Six-link hinge structure, refrigerator, and household appliance

Abstract

A six-link hinge structure (100), a refrigerator (200), and a household appliance. The six-link hinge structure (100) comprises a link assembly (10) and a rebound assembly (20). The rebound assembly (20) comprises a first abutting structure (21) rotatably connected to a first transmission arm (13), a second abutting structure (22) rotatably connected to a second transmission arm (14), and an elastic member (23) having two ends respectively connected to the first transmission arm (13) and the second transmission arm (14). An unfolding process of the link assembly (10) comprises a first stage and a second stage. The first abutting structure (21) and the second abutting structure (22) are separated from each other in the first stage, and abut against each other in the second stage.

Description

Six-bar hinge structure, refrigerators and home appliances

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 2025205251527, filed on March 24, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application belongs to the field of rotary connection technology, and more specifically, relates to a six-bar hinge structure, a refrigerator, and a household appliance. Background Technology

[0004] Hinge technology is used in industries such as large cabinets and refrigerators. In the refrigerator industry, hinge technology was initially applied to fully integrated refrigerators with sliding door panels. As the technology matured, the use of hinges in refrigerators and cabinets with fully integrated door panels gradually became a new industry trend. Compared to these technologies, the hinges in these integrated refrigerators need to be lighter and concealed within the refrigerator door. However, the hinges used in these technologies have relatively low self-closing force, often resulting in the refrigerator door not closing properly. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Some embodiments of this application provide a six-bar hinge structure, including:

[0006] Linkage assembly, including:

[0007] The first fixed link is configured to be fixed to the first structural member.

[0008] First transmission arm.

[0009] Second drive arm,

[0010] Third transmission arm

[0011] Fourth drive arm,

[0012] The second fixed link is configured to be fixed to the second structural member.

[0013] Wherein, the two ends of the first transmission arm are respectively hinged to the first fixed connecting rod and the fourth transmission arm, the two ends of the second transmission arm are respectively hinged to the first fixed connecting rod and the fourth transmission arm, the two ends of the third transmission arm are respectively hinged to the second transmission arm and the second fixed connecting rod, and the two ends of the fourth transmission arm are respectively hinged to the first transmission arm and the second fixed connecting rod.

[0014] The springback assembly includes:

[0015] The first abutment structure is configured to be rotatably connected to the first transmission arm.

[0016] The second abutment structure is configured to be rotatably connected to the second transmission arm, and

[0017] The elastic element has its two ends connected to the first transmission arm and the second transmission arm, respectively.

[0018] The deployment process of the linkage assembly includes a first stage and a second stage, wherein the first abutting structure and the second abutting structure separate from each other in the first stage and abut from each other in the second stage.

[0019] In some embodiments, the third transmission arm and the second abutment structure are hinged at the same position on the second transmission arm.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second abutment structure and the elastic element are connected at the same location on the second transmission arm.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first abutment structure and the elastic element are connected at the same location on the first transmission arm.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first abutment structure and the first end of the elastic member are both connected to the first connection position of the first transmission arm, and the second abutment structure and the second end of the elastic member are both connected to the second connection position of the second transmission arm; in the second stage, the distance between the first connection position and the second connection position remains unchanged.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first abutting structure is a roller, the first connecting position is located at the center of the roller, and the second abutting structure is a fan-shaped cam, the second connecting position is located at the center of the fan-shaped cam.

[0024] In some embodiments, the angle at which the linkage assembly transitions from the first stage to the second stage is 12 to 20 degrees.

[0025] In some embodiments, the number of elastic elements is two, respectively disposed on opposite sides of the second transmission arm.

[0026] Some embodiments of this application also propose a refrigerator, including a cabinet, a cabinet door, and a six-bar linkage structure as described in the above embodiments, wherein the first fixing link is fixed to the cabinet and the second fixing link is fixed to the cabinet door.

