TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The utility model relates to the technical field of home appliances, and in particular
to a hinge assembly and refrigeration device having the same.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Currently, a refrigeration device uses a single-axis hinge assembly, where a door
performs a circular motion around a fixed axis of the hinge assembly, allowing the
door to open at a large angle. At the same time, when the door is opened, a lateral
side of the door occupy a certain space.
[0004] For instance, in recent years, with a progress of society and an improvement of people's
living standards, a placement location and method of a refrigerator in home has become
increasingly important to ordinary users. In line with current home decoration styles,
some families pursue an integrated style, necessitating the embedding of refrigerators
into cupboards to form what is called an embedded refrigerator device, suitable for
integrated homes, smart homes, etc. These refrigerators are referred to as embedded
refrigerators, and current refrigerators struggle to adapt to this type of embedded
application scenario.
[0005] In light of this, it is necessary to improve existing refrigerators to address the
aforementioned issues.
SUMMARY
[0006] An objective of the utility model is to provide a hinge assembly and refrigeration
device having the same which can reduce a size of the hinge assembly and change a
motion trajectory of the door to adapt to different application scenarios.
[0007] To achieve one of the purposes of the utility model, an embodiment of the utility
model provides a hinge assembly which includes a first hinge part and a second hinge
part that cooperate with each other; the hinge assembly further includes a first shaft
and a second shaft that are located on the first hinge part, and a fitting part located
on the second hinge part, the fitting part includes a first fitting part and a second
fitting part that are interconnected, when the hinge assembly is in an opening process,
the first shaft moves at the first fitting part, and the second shaft moves at the
second fitting part, when the hinge assembly is at a maximum opening angle, the first
shaft is located at a stop end of the first fitting part, the stop end is located
at the second fitting part.
[0008] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the fitting part
is a slot, the slot includes a first slot and a second slot that are interconnected,
when the hinge assembly is in the opening process, the first shaft moves within the
first slot, and the second shaft moves within the second slot, when the hinge assembly
is at the maximum opening angle, the first shaft is located at a stop end of the first
slot, the stop end is located within the second slot.
[0009] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, a movement trajectory
of the first shaft partially overlaps with a movement trajectory of the second shaft.
[0010] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the slot includes
a first section, a middle section, and a second section that are sequentially connected,
the first section together with the middle section forms the first slot, and the middle
section together with the second section forms the second slot.
[0011] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the second hinge
part rotates around a first rotational axis as a center axis relative to the first
hinge part, the first rotational axis is a variable axis.
[0012] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the second hinge
part rotates around a first rotational axis as a center axis relative to the first
hinge part, the first rotational axis is a virtual axis.
[0013] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, when the hinge assembly
is opening from a closed state to a first opening angle, the second hinge part rotates
around a first rotational axis as a center axis relative to the first hinge part,
when the hinge assembly continues to be opened to the maximum opening angle from the
first opening angle, the second hinge part rotates around a second rotational axis
as a center axis relative to the first hinge part, the first rotational axis is different
from the second rotational axis.
[0014] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the first rotational
axis is a variable axis, and the second rotational axis is a fixed axis.
[0015] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, both the first rotational
axis and the second rotational axis are virtual axes.
[0016] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the second slot is
an arc slot with a central axis being a fixed axis.
[0017] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, one of the first
hinge part and the second hinge part is connected to a cabinet, and the other is connected
to a door, the first shaft and the second shaft slide simultaneously within the slot
to drive the door relative to the cabinet to produce a translational movement.
[0018] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the cabinet includes
an accommodating chamber and a pivot side connected to the hinge assembly, when the
hinge assembly is opened from a closed state to a first opening angle, the door moves
from the pivot side towards the accommodating chamber.
[0019] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the second slot includes
a beginning end and a final end, when the hinge assembly is in a closed state, the
second shaft is located at the beginning end, and the first shaft is located at an
end of the first slot far from the second slot, when the hinge assembly is opened
from the closed state to the first opening angle, the first shaft moves within the
first slot, driving the second shaft from the beginning end to the final end, and
the door moves from the pivot side towards the accommodating chamber.
[0020] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the door includes
a front wall away from the accommodating chamber and a side wall that is always sandwiched
between the front wall and the accommodating chamber, the second hinge part is connected
to the door, the beginning end is farther away from the front wall and the side wall
compared to the final end.
[0021] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the second slot includes
a beginning end and a final end, and the first slot includes a first part and a second
part that are interconnected, when the hinge assembly is opened from the closed state
to a first intermediate opening angle, the second shaft remains at the beginning end,
and the first shaft moves within the first part around the second shaft as a central
axis, when the hinge assembly is opened from the first intermediate opening angle
to the first opening angle, the first shaft moves within the second part, driving
the second shaft from the beginning end to the final end, and the door moves from
the pivot side towards the accommodating chamber.
