 34 is greater than or equal to 1.5 mm and less than or equal to 2.5 mm, for example, the thickness of the connecting piece 34 is 1.5 mm, 2 mm or 2.5 mm, so that the service life of the connecting piece 34 can be prolonged, and the stability of the door body 2 when rotating when hovering, automatically closing and automatically bouncing open can be improved.

[0152] In some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the material of the connecting piece 34 comprises manganese.

[0153] In some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present disclosure, if the ratio of the thickness of the connecting piece 34 to the unfolded length of the connecting piece 34 is less than 0.01, the connecting piece 34 is prone to fatigue fracture, the service life of the connecting piece 34 is shortened, and production is difficult, and the size deviation after forming is large.

[0154] In some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present disclosure, if the ratio of the thickness of the connecting piece 34 to the unfolded length of the connecting piece 34 is greater than or equal to 0.01, the elastic deformation of the connecting piece 34 can be increased, and the service life of the connecting piece 34 can be prolonged.

[0155] In some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present disclosure, if the ratio of the thickness of the connecting piece 34 to the unfolded length of the connecting piece 34 is greater than 0.03, the connecting piece 34 is affected by elasticity, which causes the connecting piece 34 to be difficult to bend, the production is difficult, and the size deviation after forming is large.

[0156] In some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present disclosure, if the ratio of the thickness of the connecting piece 34 to the unfolded length of the connecting piece 34 is less than or equal to 0.03, the production of the connecting piece 34 is easy.

[0157] In some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the ratio of the thickness of the connecting piece 34 to the unfolded length of the connecting piece 34 is greater than or equal to 0.01 and less than or equal to 0.03, for example, the thickness of the connecting piece 34 is 2 mm, and the unfolded length of the connecting piece 34 is 50 mm, 100 mm or 150 mm, the production of the connecting piece 34 is not only easy, but also the service life of the connecting piece 34 can be prolonged, and the stability of the door body 2 during hovering, automatic closing and automatic opening can be improved.

[0158] Referring to FIGS. 34-38, in the case where the connecting piece 34 includes the matching protrusion 343, the circumferential side wall of the second connecting rod 332 can also be configured with a limiting recess 339, the limiting recess 339 is recessed towards the inside of the second connecting rod 332, the limiting recess 339 corresponds to the position of the matching protrusion 343, the matching protrusion 343 is configured to move towards the limiting recess 339 when the opening angle of the door body 2 increases, and abuts against the limiting recess 339 when the door body 2 is opened to the maximum opening angle, so as to prevent the included angle between the second connecting rod 332 and the third connecting rod 333 from continuing to decrease, thereby preventing the door body 2 from being continuously opened after the opening angle of the door body 2 reaches the maximum opening angle, and limiting the maximum opening angle of the door body 2.

[0159] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 39, when the user forces to open the door, the door body 2 can be opened to the set maximum opening angle under the action of the limiting recess 339 and the matching protrusion 343, which can prevent the door body 2 from being pulled by the hinge 3 when the opening angle of the door body 2 is too large or the force for opening the door is too large, and can reduce the damage of the hinge 3 and the door body 2.

[0160] Referring to FIGS. 40 to 44, in the implementation manner in which the connecting piece 34 comprises the matching protrusion 343 and the auxiliary protrusion 344, the auxiliary protrusion 344 is arranged between the matching protrusion 343 and the first end 341 of the connecting piece 34. As the opening angle of the door body 2 increases, the distance between the auxiliary protrusion 344 and the second connecting rod 332 decreases. When the door body 2 is opened to the maximum opening angle, the matching protrusion 343 and the auxiliary protrusion 344 simultaneously abut against the second connecting rod 332 to prevent the included angle between the second connecting rod 332 and the third connecting rod 333 from continuously decreasing, so that the door body 2 cannot be continuously opened after the opening angle of the door body 2 reaches the maximum opening angle, the maximum opening angle of the door body 2 is limited, and damage to the hinge 3 and the door body 2 caused by continuous opening of the door body 2 is avoided.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 45, in some possible implementation manners of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the third connecting rod 333 can comprise a first part 3331 and a second part 3332, the first part 3331 and the second part 3332 are arranged in the height direction Z (referring to FIG. 1) of the refrigerator, and the first part 3331 and the second part 3332 rotate about the second pivot axis 302 relative to the first connecting rod 331 and rotate about the third pivot axis 303 relative to the hinge arm 32. In this way, the connection strength between the third connecting rod 333 and the first connecting rod 331 and between the third connecting rod 333 and the hinge arm 32 is increased.