[0027] Some embodiments of this application also propose a household appliance including the six-bar hinge structure described in the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in some embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of some embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the six-bar linkage structure provided in some embodiments of this application in the closed state;

[0030] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the six-bar hinge structure provided in some embodiments of this application in the closed state;

[0031] Figure 3 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the six-bar hinge structure provided in some embodiments of this application in the unfolded state;

[0032] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the six-bar hinge structure provided in some embodiments of this application in the unfolded state;

[0033] Figure 5 is an exploded structural diagram of a six-bar hinge structure provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a six-bar hinge structure provided in some embodiments of this application installed on a refrigerator with the refrigerator door in a closed state;

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a six-bar hinge structure provided in some embodiments of this application installed on a refrigerator with the refrigerator door in the open state;

[0036] Figure 8 is a top view of Figure 7.

[0037] In the figure, the following labels are used: 100-Six-bar hinge structure; 200-Refrigerator; 201-Cabinet body; 202-Cabinet door; 10-Link assembly; 11-First fixed link; 12-Second fixed link; 13-First transmission arm; 14-Second transmission arm; 15-Third transmission arm; 16-Fourth transmission arm; 171-First hinge position; 172-Second hinge position; 173-Third hinge position; 174-Fourth hinge position; 175-Fifth hinge position; 176-Sixth hinge position; 177-Seventh hinge position; 178-Eighth hinge position; 20-Rebound assembly; 21-First abutment structure; 22-Second abutment structure; 23-Elastic element. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0039] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0040] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0041] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0042] Hinge technology can be used in industries such as large cabinets and refrigerators. In the refrigerator industry, hinge technology was initially applied to fully integrated refrigerators with sliding door panels. As the technology matured, the use of hinges in refrigerators and cabinets with fully integrated door panels gradually became a new industry trend. Compared to these technologies, the hinges in these integrated refrigerators need to be lighter and concealed within the refrigerator door. However, the hinges used in these technologies have relatively low self-closing force, often resulting in the refrigerator door not closing properly.

[0043] To alleviate or solve the above technical problems, some embodiments of this application propose a six-bar hinge structure 100, including:

[0044] Linkage assembly 10, and

[0045] Springback component 20,

[0046] In this linkage assembly 10, the first fixed link 11 and the second fixed link 12 are respectively fixed to the first structural member and the second structural member. When the first structural member rotates relative to the second structural member, the linkage assembly 10 unfolds or folds. The spring-loaded assembly 20 includes a first abutting structure 21 connected to the first transmission arm 13, a second abutting structure 22 connected to the second transmission arm 14, and an elastic member 23. By setting the spring-loaded assembly 20, the unfolding process of the linkage assembly 10 is divided into a first stage and a second stage. When the linkage assembly 10 moves from the second stage to the first stage, the first abutting structure 21 and the second abutting structure 22 will switch from the abutting state to the separated state. Therefore, under the restoring force of the elastic member 23, the second structural member will automatically spring back relative to the first structural member, causing the linkage assembly 10 to close, increasing the closing force of the six-bar linkage structure, and enabling the linkage assembly 10 to automatically close in the second stage.

[0047] The six-bar hinge structure provided in some embodiments of this application will now be described. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the six-bar hinge structure 100 includes:

[0048] Linkage assembly 10, as shown in Figure 3, includes:

[0049] The first fixed link 11 is configured to be fixed to the first structural member.

[0050] First transmission arm 13,

[0051] Second transmission arm 14,

[0052] Third transmission arm 15

[0053] Fourth drive arm 16, and

[0054] The second fixed link 12 is configured to be fixed to the second structural member.

[0055] In some embodiments, the two ends of the first transmission arm 13 are respectively hinged to the first fixed link 11 and the fourth transmission arm 16, the two ends of the second transmission arm 14 are respectively hinged to the first fixed link 11 and the fourth transmission arm 16, the two ends of the third transmission arm 15 are respectively hinged to the second transmission arm 14 and the second fixed link 12, and the two ends of the fourth transmission arm 16 are respectively hinged to the first transmission arm 13 and the second fixed link 12.

[0056] Springback assembly 20, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, includes:

[0057] The first abutment structure 21 is configured to be rotatably connected to the first transmission arm 13.

[0058] The second abutment structure 22 is configured to be rotatably connected to the second transmission arm 14, and

[0059] The elastic element 23 is connected at both ends to the first transmission arm 13 and the second transmission arm 14, respectively.

