CN217005072U

CN217005072U - Reinforcing unit for reinforcing door body of refrigerator in transportation process and refrigerator assembly

Info

Publication number: CN217005072U
Application number: CN202122536437.5U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 黄市里; 周智晖; 付娟娟; 胡春
Original assignee: BSH Electrical Appliances Jiangsu Co Ltd
Current assignee: BSH Electrical Appliances Jiangsu Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-10-21
Filing date: 2021-10-21
Publication date: 2022-07-19
Anticipated expiration: 2031-10-21

Abstract

The utility model relates to a reinforcement unit for reinforcing a door body of a refrigerator during transport, which reinforcement unit is designed to be arranged between a main body of the refrigerator and the door body, which reinforcement unit comprises at least one reinforcement element, which reinforcement element is designed in one piece, wherein a first part of the reinforcement element is designed to be detachably connected directly to the main body and a second part of the reinforcement element is designed to provide the door body with a force against the direction of gravity. The utility model also relates to a corresponding refrigerator assembly. The door body can be prevented from inclining and sinking in the transportation process of the refrigerator aiming at possible vibration or collision, so that the hinge and related components of the refrigerator are prevented from being adversely affected.

Description

Reinforcing unit for reinforcing door body of refrigerator in transportation process and refrigerator assembly

Technical Field

The utility model relates to the field of household appliances, in particular to a reinforcing unit for reinforcing a door body of a refrigerator in a transportation process and a corresponding refrigerator assembly.

Background

Nowadays, as the standard of living increases, more and more households purchase and use refrigerators. Meanwhile, as the user demands for a storage space, functionality, and material characteristics are improved, a door body having a large size and a large weight, particularly, a refrigerator having an inner door and an outer door, is increasingly favored.

However, vibration or collision often occurs during the transportation of the refrigerator, and even the refrigerator may fall from a high place, which causes the door body of the refrigerator to generate an inertia force along the gravity direction and impact the hinge arranged between the door body and the refrigerator main body, and in a severe case, the hinge and related components may deform, thereby forming a gap between the door body and the main body and affecting the normal opening and closing of the refrigerator door body.

In the prior art, a spacer block, for example a plastic spacer block made of polystyrene, is usually arranged under the door body of the refrigerator during transport, but such a spacer block does not provide good reinforcement and protection for the door body, in particular, which has a high weight. Furthermore, the head blocks may also be undesirably displaced during transport of the refrigerator.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a reinforcing unit for reinforcing a door body of a refrigerator during transportation, which is capable of preventing the door body from being inclined and sunk down against possible vibration or impact during transportation of the refrigerator, thereby avoiding adverse effects on hinges and related components of the refrigerator. Furthermore, the reinforcement unit can be produced in a simple manner and with a reduced number of parts.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, embodiments of the present invention provide a reinforcement unit for reinforcing a door body of a refrigerator during transportation, the reinforcement unit being configured to be arranged between a main body of the refrigerator and the door body, the reinforcement unit comprising at least one reinforcement element, the reinforcement element being integrally configured, wherein a first portion of the reinforcement element is configured to be adapted to be detachably connected directly to the main body, and a second portion of the reinforcement element is configured to provide the door body with a force against the direction of gravity.

Compared with the prior art, the reinforcing unit according to the present invention can be directly connected with the main body of the refrigerator through the first portion of the reinforcing member, thereby ensuring that the reinforcing member is always located at a desired position during transportation of the refrigerator, and a vertically upward force is provided to the door body of the refrigerator through the second portion of the reinforcing member to restrict movement of the door body in a direction of gravity, whereby, particularly in the case of vibration or collision during transportation, the force provided through the second portion of the reinforcing member can counteract an inertial force of the door body, thereby effectively preventing the door body from sinking and protecting the hinge and related components of the refrigerator. When the transportation process of the refrigerator is finished, the reinforcement elements of the reinforcement unit are detached, whereby the user can normally use the refrigerator.

According to an alternative embodiment of the utility model, the reinforcement unit is configured so as to be suitable for being arranged on the opening and closing side of the refrigerator opposite to the hinge of the door body. This arrangement makes it possible to increase the moment arm of the reinforcement unit and to reduce the adverse effect of the inertial force of the door body more effectively.