[0022] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, one of the first
hinge part and the second hinge part is connected to a cabinet, and the other is connected
to a door, when the hinge assembly is opened from a closed state to a first opening
angle, the first shaft and the second shaft slide simultaneously within the slot to
drive the door relative to the cabinet to produce a translational movement, when the
hinge assembly continues to be opened to the maximum opening angle from the first
opening angle, the first shaft and the second shaft slide simultaneously within the
slot to drive the door to rotate in suit.
[0023] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the cabinet includes
an accommodating chamber and a pivot side connected to the hinge assembly, the second
slot includes a beginning end, a middle position, and a final end that are sequentially
arranged, when the hinge assembly is in the closed state, the second shaft is located
at the beginning end, and the first shaft is located at the end of the first slot
far from the second slot, when the hinge assembly is opening from the closed state
to the first opening angle, the first shaft moves within the first slot, driving the
second shaft from the beginning end to the middle position, and the door moves from
the pivot side towards the accommodating chamber, when the hinge assembly continues
to be opened to the maximum opening angle from the first opening angle, the first
shaft continues to move within the first slot, driving the second shaft from the middle
position to the final end, and the door rotates in suit.
[0024] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the beginning end
is located within the first slot.
[0025] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the fitting part
is a protrusion, the protrusion includes a first protrusion and second protrusion
that are interconnected, the first shaft includes a first notch that mates with the
first protrusion, and the second shaft includes a second notch that mates with the
second protrusion, when the hinge assembly is in the opening process, the first notch
slides along the first protrusion and the second notch slides along the second protrusion,
when the hinge assembly is at the maximum opening angle, the first notch is located
at a stop end of the first protrusion, the stop end is located at the second protrusion.
[0026] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, both the first protrusion
and the second protrusion are elongated, the first notch is fitted on an outside of
the first protrusion and slides along an extension direction of the first protrusion,
and the second notch is fitted on tan outside of the second protrusion and slides
along an extension direction of the second protrusion.
[0027] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the first shaft includes
two first protruding columns, the two first protruding columns together form the first
notch, the second shaft includes two second protruding columns, the two second protruding
columns together form the second notch.
[0028] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the utility model, the first shaft further
includes a first shaft main part connected to the first hinge part, and the second
shaft further includes a second shaft main part connected to the first hinge part,
the two first protruding columns are located on a side of the first shaft main part
away from the first hinge part, and the two second protruding columns are located
on a side of the second shaft main part away from the first hinge part.
[0029] Compared with the existing technology, the beneficial effects of an embodiment of
the utility model include: the first fitting part and the second fitting part of this
embodiment are interconnected, which can reduce a space occupied by an entire fitting
part of the second hinge part, and an integrated fitting part is easy to mold. Additionally,
the hinge assembly includes two shafts, which, compared to a single-axle hinge assembly,
can change a motion trajectory of the door to adapt to different application scenarios.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0030]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigeration device in an embodiment of the utility
model.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hinge assembly in an embodiment of the utility model.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the hinge assembly in an embodiment of the utility model.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in another embodiment of the
utility model.
FIG. 5 is a top view of the refrigeration device in a closed state in an embodiment
of the utility model.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the hinge assembly in a closed state in an embodiment
of the utility model.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly in the closed state in an embodiment
of the utility model.
FIG. 8 is a top view of the refrigeration device at a first opening angle in an embodiment
of the utility model.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the hinge assembly at a first opening angle in an
embodiment of the utility model.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly at the first opening angle
in an embodiment of the utility model.
FIG. 11 is a top view of the refrigeration device at a maximum opening angle in an
embodiment of the utility model.
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the hinge assembly at a maximum opening angle in
an embodiment of the utility model.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly at the maximum opening angle
in an embodiment of the utility model.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in a closed state in a first
specific example of the utility model.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly at a first opening angle in
the first specific example of the utility model.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in a closed state in a second
specific example of the utility model.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly at a first intermediate opening
angle in the second specific example of the utility model.
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly at a first opening angle in
the second specific example of the utility model.
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in a closed state in a third
specific example of the utility model.
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly at a first opening angle in
the third specific example of the utility model.
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly at a maximum opening angle
in the third specific example of the utility model.
FIG. 22 is an exploded view of a hinge assembly in a second embodiment of the utility
model.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0031] The following will provide a detailed description of the utility model with reference
to specific embodiments shown in drawings. However, the embodiments do not limit the
utility model; a structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those
of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments are all included within a scope
of protection of the utility model.