[0162] The end of the second connecting rod 332 away from the fixed seat 31 can extend to between the first part 3331 and the second part 3332, and the end of the second connecting rod 332 away from the fixed seat 31 is pivotally connected to the first part 3331 and the second part 3332 at the same time, that is, the first part 3331 and the second part 3332 rotate about the first pivot axis 301 relative to the second connecting rod 332.

[0163] The end of the second connecting rod 332 away from the fixed seat 31 can extend to between the first part 3331 and the second part 3332, so that the structure of the hinge 3 is more compact, and after the second connecting rod 332 and the third connecting rod 333 are connected, the length of the hinge 3 in the height direction Z of the refrigerator is not additionally increased, so that the occupied space of the hinge 3 in the height direction Z of the refrigerator is reduced.

[0164] The connecting piece 34 can be arranged between the first part 3331 and the second part 3332, one side of the connecting piece 34 faces the second connecting rod 332, and the other side of the connecting piece 34 faces the fourth connecting rod 334.

[0165] The connecting piece 34 is arranged between the first part 3331 and the second part 3332, so that the structure of the hinge 3 is more compact, and after the connecting piece 34 is connected to the third connecting rod 333, the length of the hinge 3 in the height direction Z of the refrigerator is not additionally increased, so that the occupied space of the hinge 3 in the height direction Z of the refrigerator is reduced.

[0166] Referring to FIG. 45, in some possible implementation manners in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the connecting piece 34 can include a connecting portion 3335 connected between the first portion 336 and the second portion 337 to connect the first portion 336 and the second portion 337.

[0167] The connecting portion 3335 can be located on the side of the connecting piece 34 away from the second connecting rod 332 to avoid interference between the connecting portion 3335 and the second connecting rod 332.

[0168] One end of the connecting portion 3335 along the height direction Z of the refrigerator can be connected to the first portion 336 close to one end of the fourth connecting rod 334, and the other end can be connected to the second portion 337 close to one end of the fourth connecting rod 334. The position of the connecting portion 3335 needs to avoid the deformation path of the connecting piece 34 to avoid blocking the deformation path of the connecting piece 34.

[0169] Referring to FIGS. 46 and 47, in some possible implementation manners in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first portion 3331 can be provided with a first connecting hole 3333, and the end of the connecting piece 34 toward the first portion 3331 can be provided with a first protruding portion 345 inserted into the first connecting hole 3333.

[0170] The second portion 3332 can be provided with a second connecting hole 3334, and the end of the connecting piece 34 toward the second portion 3332 can be provided with a second protruding portion 346 inserted into the second connecting hole 3334.

[0171] The first protruding portion 345 and the second protruding portion 346 can be arranged between the first pivot shaft 301 and the third pivot shaft 303, or arranged between the first pivot shaft 301 and the second pivot shaft 302, or one of the first protruding portion 345 and the second protruding portion 346 is arranged between the first pivot shaft 301 and the third pivot shaft 303, and the other is arranged between the first pivot shaft 301 and the second pivot shaft 302.

[0172] Referring to FIGS. 46 and 47, in the implementation manner in which the first protruding portion 345 and the second protruding portion 346 are arranged between the first pivot shaft 301 and the third pivot shaft 303, the part of the connecting piece 34 between the one of the first protruding portion 345 and the second protruding portion 346 close to the first pivot shaft 301 and the first end 341 of the connecting piece 34 will be extruded and elastically deformed by the pressing portion 335. Since the length of this part of the connecting piece 34 is reduced compared to the length of the entire connecting piece 34, the elasticity of this part of the connecting piece 34 is reduced compared to the entire connecting piece 34, and the rigidity is increased.