[0060] In some embodiments, the deployment process of the linkage assembly 10 includes a first stage and a second stage, wherein the first abutting structure 21 and the second abutting structure 22 are separated from each other in the first stage and abut from each other in the second stage.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first transmission arm 13 and the second transmission arm 14 are arranged symmetrically from left to right, forming a parallel structure with the first fixed connecting rod 11 to enhance the overall symmetrical stability of the structure. This structural design helps to distribute the stress points, avoid local overload, and improve the durability of the hinge. In some embodiments, each transmission arm and its hinge position can be equipped with a fine-tuning mechanism (such as a long hole with a slider or an eccentric riveting shaft), which can be used to adjust the hinge opening and closing stroke and opening and closing angle to match different door weights or slow-closing requirements.

[0062] In some embodiments, the linkage assembly 10 includes six links, namely a first fixed link 11, a first transmission arm 13, a second transmission arm 14, a third transmission arm 15, a fourth transmission arm 16, and a second fixed link 12. The first fixed link 11 is fixed to a first structural member, and the second fixed link 12 is fixed to a second structural member. When the first and second structural members rotate relative to each other, the linkage assembly 10 unfolds or folds. The angle of rotation of the second structural member relative to the first structural member can be referred to as the rotation angle of the linkage assembly 10. The hinge position of the first fixed link 11 and the first transmission arm 13 is the first hinge position 171, the hinge position of the first transmission arm 13 and the fourth transmission arm 16 is the second hinge position 172, the hinge position of the first fixed link 11 and the second transmission arm 14 is the third hinge position 173, the hinge position of the second transmission arm 14 and the third transmission arm 15 is the fourth hinge position 174, the hinge position of the second transmission arm 14 and the fourth transmission arm 16 is the fifth hinge position 175, the hinge position of the third transmission arm 15 and the second fixed link 12 is the sixth hinge position 176, and the hinge position of the fourth transmission arm 16 and the second fixed link 12 is the seventh hinge position 177. In some embodiments, the first hinge position 171, the second hinge position 172, the third hinge position 173, the fourth hinge position 174, the fifth hinge position 175, the sixth hinge position 176, the seventh hinge position 177, and the eighth hinge position 178 are respectively the first hinge point, the second hinge point, the third hinge point, the fourth hinge point, the fifth hinge point, the sixth hinge point, the seventh hinge point, and the eighth hinge point.

[0063] In some embodiments, the spring-loaded assembly 20 includes a first abutting structure 21, a second abutting structure 22, and an elastic member 23. The first abutting structure 21 and the second abutting structure 22 are respectively configured to be rotatably connected to the first transmission arm 13 and the second transmission arm 14, and the two ends of the elastic member 23 are respectively connected to the first transmission arm 13 and the second transmission arm 14. By providing the spring-loaded assembly 20, the linkage assembly 10 has two stages in both unfolding and closing. When the linkage assembly 10 is unfolded: in the first stage, the first abutting structure 21 and the second abutting structure 22 are in a state of separation from each other. As the second fixed link 12 rotates relative to the first fixed link 11, the second fixed link 12 gradually moves away from the first fixed link 11, and the elastic member 23 is gradually stretched; in the second stage, the first abutting structure 21 and the second abutting structure 22 abut against each other, and the elastic member 23 remains in a stretched state. When the linkage assembly 10 is closed: In the second stage, the first abutting structure 21 and the second abutting structure 22 abut against each other. As the angle of the linkage assembly 10 gradually decreases to a predetermined angle, the first abutting structure 21 and the second abutting structure 22 disengage from each other. The elastic member 23 loses the mutual support of the first abutting structure 21 and the second abutting structure 22. Under the restoring force of the elastic member 23, the linkage assembly 10 closes quickly. In some embodiments, when this six-bar hinge structure is applied to a refrigerator, when the refrigerator door is closed, as the linkage assembly 10 of the six-bar hinge rotates from the first stage to the second stage, the elastic member 23 provides a restoring force to the refrigerator door, causing the refrigerator door to close quickly.