[0032] In various figures of the utility model, some dimensions of structures or parts are
exaggerated relative to other structures or parts for a sake of illustration. Therefore,
they are only used to illustrate a basic structure of a theme of the utility model.
[0033] Refer to FIG. 1 for a schematic diagram of a refrigeration device 100 according to
an embodiment of the utility model.
[0034] The refrigeration device 100 includes a cabinet 10, a door 20, and a hinge assembly
30 connecting the cabinet 10 and the door 20.
[0035] It should be noted that the refrigeration device 100 can be a refrigerator, freezer,
wine cooler, etc., with the refrigeration device 100 being exemplified as a refrigerator
here.
[0036] Moreover, the hinge assembly 30 is not only applicable to the refrigeration device
100 but can also be applied to other scenarios, such as cupboards, wardrobes, etc.
The utility model is exemplified by an application of the hinge assembly 30 to the
refrigerator 100 but is not limited to this.
[0037] Combining FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a schematic diagram of the hinge assembly 30 with slots
according to an embodiment of the utility model is shown.
[0038] The hinge assembly 30 includes a first hinge part 31 and a second hinge part 32 that
cooperate with each other.
[0039] Here, the first hinge part 31 connects to either the cabinet 10 or the door 20, and
the second hinge part 32 connects to the other.
[0040] It should be noted that a connection of hinge parts to the cabinet 10 or the door
20 refers to the hinge parts being independent components installed on the cabinet
10 or the door 20, or the hinge parts being directly integrated into the cabinet 10
or the door 20.
[0041] The hinge assembly 30 also includes a first shaft 311 and a second shaft 312 located
on the first hinge part 31, as well as a fitting part 40 located on the second hinge
part 32.
[0042] Here, "the first shaft 311 and the second shaft 312 located on the first hinge part
31" means that the first shaft 311 and the second shaft 312 are set on the first hinge
part 31. The first shaft 311 and the second shaft 312 can either be integrally formed
with or assembled together with the first hinge part 31. The explanation of "located
on" in other parts of the utility model can refer to the above description, which
will not be reiterated subsequently.
[0043] The fitting part 40 includes a first fitting part 321 and a second fitting part 322
which are interconnected. When the hinge assembly 30 is in a process of opening, the
first shaft 311 moves at the first fitting part 321, and the second shaft 312 moves
at the second fitting part 322. When the hinge assembly 30 is at a maximum opening
angle, the first shaft 311 is located at a stop end A1 of the first fitting part 321,
and the stop end A1 is located at the second fitting part 322.
[0044] In this embodiment, the first fitting part 321 and the second fitting part 322 are
interconnected, which can reduce a space occupied by an entire fitting part of the
second hinge part 32, and an integrated fitting part 40 is easy to mold. Additionally,
the hinge assembly 30 includes two shafts. Compared to a single-axle hinge assembly,
it can change a motion trajectory of the door 20 to adapt to different application
scenarios.
[0045] In a first embodiment of the utility model, the fitting part 40 is exemplified as
a slot 40 for explanation.
[0046] The slot 40 can penetrate the second hinge part 32 in a thickness direction of the
second hinge part 32, meaning the slot 40 is a through hole, or, the slot 40 can have
a closed area on a side away from the first hinge part 31, meaning the slot 40 is
a groove.
[0047] The slot 40 includes a first slot 321 and a second slot 322 which are interconnected.
When the hinge assembly 30 is in an opening process, the first shaft 311 moves within
the first slot 321, and the second shaft 312 moves within the second slot 322.
[0048] Here, the first shaft 311 moves within the area defined by the first slot 321, and
the second shaft 312 moves within the area defined by the second slot 322. "The slot
40 includes a first slot 321 and a second slot 322 which are interconnected" means
that there is a direct connection between the first slot 321 and the second slot 322
without any gap, making the slot 40 a complete through structure.
[0049] Furthermore, "the hinge assembly 30 is in an opening process" refers to the second
hinge part 32 is opened away from the first hinge part 31, that is, actuating the
second hinge part 32 in one direction to move away from the first hinge part 31. When
the hinge assembly 30 is installed on the refrigerator 100, the opening process of
the hinge assembly 30 corresponds to a opening process of the door 20.
[0050] When the hinge assembly 30 is at a maximum opening angle, the first shaft 311 is
located at a stop end A2 of the first slot 321, and the stop end A2 is located within
the second slot 322.
[0051] Here, the hinge assembly 30 being at the maximum opening angle corresponds to the
door 20 opening to a maximum opening angle, and "the stop end A2 is located within
the second slot 32" means that the stop end A2 is at an end or a middle position of
the second slot 322.