[0173] In the implementation where the first protruding portion 345 and the second protruding portion 346 are arranged between the first pivot shaft 301 and the second pivot shaft 302, the part of the connecting piece 34 between the one of the first protruding portion 345 and the second protruding portion 346 close to the first pivot shaft 301 and the second end 342 of the connecting piece 34 is pressed by the pressing portion 335 and elastically deformed, and since the length of the part of the connecting piece 34 is reduced compared with the length of the whole connecting piece 34, the elasticity of the part of the connecting piece 34 is reduced compared with the whole connecting piece 34, and the rigidity is increased.

[0174] In the implementation where one of the first protruding portion 345 and the second protruding portion 346 is arranged between the first pivot shaft 301 and the third pivot shaft 303, and the other is arranged between the first pivot shaft 301 and the second pivot shaft 302, the part of the connecting piece 34 between the first protruding portion 345 and the second protruding portion 346 is pressed by the pressing portion 335 and elastically deformed, and since the length of the part of the connecting piece 34 is reduced compared with the length of the whole connecting piece 34, the elasticity of the part of the connecting piece 34 is reduced compared with the whole connecting piece 34, and the rigidity is increased.

[0175] In the above implementation, the rigidity of the connecting piece 34 is increased, so that the resistance in the opening process of the door body 2 is increased, and when the door body 2 is opened to the maximum opening angle, the resistance from the connecting piece 34 can prevent the door body 2 from continuing to open, so that the door body 2 is limited when it is opened to the maximum opening angle, avoiding the damage of the hinge and the door body caused by pulling the hinge when the door body 2 continues to open.

[0176] In some possible implementations in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first protruding portion 345 can be riveted with the first part 3331, and the second protruding portion 346 can be riveted with the second part 3332, so that the connecting piece 34, the first part 3331 and the second part 3332 are fixedly connected, and the structure and assembly relationship of the connecting piece 34, the first part 3331 and the second part 3332 are simplified, thereby facilitating the production and installation of the hinge 3.

[0177] In addition, by riveting the first protruding portion 345 with the first part 3331 and the second protruding portion 346 with the second part 3332, the connecting piece 34 is riveted with the third connecting rod 333, and the connection strength between the connecting piece 34 and the third connecting rod 333 is improved.

[0178] Referring to FIG. 47, in some possible implementations in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first connecting hole 3333 and the second connecting hole 3334 can be oppositely arranged, that is, the axis of the first connecting hole 3333 and the axis of the second connecting hole 3334 are collinear and parallel to the axis of the first pivot shaft 301.

[0179] Since the first protruding portion 345 corresponds to the position of the first connecting hole 3333, the second protruding portion 346 corresponds to the position of the second connecting hole 3334, when the first connecting hole 3333 and the second connecting hole 3334 are oppositely arranged, the first protruding portion 345 and the second protruding portion 346 are also oppositely arranged, so that the first protruding portion 345 and the second protruding portion 346 are located on the same side of the first pivot shaft 301, and the distance between the first protruding portion 345 and the second protruding portion 346 and the first pivot shaft 301 is equal. When the abutting portion 335 is abutted with the connecting piece 34, the connecting piece 34 will only deform in the abutting direction, and will not be twisted and deformed, thereby facilitating the reduction of damage to the connecting piece 34.

[0180] It should be noted that when the first protruding portion 345 and the second protruding portion 346 are not directly opposite, since the fixed position of the first protruding portion 345 to the connecting piece 34 and the fixed position of the second protruding portion 346 to the connecting piece 34 are not directly opposite, the deformation degree of the connecting piece 34 towards one end of the first portion 3331 and towards one end of the second portion 3332 is not synchronized, causing the connecting piece 34 to be prone to torsional deformation.

[0181] Referring to FIG. 48, in some other possible implementations of the present disclosure, the transmission assembly can include four connecting rods, i.e., a first connecting rod 331, a second connecting rod 332, a third connecting rod 333, and a fourth connecting rod 334. The first connecting rod 331 and the second connecting rod 332 are pivotally connected with the fixed seat 31, and the first connecting rod 331 is closer to the cabinet 1 than the second connecting rod 332. The third connecting rod 333 and the fourth connecting rod 334 are pivotally connected with the hinge arm 32, and the third connecting rod 333 is closer to the side wall of the cabinet 1 than the fourth connecting rod 334.