[0064] In some embodiments, the installation angle and connection position of the elastic element 23 are designed with an improved lever arm, so that when the linkage assembly 10 is in the second stage (i.e., the near-closed stage), the elastic element 23 generates a larger restoring force to ensure that the door has sufficient self-closing capability, while the restoring force is smaller in the first stage (i.e., the opening stage) to reduce the user's door opening resistance and improve operational convenience. In some embodiments, the first abutting structure 21 and the second abutting structure 22 are hinged to the corresponding transmission arm, so that they can dynamically cooperate with the elastic element to generate a preloaded state during the movement of the linkage assembly. This structure gives the rebound assembly a significant "force-stroke conversion" characteristic: when the two abutting structures abut, the elastic element is compressed and in a preloaded state; and after the abutting structures separate, the elastic element quickly releases energy to drive the linkage to retract quickly, realizing door closing assistance.

[0065] The six-bar hinge structure in some of the above embodiments includes a link assembly 10 and a spring-loaded assembly 20. The link assembly 10 is a six-bar assembly. When the first fixed link 11 and the second fixed link 12 rotate relative to each other, they also translate, creating a certain distance between the first and second structural members, reducing the space occupied during hinge rotation. By setting the spring-loaded assembly 20 between the first transmission arm 13 and the second transmission arm 14, the unfolding of the link assembly 10 is divided into a first stage and a second stage. In the second stage, the first abutting structure 21 and the second abutting structure 22 in the spring-loaded assembly 20 abut against each other. Thus, when the link assembly 10 closes, at the instant of transitioning from the second stage to the first stage, the first abutting structure 21 and the second abutting structure 22 disengage. Under the rebound action of the elastic member 23, the link assembly 10 closes quickly with a large self-closing force, preventing the refrigerator door from not closing tightly.

[0066] In some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 2 and 3, and in conjunction with Figure 4, the third transmission arm 15 and the second abutment structure 22 are hinged to the same position of the second transmission arm 14. The hinge position of the second transmission arm 14 and the third transmission arm 15 is the fourth hinge position 174, and the second abutment structure 22 is also hinged at the fourth hinge position 174. Hinging the second transmission arm 14, the second abutment structure 22, and the second transmission arm 14 to the same position simplifies the six-bar linkage structure and makes the movement path of the second abutment structure 22 easier to predict, thus facilitating the design of the first abutment structure 21 and the second abutment structure 22. In some embodiments, a fourth hinge shaft is provided at the fourth hinge position 174, passing through the second transmission arm 14, the third transmission arm 15, and the second abutment structure 22. In some embodiments, the hinge positions of the second transmission arm 14 and the third transmission arm 15, and the hinge positions of the second transmission arm 14 and the second abutment structure 22, may also be located at different positions.

[0067] In some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 2 and 3, and in conjunction with Figure 4, the second abutment structure 22 and the elastic element 23 are connected at the same position on the second transmission arm 14. The second transmission arm 14, the third transmission arm 15, and the second abutment structure 22 are all hinged at the fourth hinge position 174, and one end of the elastic element 23 is also connected at the fourth hinge position 174. By connecting the second abutment structure 22 and the elastic element 23 at the same position on the second transmission arm 14, it is not necessary to set a hinge position for the elastic element 23, and the stretching length of the elastic element 23 when the linkage assembly 10 rotates can be accurately predicted, thus facilitating the design of the elastic element 23. In some embodiments, a fourth hinge shaft is provided at the fourth hinge position 174, which passes through the second transmission arm 14, the third transmission arm 15, and the second abutment structure 22, and one end of the elastic element 23 is connected to the fourth hinge shaft. In some embodiments, one end of the elastic element 23 may not be connected to the fourth hinge position 174, but may be connected to other positions on the second transmission arm 14.

[0068] In some embodiments, the first abutting structure 21 and the second abutting structure 22 can be convex arms or levers with rotational degrees of freedom, one end of which is hinged to the corresponding transmission arm, and the other end is provided with an abutting surface, so that they can contact each other when the six-bar linkage assembly is extended to a specific angle. This structure facilitates the absorption of errors, adjustment of angles, and extension of the abutting time period, thereby improving structural robustness. In some embodiments, buffer springs or limiting rubber can be provided on the first abutting structure 21 or the second abutting structure 22, which not only provides overload protection but also reduces the impact noise generated during the abutting process, thereby improving user comfort. In some embodiments, the second abutting structure 22 shares the fourth hinge position 174 with the third transmission arm 15 and the second transmission arm 14, realizing a multi-structure composite hinge using a single shaft, which helps to reduce the number of parts and assembly complexity. The first abutting structure 21 can also be configured to be coaxially connected with the first transmission arm 13 or other transmission arms to improve space utilization efficiency.