[0052] In this embodiment, the first slot 321 and the second slot 322 are interconnected,
which can reduce a space occupied by av entire slot 40 of the second hinge part 32,
and an integrated slot 40 is easy to mold, significantly reducing a molding process
of the hinge assembly 30.
[0053] Additionally, the hinge assembly 30 in this embodiment includes two shafts. Compared
to a single-axle hinge assembly, this embodiment can change a motion trajectory of
the door to adapt to different application scenarios.
[0054] In this embodiment, a movement trajectory of the first shaft 311 partially overlaps
with that of the second shaft 312.
[0055] Here, the movement trajectory of the first shaft 311 refers to all the movement paths
of the first shaft 311 during an entire opening process of the hinge assembly 30,
and the movement trajectory of the second shaft 312 refers to all the movement paths
of the second shaft 312 during the entire opening process of the hinge assembly 30.
"Partially overlap" means that during the entire opening process of the hinge assembly
30, the first shaft 311 passes through some areas that the second shaft 312 has passed
through.
[0056] Thus, the slot 40 has a section that is a shared area for both the first shaft 311
and the second shaft 312, effectively reducing an overall length of the slot 40 in
an extension direction, thereby further reducing the space occupied by the entire
slot 40 of the second hinge part 32.
[0057] Specifically, the slot 40 includes a first section L1, a middle section L2, and a
second section L3 that are sequentially connected , with the first section L1 and
the middle section L2 combined to form the first slot 321, and the middle section
L2 and the second section L3 combined to form the second slot 322.
[0058] In other words, the slot 40 is divided into three sequentially connected sections,
with the middle section L2 being an overlapping area between the first slot 321 and
the second slot 322.
[0059] In this embodiment, the first slot 321 includes a starting end A1 and a stopping
end A2 set oppositely, and the second slot 322 includes a beginning end B1 and a final
end B2 set oppositely. When the hinge assembly 30 is at the maximum opening angle,
the first shaft 311 is located at the stopping end A2, which is between the beginning
end B1 and the final end B2 of the second slot 322, meaning the stopping end A2 is
in a middle area of the second slot 322.
[0060] Of course, in other embodiments, the slot 40 could be of other structures.
[0061] Combining with FIG. 4, a slot 40' includes a first slot 321' and a second slot 322'
that are interconnected without an overlapping area. The first slot 321' includes
a starting end A1 and a stopping end A2 set oppositely, and the second slot 322' includes
a beginning end B1 and a final end B2 set oppositely. When the hinge assembly 30'
is at a maximum opening angle, the first shaft 311' is located at the stopping end
A2, which is at a junction area of the first slot 321' and the second slot 322', meaning
the stopping end A2 is at an end of the second slot 322' and overlaps with the beginning
end B1.
[0062] In this embodiment, combined with FIG. 5 to FIG. 13, when the hinge assembly 30 is
opened from the closed state to a first opening angle α1, the second hinge part 32
rotates around a first rotational axis P1 relative to the first hinge part 31.
[0063] The first rotational axis P1 is a variable axis and also a virtual axis.
[0064] Here, "the first rotational axis P1 is a variable axis" means that the first rotational
axis P1 is not a fixed axis.
[0065] That is, a position of the first rotational axis P1 is always changing, meaning the
relative position between the first rotational axis P1 and the cabinet 10 or the door
20 is variable.
[0066] Additionally, "the first rotational axis P1 is a virtual axis" indicates that the
first rotational axis P1 is not an actual shaft present within the hinge assembly
30.
[0067] When the hinge assembly 30 continues to be opened from the first opening angle α1
to a maximum opening angle α2, the second hinge part 32 rotates around a second rotational
axis P2 relative to the first hinge part 31, where the first rotational axis P1 and
the second rotational axis P2 are different.
[0068] That is, during the entire opening process of the hinge assembly 30, the second hinge
part 32 initially rotates relative to the first hinge part 31 around the first rotational
axis P1 and then around the second rotational axis P2.
[0069] In this embodiment, the second rotational axis P2 is a fixed axis and also a virtual
axis.
[0070] Here, "the second rotational axis P2 is a fixed axis" means that the position of
the second rotational axis P2 is always fixed, meaning the relative position between
the second rotational axis P2 and the cabinet 10 or the door 20 is fixed.
[0071] In other embodiments, the hinge assembly 30 may only include either the first rotational
axis P1 or the second rotational axis P2. The forms of the first rotational axis P1
and the second rotational axis P2 are not limited to the description above; that is,
the first rotational axis P1 and the second rotational axis P2 can be selected as
a fixed axis, a non-fixed axis, a virtual axis, or a physical axis (the physical axis
is defined as an actual component included in the hinge assembly 30) depending on
the actual situation.