[0182] It should be noted that the side wall of the cabinet 1 refers to the side of the cabinet 1 that is used to face the cabinet 4 and is close to the hinge 3. The first connecting rod 331 and the second connecting rod 332 are also pivotally connected with the fourth connecting rod 334, and the first connecting rod 331, the second connecting rod 332, the fourth connecting rod 334, and the fixed seat 31 form a quadrilateral. An end of the third connecting rod 333 away from the hinge arm 32 is pivotally connected with the second connecting rod 332, and the hinge arm 32, the second connecting rod 332, the third connecting rod 333, and the fourth connecting rod 334 form a quadrilateral. The third connecting rod 333 rotates relative to the second connecting rod 332 with the first pivot shaft 301 as the center.

[0183] In some embodiments, the rod connected with the connecting piece 34 can be the second connecting rod 332, and the rod elastically connected with the connecting piece 34 can be the third connecting rod 333.

[0184] The connecting piece 34 is arranged on the second connecting rod 332, and the abutting portion 335 is located on the circumferential side wall of the end of the third connecting rod 333 away from the hinge arm 32.

[0185] The abutting portion 335 and the connecting piece 34 abut each other, so that the connecting piece 34 is deformed in the abutting direction, the deformation causes the connecting piece 34 to exert an elastic force on the abutting portion 335, the elastic force increases the pressure between the connecting piece 34 and the abutting portion 335, thereby increasing the friction between the connecting piece 34 and the third connecting rod 333, so that the connecting piece 34 and the third connecting rod 333 are not easy to rotate relative to each other. After the door body 2 is opened under the action of an external force, when the external force applied to the door body 2 is removed, the third connecting rod 333 where the abutting portion 335 is located is not easy to rotate due to the action of the connecting piece 34, so that the door body 2 is prevented from rotating irregularly relative to the cabinet 1 under the influence of inertia, self-weight or manufacturing deviation, etc.

[0186] In other embodiments, the rod connected by the connecting piece 34 can be the fourth connecting rod 334, and the rod elastically connected with the connecting piece 34 can be the second connecting rod 332.

[0187] The connecting piece 34 is arranged on the fourth connecting rod 334, and the abutting portion 335 is arranged on the circumferential side wall of the end of the second connecting rod 332 away from the fixed seat 31.

[0188] The abutting portion 335 and the connecting piece 34 abut each other, so that the connecting piece 34 is deformed in the abutting direction, the deformation causes the connecting piece 34 to exert an elastic force on the abutting portion 335, the elastic force increases the pressure between the connecting piece 34 and the abutting portion 335, thereby increasing the friction between the connecting piece 34 and the second connecting rod 332, so that the connecting piece 34 and the second connecting rod 332 are not easy to rotate relative to each other. After the door body 2 is opened under the action of an external force, when the external force applied to the door body 2 is removed, the second connecting rod 332 where the abutting portion 335 is located is not easy to rotate due to the action of the connecting piece 34, so that the door body 2 is prevented from rotating irregularly relative to the cabinet 1 under the influence of inertia, self-weight or manufacturing deviation, etc.

[0189] It should be noted that any one of the technical solutions disclosed in the present disclosure can solve one or more of the above technical problems and achieve certain invention purposes; multiple technical disclosures can be combined into one overall scheme to solve one or more of the above technical problems and achieve certain invention purposes; or part of the technical disclosures can be combined into one overall scheme, while related technologies and degraded schemes are used, but the degraded trend can be compensated by the technical disclosure means, and the overall technical problems and certain invention purposes are solved to a certain extent; each technical disclosure is combined into a complete technical scheme, which constitutes an organic and indivisible overall scheme, and solves the technical problems and achieves certain invention purposes.

[0190] Any one of the technical disclosures in the present disclosure, and the recombination of multiple technical disclosures can form a complete technical solution, and can solve one or more of the above technical problems, achieve the purpose of the invention, belong to the content of the present disclosure, and belong to the content directly and without doubt determined according to the content of the present disclosure.