According to an alternative embodiment of the utility model, the first part is configured and adapted to be detachably connected directly to the upper or middle or lower cross member of the body. The reinforcement unit can thereby be flexibly arranged at different locations of the refrigerator.

According to an alternative embodiment of the utility model, the stiffening element is L-shaped or plate-shaped or cylindrical or irregularly shaped. These structural means can be produced simply and cost-effectively and are arranged easily between the main body of the refrigerator and the door body.

According to an alternative embodiment of the utility model, the first part has at least one first hole and is configured to be directly connected to the body by means of a screw or pin passing through the first hole. The screw or pin ensures the connection between the first part or the fastening element and the main body and prevents the fastening element unit from being undesirably displaced during transport of the refrigerator.

According to an alternative embodiment of the utility model, the first portion is configured for direct insertion into the body. Thereby, the connection of the first part to the refrigerator main body can be achieved without using screws or pins, thereby further reducing the number of parts.

According to an alternative embodiment of the utility model, the second portion has at least one second hole and is configured and adapted to be connected to the door body by means of a screw or pin passing through the second hole. The connection between the second part or the fastening element and the door body can be ensured by means of screws or pins and the door body is prevented from opening during transport of the refrigerator.

According to an alternative embodiment of the utility model, the second portion is configured and adapted to abut against a lower end face of the door body without a fixed connection. Drilling in the door body can thereby be avoided.

According to an alternative embodiment of the utility model, said second portion is configured so as to be adapted to be inserted directly into said door body. Thereby, the use of additional screws or pins can be avoided.

According to an alternative embodiment of the utility model, the reinforcement unit has a plurality of reinforcement elements; and/or, the stiffening element is made of metal; and/or the stiffening element also has a reinforcing structure. This ensures the stiffening effect of the stiffening unit as much as possible.

According to an alternative embodiment of the utility model, the reinforcement unit comprises a protective sheath at least partially enveloping the reinforcement element. Can avoid causing indentation or scotch to the main part of refrigerator or the door body through the protective sheath.

According to an alternative embodiment of the utility model, the protective sheath is made of silicone. The protective sleeve made of silicone rubber has soft characteristics and has a certain degree of cushioning effect.

According to an alternative embodiment of the utility model, the reinforcement unit further comprises a cover configured and adapted to cover an opening of the refrigerator corresponding to the reinforcement element after removal of the reinforcement element, the opening being provided in the door body and/or the main body. The holes for installing the reinforcing members in the refrigerator can be closed by the cover, thereby achieving an aesthetic external appearance.

According to a second aspect of the utility model, embodiments of the utility model provide a refrigerator assembly having a refrigerator and at least one reinforcement unit according to the utility model.

According to an alternative embodiment of the utility model, the refrigerator is a single-door refrigerator or a multi-door refrigerator; and/or the door body of the refrigerator is provided with an inner door and an outer door. Here, for a multi-door refrigerator, the reinforcement unit may be respectively used for each door of the refrigerator. The reinforcement unit is particularly suitable for relatively heavy door bodies having an inner door and an outer door.

Drawings

The principles, features and advantages of the present invention may be better understood by describing the utility model in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings comprise:

FIG. 1 shows a simplified diagram of a refrigerator assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 2 shows a partially enlarged view of a portion a of fig. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a reinforcement unit according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a reinforcement unit according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial view of a refrigerator assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 6 illustrates a partial view of a refrigerator assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and advantageous effects of the present invention more apparent, the present invention will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the utility model and do not limit the scope of the utility model.

It is to be understood that, herein, the expressions "first", "second", etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying a relative importance, nor are they to be construed as implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. A feature defined as "first" or "second" may be used explicitly or implicitly to include at least one of the feature.

Fig. 1 shows a simplified diagram of a refrigerator assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as shown in fig. 1, the refrigerator assembly including a refrigerator 200 and a reinforcement unit 100 for the refrigerator 200, wherein the refrigerator 200 includes a main body 210 and a door 220 pivotably connected to the main body 210 at a pivoting side by a hinge, thereby achieving opening and closing of the door 220, and a detailed description of the hinge will be given below.