[0072] In this embodiment, continuing with FIG. 5 to FIG. 13, when the hinge assembly 30
is opening from the closed state to the first opening angle α1, the second hinge part
32 rotates around the first rotational axis P1 relative to the first hinge part 31,
and both the first shaft 311 and the second shaft 312 slide within the slot 40, driving
the door 20 to generate a translational movement relative to the cabinet 10.
[0073] That is, at this time, both the first shaft 311 and the second shaft 312 rotate around
the first rotational axis P1.
[0074] Here, "the door 20 generates a translational movement relative to the cabinet 10"
means that, when the door 20 rotates relative to the cabinet 10, the door 20 also
moves horizontally relative to the cabinet 10, especially when applied to a refrigerator,
the translational movement refers to a horizontal movement; that is, in addition to
rotate relative to the cabinet 10, the door 20 also generates horizontal movement
relative to the cabinet 10.
[0075] Below, various specific examples of the motion trajectory of the door 20 are introduced.
[0076] In a first specific example, combined with FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the cabinet 10 includes
a accommodating chamber D and a pivot side P connected to a hinge assembly 30a. When
the hinge assembly 30a is opened from a closed state to a first opening angle α1,
the door 20 moves from the pivot side P towards the accommodating chamber D.
[0077] Here, the accommodating chamber D refers to a compartment formed by an enclosure
of the cabinet 10 for storing items, and the pivot side P refers to a side where the
door 20 is hinged to the cabinet 10, with the movement towards the accommodating chamber
D indicated as a left move in FIG. 14.
[0078] Specifically, a second slot 322a includes a beginning end B1 and a final end B2.
When the hinge assembly 30a is in the closed state, a second shaft 312a is at the
beginning end B1, and a first shaft 311a is at the end of the first slot 321a far
from a second slot 322a. When the hinge assembly 30a is opened from the closed state
to a first opening angle α1, the first shaft 311a moves within the first slot 321a,
driving the second shaft 312 from the beginning end B1 to the final end B2, and the
door 20 moves from the pivot side P towards the accommodating chamber D.
[0079] That is, when there is a cupboard next to the refrigerator, a movement of the door
20 from the pivot side P towards the accommodating chamber D means the door 20 moves
a certain distance away from the cupboard to avoid interference with the cupboard
during the initial opening process.
[0080] Here, the door 20 includes a front wall 21 away from the accommodating chamber D
and a side wall 22 that is always sandwiched between the front wall 21 and the accommodating
chamber D. When the second hinge part 32 is connected to the door 20, the beginning
end B1 is farther away from the front wall 21 and the side wall 22 compared to the
final end B2.
[0081] It should be noted that in this specific example, the first opening angle α1 is a
maximum opening angle. The first shaft 311a moves from the starting end A1 to the
stopping end A2, driving the second shaft 312a from the beginning end B1 to the final
end B2, with the stopping end A2 overlapping with the beginning end B1, and the door
20 moves from the pivot side P towards the accommodating chamber D.
[0082] In other examples, the stopping end A2 may not overlap with the beginning end B1,
for example, the stopping end A2 could be on a side of the beginning end B1 far from
the final end B2.
[0083] In a second specific example, combined with FIG. 16 to FIG. 18, a second slot 322b
includes a beginning end B1 and a final end B2. A first slot 321b includes a first
part M1 and a second part M2 that are connected. When a hinge assembly 30b is opened
from a closed state to a first intermediate opening angle α11, a second shaft 312b
remains at the beginning end B1, and a first shaft 311b moves within the first part
M1 centered around the second shaft 312b. When the hinge assembly 30b continues to
be opened from the first intermediate opening angle α11 to a first opening angle α1,
the first shaft 311b moves within the second part M2, driving the second shaft 312b
from the beginning end B1 to the final end B2, and the door 20b moves from the pivot
side P towards the accommodating chamber D.
[0084] That is, the door 20 first rotates in suit to a certain degree and then moves a certain
distance away from a cupboard 200 to prevent interference with the cupboard 200 during
an initial opening process.
[0085] Here, in refrigerators with French doors or multi-door refrigerators that have a
mullion, there are side-by-side left door and right door. Rotating the door 20 in
suit to a certain degree first can prevent interference between the left door and
right door.