[0191] Those skilled in the art will understand that the scope of the disclosure of the present application is not limited to the above specific embodiments, and certain elements of the embodiments can be modified and replaced without departing from the spirit of the present application. The scope of the present application is limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet; a door body; and a hinge, the door body being pivotally connected with the cabinet through the hinge; wherein the hinge comprises: a fixed seat connected with the cabinet; a hinge arm connected with the door body; a transmission assembly comprising four link members, two of the four link members being pivotally connected with the fixed seat, the other two of the four link members being pivotally connected with the hinge arm, the four link members being pivotally connected with each other, and the four link members, the fixed seat and the hinge arm forming two independent quadrilaterals; a connecting member connected with one of the link members of the transmission assembly, the connecting member being configured to be elastically connected with another of the link members of the transmission assembly. 2.The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein, The four link members of the transmission assembly comprise: a first link member, a second link member, a third link member and a fourth link member, the first link member and the second link member being pivotally connected with the fixed seat, the first link member being closer to the cabinet than the second link member; the third link member and the fourth link member being pivotally connected with the hinge arm, the third link member being closer to a side wall of the cabinet than the fourth link member; the third link member and the fourth link member further being pivotally connected with the first link member, an end of the second link member away from the fixed seat being pivotally connected with the third link member, the second link member being pivotally connected with the third link member about a first pivot axis, a circumferential side wall of the end of the second link member away from the fixed seat being configured with a pressing portion; the connecting member being connected with the third link member, the connecting member being in abutting engagement with the pressing portion.

3. The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein, The pressing portion comprises: an arc segment, an axis corresponding to the arc segment being collinear with an axis of the first pivot axis, a direction of an elastic force of the elastic sheet on the arc segment passing through the axis of the first pivot axis.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The pressing portion comprises: a first flange, a distance between the first flange and the axis of the first pivot axis gradually increasing from an end close to the door body to an end away from the door body, the elastic force of the elastic sheet on the first flange having two perpendicular components, one of the components passing through the axis of the first pivot axis, and the other component being directed towards the cabinet. 5.The refrigerator according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The pressing portion comprises: a second flange, a distance between the second flange and the axis of the first pivot axis gradually decreasing from an end close to the fourth link member to an end away from the fourth link member, the elastic force of the elastic sheet on the second flange having two perpendicular components, one of the components passing through the axis of the first pivot axis, and the other component being directed away from the cabinet. 6.The refrigerator according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, The pressing portion satisfies at least one of the following conditions: when the pressing portion comprises the arc segment and the first flange, the first flange is adjacent to the end of the arc segment close to the door body; or when the pressing portion comprises the arc segment and the second flange, the second flange is adjacent to the end of the arc segment close to the cabinet. 7.The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, A side of the connecting member facing the link member is curved, the side of the connecting member facing the link member being recessed in a direction away from the link member. 8.The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The connecting member comprises a matching protrusion, the matching protrusion protruding towards the link member, the matching protrusion being in abutting engagement with the link member. 9.The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein, The connecting piece further comprises an auxiliary protrusion protruding towards the rod. 10.The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein, The circumferential sidewall of the rod is configured to form a limiting recess recessed towards the interior of the rod, the limiting recess corresponding to the position of the matching protrusion, the matching protrusion being configured to move towards the limiting recess when the opening angle of the door body increases, and the matching protrusion abutting against the limiting recess when the door body is opened to the maximum opening angle. 11.The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein, The rod is configured to abut against the matching protrusion and the auxiliary protrusion when the door body is opened to the maximum opening angle. 12.The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The connecting piece is connected to one of the rods in the transmission assembly, the rod comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being spaced apart along the height direction of the refrigerator, the connecting piece being arranged between the first portion and the second portion, and the connecting piece being pivotally connected to the rod at both ends along the extension direction of the connecting piece. The end portion of the connecting piece along the height direction of the refrigerator is configured with a protrusion, the protrusion being inserted into at least one of the first portion and the second portion. 13.The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The thickness of the connecting piece is greater than or equal to 1.5 mm and less than or equal to 2.5 mm, and the ratio of the thickness of the connecting piece to the development length of the connecting piece is greater than or equal to 0.01 and less than or equal to 0.

03.

14. A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet; a door body; and a hinge, the door body being pivotally connected to the cabinet through the hinge; wherein the hinge comprises: a fixed seat connected to the cabinet; a hinge arm connected to the door body; a transmission assembly comprising a plurality of rods, the transmission assembly being pivotally connected between the fixed seat and the hinge arm; a connecting piece connected to one of the rods in the transmission assembly, the connecting piece being configured to be elastically connected to another of the rods in the transmission assembly.

Images