[0069] In some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 2 and 3, and in conjunction with Figure 4, the first abutment structure 21 and the elastic member 23 are connected at the same position of the first transmission arm 13. The first abutment structure 21 and the first transmission arm 13 are rotatably connected at the eighth hinge position 178, and one end of the elastic member 23 is also connected at the eighth hinge position 178. By connecting the first abutment structure 21 and the elastic member 23 at the same position of the first transmission arm 13, there is no need to set an additional connection position for the elastic member 23, and this end of the first abutment structure 21 and the elastic member 23 always maintains synchronous movement, making it easier to predict the movement of the first abutment structure 21 and the extension and retraction of the elastic member 23. In some embodiments, an eighth hinge shaft is provided at the eighth hinge position 178, and a second hinge shaft is provided passing through the first abutment structure 21 and the first transmission arm 13, with one end of the elastic member 23 connected to the eighth hinge shaft.

[0070] In some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 2 and 3, and in conjunction with Figure 4, the first ends of the first abutment structure 21 and the elastic member 23 are both connected to the first connection position of the first transmission arm 13, and the second ends of the second abutment structure 22 and the elastic member 23 are both connected to the second connection position of the second transmission arm 14; in the second stage, the distance between the first connection position and the second connection position remains unchanged. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the two ends of the elastic member 23 are respectively connected to the first connection position and the second connection position, and the first abutment structure 21 and the second abutment structure 22 are also rotatably connected to the first connection position and the second connection position, respectively. By designing the first abutment structure 21 and the second abutment structure 22, the stretching length of the elastic member 23 in each stage can be effectively controlled. In some embodiments, the first connection position is the first connection point, and the second connection position is the second connection point.

[0071] In some embodiments, during the second stage of the linkage assembly 10, the distance between the first connecting position and the second connecting position remains unchanged, and the length of the elastic element 23 remains unchanged during the second stage. Specifically, when the six-bar linkage is extended, the second fixed link 12 gradually moves away from the first fixed link 11, and the elastic element 23 gradually stretches in the first stage, increasing the rebound force until the six-bar linkage transitions to the second stage, where the first abutting structure 21 and the second abutting structure 22 abut against each other. The length of the elastic element 23 remains unchanged, and the rebound force remains unchanged until the linkage assembly 10 is fully extended. When the six-bar linkage is closed, it first goes through the second stage, where the first abutting structure 21 and the second abutting structure 22 abut against each other, and the rebound force of the elastic element 23 remains unchanged until the first abutting structure 21 and the second abutting structure 22 disengage. Under the action of the rebound force of the elastic element 23, the linkage assembly 10 closes rapidly. In some embodiments, the first abutting structure 21 and the elastic element 23 are connected at the same position of the first transmission arm 13, and the second abutting structure 22 and the elastic element 23 are connected at the same position of the second transmission arm 14. In this way, by designing the first abutting structure 21 and the second abutting structure 22, the distance between the first connection position and the second connection position can be controlled, thereby controlling the extension and retraction of the elastic element 23 and changing the self-closing force of the linkage assembly 10.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first connecting position and the eighth hinge position 178 coincide, that is, the first end of the elastic member 23, the first abutting structure 21, and the first transmission arm 13 are connected at the same position. Thus, the movement of the hinge position of the linkage assembly 10 can drive the first abutting structure 21 and the first end of the elastic member 23 to move.

[0073] In some embodiments, the second connection position and the fourth hinge position 174 coincide, that is, the second end of the elastic member 23, the second abutment structure 22, the second transmission arm 14, and the third transmission arm 15 are connected at the same position. Thus, the movement of the hinge position of the linkage assembly 10 can drive the movement of the second abutment structure 22 and the second end of the elastic member 23.