[0086] It should be noted that, in this specific example, the first opening angle α1 is
a maximum opening angle. The first shaft 311b moves from the starting end A1 to the
stopping end A2, driving the second shaft 312b from the beginning end B1 to the final
end B2. The stopping end A2 overlaps with the beginning end B1, and the door 20 first
rotates in suit, then moves from the pivot side P towards the accommodating chamber
D.
[0087] In a third specific example, combined with FIG. 19 to FIG. 21, when a hinge assembly
30c is opened from a closed state to a first opening angle α1, a second hinge part
32c rotates around a first rotational axis P1 relative to a first hinge part 31c,
and both a first shaft 311c and a second shaft 312c slide within a slot 40c, driving
the door 20 to generate a translational movement relative to the cabinet 10. When
the hinge assembly 30c continues to be opened from the first opening angle α1 to a
maximum opening angle α2, the second hinge part 32c rotates in suit around a second
rotational axis P2 relative to the first hinge part 31c, and both the first shaft
311c and the second shaft 312c slide within the slot 40c, driving the door 20 to rotate
in suit.
[0088] Specifically, a second slot 322c includes a beginning end B1, a middle position B3,
and a final end B2 that are sequentially arranged. When the hinge assembly 30c is
in a closed state, the second shaft 312c is at the beginning end B1, and the first
shaft 311c is at the end of the first slot 321c far from the second slot 322c. When
the hinge assembly 30c is opened from the closed state to the first opening angle
α1, the first shaft 311c moves within the first slot 321c, driving the second shaft
312c from the beginning end B1 to the middle position B2, and the door 20 moves from
the pivot side P towards the accommodating chamber D. When the hinge assembly 30c
continues to be opened from the first opening angle α1 to the maximum opening angle
α2, the first shaft 311c continues to move within the first slot 321c, driving the
second shaft 312c from the middle position B3 to the final end B2, and the door 20
rotates in suit.
[0089] It should be noted that, in this specific example, the first shaft 311c moves from
the starting end A1 to the stopping end A2, driving the second shaft 312c from the
beginning end B1 to the final end B2. The beginning end B1 is located within the first
slot 321c, or in other words, the stopping end A2 is located within the second slot
322c, meaning there is an overlapping area between the first slot 321c and the second
slot 322c. The door 20c first moves from the pivot side P towards the accommodating
chamber D, and then continues to rotate in suit.
[0090] In an example, when the second shaft 312c moves from the middle position B3 to the
final end B2, the first shaft 311c is located within the second slot 322c. For instance,
when the second shaft 312c is at the middle position B3, the first shaft 311c is precisely
at the beginning end B1 of the second slot 322c. The second slot 322c is an arc slot
with a central axis being a fixed axis, meaning at this time, both the first shaft
311c and the second shaft 312c move together within the second slot 322c around the
second rotational axis P2, causing the door 20 to rotate in suit relative to the cabinet
10.
[0091] Of course, in other examples, when the second shaft 312c is at the middle position
B3, the first shaft 311c could also be in different positions.
[0092] In a second embodiment of the utility model, combined with FIG. 22, the fitting part
40 is a protrusion located on the second hinge part 32d. The protrusion includes a
first protrusion 321d and a second protrusion 322d that are interconnected. The first
shaft 311d includes a first notch 313d that mates with the first protrusion 321d,
and the second shaft 312d includes a second notch 314d that mates with the second
protrusion 322d. When the hinge assembly 30d is in the opening process, the first
notch 313d slides along the first protrusion 321d, and the second notch 314d slides
along the second protrusion 322d. When the hinge assembly 30d is at a maximum opening
angle, the first notch 313d is located at a stop end of the first protrusion 321d,
which is located at the second protrusion 314d.
[0093] It should be noted that, similar to the first embodiment, the first protrusion 321d
in this embodiment could also include a starting end, a stopping end, etc., and the
second protrusion 322d could include a beginning end, a middle position, and a final
end, etc. The specifics can refer to the description of the first embodiment and will
not be reiterated here.
[0094] In this embodiment, both the first protrusion 321d and the second protrusion 322d
are elongated. The first notch 313d is fitted on an outside of the first protrusion
321d and slides along an extension direction of the first protrusion 321d. Similarly,
the second notch 314d is fitted on an outside of the second protrusion 322d and slides
along an extension direction of the second protrusion 322d.
[0095] Here, an opening width of the first notch 313d is roughly the same as a width of
the first protrusion 321d, ensuring that when the first notch 313d slides at the first
protrusion 321d, it can stably slide along the extension direction of the first protrusion
321d without wobbling or disengaging. Moreover, a length of the first notch 313d in
the extension direction of the first protrusion 321d is minimized to prevent interference
between the first notch 313d and the first protrusion 321d during the sliding process.