[0074] In some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 4 and 5, the first abutment structure 21 is a roller, and the second abutment structure 22 is a sector cam. The first connection position is located at the center of the roller, and the second connection position is located at the center of the sector cam. When the linkage assembly 10 rotates, the first abutment structure 21 and the second abutment structure 22 rotate accordingly. When the roller and the sector cam rotate and abut against each other, the position between the first connection position and the second connection position remains unchanged. By setting the first abutment structure 21 as a roller and the second abutment structure 22 as a sector cam, the first abutment structure 21 and the second abutment structure 22 can smoothly abut against each other in the second stage, and the distance between the first connection position and the second connection position remains unchanged.

[0075] In some embodiments, the distance L1 from the first connecting position to the edge of the first abutting structure 21 can be gradually set, and the distance L2 from the second connecting position to the edge of the second abutting structure 22 can be gradually set, as long as the sum of L1 and L2 remains constant in the second stage. In some embodiments, the second abutting structure 22 is a roller, the second connecting position is located at the center of the roller, the first abutting structure 21 is a fan-shaped cam, and the first connecting position is located at the center of the fan-shaped cam.

[0076] In some embodiments of this application, the angle at which the linkage assembly 10 transitions from the first stage to the second stage is between 12 and 20 degrees. This angle is understood as the angle of the second fixed link 12 relative to the first fixed link 11 when the linkage assembly 10 is about to transition from the first stage to the second stage. A larger angle at which the linkage assembly 10 transitions from the first stage to the second stage results in a larger angle when the linkage assembly 10 rebounds, making it less likely to automatically close into place. Conversely, a smaller angle at which the linkage assembly 10 transitions from the first stage to the second stage results in a smaller translational distance of the second fixed link 12 relative to the first fixed link 11, making it more likely to collide with adjacent walls or other objects. Therefore, the angle at which the linkage assembly 10 transitions from the first stage to the second stage is set to between 12 and 20 degrees, such as 15, 16, or 17 degrees.

[0077] In some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 4 and 5, there are two elastic elements 23, respectively disposed on opposite sides of the second transmission arm 14. Having two elastic elements 23 makes the rebound force between the first transmission arm 13 and the second transmission arm 14 more stable and uniform, avoiding skewing or jamming when the first transmission arm 13 and the second transmission arm 14 rotate relative to each other. In some embodiments, referring to Figures 4 and 5, there are two third transmission arms 15, with the fourth hinge shaft passing sequentially through one of the third transmission arms 15, the second transmission arm 14, and the other third transmission arm 15. This makes the structure of the connecting rod assembly 10 more stable. The first end of one elastic element 23 is connected to one end of the eighth hinge shaft, and the first end of the other elastic element 23 is connected to the other end of the eighth hinge shaft; the second end of the other elastic element 23 is connected to one end of the fourth hinge shaft, and the second end of the other elastic element 23 is connected to the other end of the fourth hinge shaft.

[0078] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, and in conjunction with Figure 8, some embodiments of this application also provide a refrigerator 200. The refrigerator 200 includes the six-bar hinge structure 100 described in any of the above embodiments, and also includes a cabinet body 201 and a cabinet door 202. A first fixed link 11 is fixed to the cabinet body 201, and a second fixed link 12 is fixed to the cabinet door 202. That is, the cabinet body 201 is the first structural component described above, and the cabinet door 202 is the second structural component described above. When the cabinet door 202 is closed, the link assembly 10 of the six-bar hinge structure 100 first undergoes a second stage. After the first abutting structure 21 and the second abutting structure 22 disengage from each other, the elastic member 23 causes the cabinet door to generate a self-closing force, thereby automatically closing the cabinet door 202 and reducing the probability of the cabinet door 202 not being closed tightly. When the cabinet door 202 is opened, the linkage assembly 10 of the six-bar hinge structure 100 first goes through the first stage, causing the cabinet door 202 to move a certain distance relative to the cabinet body 201 to prevent the cabinet door 202 from colliding with other nearby items when it is opened. Then it transitions to the second stage, where the first abutting structure 21 and the second abutting structure 22 abut against each other, allowing the cabinet door to rotate and open smoothly.