[0096] Similarly, an opening width of the second notch 314d is roughly the same as a width
of the second protrusion 322d, ensuring that when the second notch 314d slides at
the second protrusion 322d, it can stably slide along the extension direction of the
second protrusion 322d without wobbling or disengaging. Furthermore, a length of the
second notch 314d in the extension direction of the second protrusion 322d is minimized
to prevent interference between the second notch 314d and the second protrusion 322d
during the sliding process.
[0097] The ends of the first protrusion 321d and the second protrusion 322d are equipped
with stoppers to prevent the first notch 313d and the second notch 314d from disengaging
from the first protrusion 321d and the second protrusion 322d during the sliding process.
[0098] Here, the stoppers can be protrusions located at the ends of the first protrusion
321d and the second protrusion 322d or the ends of the first protrusion 321d and the
second protrusion 322d could be bent to limit further sliding of the first notch 313d
and the second notch 314d, but this is not limited to such configurations.
[0099] In this embodiment, the first shaft 311d includes two first protruding columns 3111d,
which together form the first notch 313d. Similarly, the second shaft 312d includes
two second protruding columns 3121d, which together form the second notch 314d.
[0100] Here, both the first protruding columns 3111d and the second protruding columns 3121d
are cylindrical.
[0101] Thus, when the first notch 313d moves relative to the first protrusion 321d, it essentially
means that the two first protruding columns 3111d slide on either side of the first
protrusion 321d, reducing a friction between the first notch 313d and the first protrusion
321d and preventing the first notch 313d from getting stuck during the sliding process.
[0102] Similarly, when the second notch 314d moves relative to the second protrusion 322d,
it essentially means that the two second protruding columns 3121d slide on either
side of the second protrusion 322d, reducing a friction between the second notch 314d
and the second protrusion 322d and preventing the second notch 314d from getting stuck
during the sliding process.
[0103] In this embodiment, the first shaft 311d also includes a first shaft main part 3112d
connected to the first hinge part 31d, and the second shaft 312d also includes a second
shaft main part 3122d connected to the first hinge part 31d. The two first protruding
columns 3111d are located on a side of the first shaft main part 3112d away from the
first hinge part 31d, and the two second protruding columns 3121d are located on a
side of the second shaft main part 3122d away from the first hinge part 31d.
[0104] Of course, in other embodiments, the two first protruding columns 3111d and the two
second protruding columns 3121d could directly connect to the first hinge part 31d.
[0105] Other explanations of this embodiment can refer to the first embodiment and will
not be reiterated here.
[0106] The above embodiments are only intended to illustrate technical solutions of the
utility model and not to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in
detail with reference to preferable embodiments, for example, if technologies of different
embodiments can be superimposed to achieve corresponding effects, such schemes are
also within a protection scope of the utility model. Those skilled in the art should
understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical
solutions of the utility model without departing from a spirit and scope of the technical
solutions of the utility model.
1. A hinge assembly, characterized in that it comprises a first hinge part and a second hinge part that cooperate with each
other; the hinge assembly further comprises a first shaft and a second shaft that
are located on the first hinge part, and a fitting part located on the second hinge
part, the fitting part comprises a first fitting part and a second fitting part that
are interconnected, when the hinge assembly is in an opening process, the first shaft
moves at the first fitting part, and the second shaft moves at the second fitting
part, when the hinge assembly is at a maximum opening angle, the first shaft is located
at a stop end of the first fitting part, the stop end is located at the second fitting
part.
2. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the fitting part is a slot, the slot comprises a first slot and a second slot that
are interconnected, when the hinge assembly is in the opening process, the first shaft
moves within the first slot, and the second shaft moves within the second slot, when
the hinge assembly is at the maximum opening angle, the first shaft is located at
a stop end of the first slot, the stop end is located within the second slot.
3. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that a movement trajectory of the first shaft partially overlaps with a movement trajectory
of the second shaft.
4. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the slot comprises a first section, a middle section, and a second section that are
sequentially connected, the first section together with the middle section forms the
first slot, and the middle section together with the second section forms the second
slot.
5. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the second hinge part rotates around a first rotational axis as a center axis relative
to the first hinge part, the first rotational axis is a variable axis.
6. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the second hinge part rotates around a first rotational axis as a center axis relative
to the first hinge part, the first rotational axis is a virtual axis.
7. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, when the hinge assembly is opening from a closed state to a first opening angle,
the second hinge part rotates around a first rotational axis as a center axis relative
to the first hinge part, when the hinge assembly continues to be opened to the maximum
opening angle from the first opening angle, the second hinge part rotates around a
second rotational axis as a center axis relative to the first hinge part, the first
rotational axis is different from the second rotational axis.