[0079] The refrigerator 200 provided in some embodiments of this application adopts the aforementioned six-bar hinge structure 100. When the first fixed link 11 and the second fixed link 12 rotate relative to each other, they also translate simultaneously, creating a certain distance between the first and second structural members, thus reducing the space occupied by the hinge during rotation. By providing a spring-loaded assembly 20 between the first transmission arm 13 and the second transmission arm 14, the unfolding of the link assembly 10 is divided into a first stage and a second stage. In the second stage, the first abutting structure 21 and the second abutting structure 22 in the spring-loaded assembly 20 abut against each other. Thus, when the link assembly 10 closes, at the instant of transition from the second stage to the first stage, the first abutting structure 21 and the second abutting structure 22 disengage from each other. Under the rebound action of the elastic member 23, the link assembly 10 closes quickly with a large self-closing force, preventing the refrigerator door from not closing tightly.

[0080] Some embodiments of this application also provide a household appliance, which includes the six-bar hinge structure of any of the above embodiments. The household appliance can be a refrigerator, microwave oven, washing machine, etc. The above-mentioned six-bar hinge structure can be used in any part of the household appliance with a rotating structure. The household appliance provided in some embodiments of this application adopts the above-mentioned six-bar hinge structure. When the first fixed link 11 and the second fixed link 12 rotate relative to each other, translation occurs simultaneously, creating a certain distance between the first and second structural members, reducing the space occupied during hinge rotation. By providing a spring-loaded assembly 20 between the first transmission arm 13 and the second transmission arm 14, the unfolding of the link assembly 10 is divided into a first stage and a second stage. In the second stage, the first abutting structure 21 and the second abutting structure 22 in the spring-loaded assembly 20 abut against each other. Thus, when the link assembly 10 closes, at the instant of transition from the second stage to the first stage, the first abutting structure 21 and the second abutting structure 22 disengage. Under the rebound action of the elastic member 23, the link assembly 10 closes quickly with a large self-closing force, preventing the refrigerator door from not closing tightly.

[0081] The above description is merely some embodiments of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A six-bar linkage structure, comprising: Linkage assembly, including: The first fixed link is configured to be fixed to the first structural member. First transmission arm. Second drive arm, Third transmission arm Fourth drive arm, The second fixed link is configured to be fixed to the second structural member. Wherein, the two ends of the first transmission arm are respectively hinged to the first fixed connecting rod and the fourth transmission arm, the two ends of the second transmission arm are respectively hinged to the first fixed connecting rod and the fourth transmission arm, the two ends of the third transmission arm are respectively hinged to the second transmission arm and the second fixed connecting rod, and the two ends of the fourth transmission arm are respectively hinged to the first transmission arm and the second fixed connecting rod. The springback assembly includes: The first abutment structure is configured to be rotatably connected to the first transmission arm. The second abutment structure is configured to be rotatably connected to the second transmission arm, and The elastic element has its two ends connected to the first transmission arm and the second transmission arm, respectively. The deployment process of the linkage assembly includes a first stage and a second stage, wherein the first abutting structure and the second abutting structure separate from each other in the first stage and abut from each other in the second stage.

2. The six-bar linkage structure of claim 1, wherein, The third transmission arm and the second abutment structure are hinged at the same position of the second transmission arm.

3. The six-bar linkage structure of claim 2, wherein, The second abutment structure and the elastic element are connected at the same position on the second transmission arm.

4. The six-bar linkage structure of claim 3, wherein, The first abutment structure and the elastic element are connected at the same position on the first transmission arm.

5. The six-bar linkage structure of claim 1, wherein, The first abutting structure and the first end of the elastic member are both connected to the first connecting position of the first transmission arm, and the second abutting structure and the second end of the elastic member are both connected to the second connecting position of the second transmission arm; in the second stage, the distance between the first connecting position and the second connecting position remains unchanged.

6. The six-bar hinge structure as described in claim 5, wherein, The first abutting structure is a roller, and the first connecting position is located at the center of the roller. The second abutting structure is a fan-shaped cam, and the second connecting position is located at the center of the fan-shaped cam.

7. The six-bar linkage structure of any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The angle at which the linkage assembly transitions from the first stage to the second stage is 12 to 20 degrees.

8. The six-bar linkage structure of any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The number of elastic elements is two, which are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the second transmission arm.

9. A refrigerator, comprising a cabinet body, a cabinet door, and a six-bar linkage structure as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the first fixing link is fixed to the cabinet body, and the second fixing link is fixed to the cabinet door.

10. A household appliance comprising a six-bar hinge structure as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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