8. The hinge assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the first rotational axis is a variable axis, and the second rotational axis is a
fixed axis.
9. The hinge assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that both the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis are virtual axes.
10. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the second slot is an arc slot with a central axis being a fixed axis.
11. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that one of the first hinge part and the second hinge part is connected to a cabinet,
and the other is connected to a door, the first shaft and the second shaft slide simultaneously
within the slot to drive the door relative to the cabinet to produce a translational
movement.
12. The hinge assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the cabinet comprises an accommodating chamber and a pivot side connected to the
hinge assembly, when the hinge assembly is opened from a closed state to a first opening
angle, the door moves from the pivot side towards the accommodating chamber.
13. The hinge assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the second slot comprises a beginning end and a final end, when the hinge assembly
is in a closed state, the second shaft is located at the beginning end, and the first
shaft is located at an end of the first slot far from the second slot, when the hinge
assembly is opened from the closed state to the first opening angle, the first shaft
moves within the first slot, driving the second shaft from the beginning end to the
final end, and the door moves from the pivot side towards the accommodating chamber.
14. The hinge assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that the door comprises a front wall away from the accommodating chamber and a side wall
that is always sandwiched between the front wall and the accommodating chamber, the
second hinge part is connected to the door, the beginning end is farther away from
the front wall and the side wall compared to the final end.
15. The hinge assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the second slot comprises a beginning end and a final end, and the first slot comprises
a first part and a second part that are interconnected, when the hinge assembly is
opened from the closed state to a first intermediate opening angle, the second shaft
remains at the beginning end, and the first shaft moves within the first part around
the second shaft as a central axis, when the hinge assembly is opened from the first
intermediate opening angle to the first opening angle, the first shaft moves within
the second part, driving the second shaft from the beginning end to the final end,
and the door moves from the pivot side towards the accommodating chamber.
16. The hinge assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that one of the first hinge part and the second hinge part is connected to a cabinet,
and the other is connected to a door, when the hinge assembly is opened from a closed
state to a first opening angle, the first shaft and the second shaft slide simultaneously
within the slot to drive the door relative to the cabinet to produce a translational
movement, when the hinge assembly continues to be opened to the maximum opening angle
from the first opening angle, the first shaft and the second shaft slide simultaneously
within the slot to drive the door to rotate in suit.
17. The hinge assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that the cabinet comprises an accommodating chamber and a pivot side connected to the
hinge assembly, the second slot comprises a beginning end, a middle position, and
a final end that are sequentially arranged, when the hinge assembly is in the closed
state, the second shaft is located at the beginning end, and the first shaft is located
at the end of the first slot far from the second slot, when the hinge assembly is
opening from the closed state to the first opening angle, the first shaft moves within
the first slot, driving the second shaft from the beginning end to the middle position,
and the door moves from the pivot side towards the accommodating chamber, when the
hinge assembly continues to be opened to the maximum opening angle from the first
opening angle, the first shaft continues to move within the first slot, driving the
second shaft from the middle position to the final end, and the door rotates in suit.
18. The hinge assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that the beginning end is located within the first slot.
19. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the fitting part is a protrusion, the protrusion comprises a first protrusion and
second protrusion that are interconnected, the first shaft comprises a first notch
that mates with the first protrusion, and the second shaft comprises a second notch
that mates with the second protrusion, when the hinge assembly is in the opening process,
the first notch slides along the first protrusion and the second notch slides along
the second protrusion, when the hinge assembly is at the maximum opening angle, the
first notch is located at a stop end of the first protrusion, the stop end is located
at the second protrusion.
20. The hinge assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that both the first protrusion and the second protrusion are elongated, the first notch
is fitted on an outside of the first protrusion and slides along an extension direction
of the first protrusion, and the second notch is fitted on tan outside of the second
protrusion and slides along an extension direction of the second protrusion.
21. The hinge assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that the first shaft comprises two first protruding columns, the two first protruding
columns together form the first notch, the second shaft comprises two second protruding
columns, the two second protruding columns together form the second notch.
22. The hinge assembly according to claim 21, characterized in that the first shaft further comprises a first shaft main part connected to the first
hinge part, and the second shaft further comprises a second shaft main part connected
to the first hinge part, the two first protruding columns are located on a side of
the first shaft main part away from the first hinge part, and the two second protruding
columns are located on a side of the second shaft main part away from the first hinge
part.
23. A refrigeration device, characterized in that it comprises a cabinet, a door, and a hinge assembly connecting the cabinet and the
door, the hinge assembly is any one of the hinge assembly according to claims 1-22.