Illustratively, the refrigerator 200 is configured as a multi-door refrigerator, such as a three-door refrigerator or a side-by-side refrigerator, having a plurality of door bodies 220, and a corresponding reinforcement unit 100 is provided for each door body. It is also contemplated that refrigerator 200 may be configured as a single door refrigerator having a single door 220. It is particularly contemplated that the door 220 of the refrigerator 200 has an inner door and an outer door that are connected to each other by inner and outer door latches. The door 220 of this configuration has a relatively large weight and easily causes deformation of the hinge connected to the door 220 and the inner and outer door locker between the inner door and the outside in the event of collision or vibration during transportation of the refrigerator 200.

Here, during the transportation of the refrigerator 200, the reinforcement unit 100 is disposed between the main body 210 of the refrigerator 200 and the door 220, and supports or reinforces the door 220 by the reinforcement unit, thereby restricting the movement of the door 220 in the gravity direction and preventing the door 220 from sinking due to an inertial force in the event of a collision or vibration, as will be described in detail below. When the refrigerator 200 is transported to the user, the reinforcement unit 100 is detached, thereby ensuring the normal use of the refrigerator 200.

As shown in fig. 1, the reinforcement unit 100 is disposed at a middle cross member 211 of a main body 210 of the refrigerator 200, which is located between upper and lower door bodies 220 of the refrigerator 200 (the lower door body is not shown here). Here, the reinforcement unit 100 shown in fig. 1 is suitable for reinforcing the door body 220 above. It is also conceivable, however, for the reinforcement unit 100 to be arranged on the lower crosspiece 212 or the upper crosspiece 213 of the body 210. It is also conceivable for the reinforcing elements to be arranged on the sides of the body 210 perpendicular to the respective cross-member.

Fig. 2 shows a partially enlarged view of a portion a of fig. 1.

As shown in fig. 2, the door 220 of the refrigerator 200 is pivotably connected to the center cross member 211 of the main body 210 at a pivot side by a hinge 230, here, a center hinge, thereby enabling the door 220 to be opened or closed at an opening and closing side opposite to the pivot side. Of course, hinges 230 for pivoting the door 220 are also provided at the lower and

upper cross members

212 and 213 of the refrigerator 200.

As shown in fig. 2, the reinforcement unit 100 comprises a reinforcement element 10, which is designed in one piece and which serves the main reinforcement function for the door body 220. The reinforcing element 11 is here configured in an exemplary manner in an L-shape. It is conceivable, for example, for the reinforcement unit 100 to have a plurality of reinforcement elements 10.

As shown in fig. 2, the first part 11 of the reinforcing element 10 has, for example, a first bore 13, through which a screw 20 can be passed to detachably fix the first part 11 directly to the central transverse member 211, so that it can be ensured that the reinforcing element 10 is not undesirably displaced during the entire transport process. For this purpose, threaded openings are provided in corresponding positions of the central transverse beam 211. It is also contemplated that the first portion 11 has other numbers of first holes 13 as deemed significant by one skilled in the art. It is also conceivable to fasten the first part 11 to the central crossbar 211 by means of pins.

As shown in fig. 2, the second portion 12 of the reinforcement member 10 illustratively has a second hole 14 through which a screw 20 passes to detachably and fixedly connect the second portion 12 to the door body 220, thereby preventing the door body 220 from being accidentally opened during transportation. For this purpose, a threaded opening is also provided in a corresponding position of the door body 220. The door 220 can be provided with a vertically upward force against the gravity direction G by the second portion 12, thereby canceling an inertial force of the door 220 in the gravity direction G at the time of collision or vibration and restricting movement of the door 220 in the gravity direction G. It is also contemplated that the second portion 12 may have other numbers of second holes 14 as deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art. It is also conceivable that the second part 12 does not have the second opening 14, in which case a supporting and reinforcing effect for the door 220 is likewise possible and the door 220 is prevented from sinking down due to inertial forces. The first part 11 and the second part 12 are fixed in position relative to each other.

As shown in fig. 2, the reinforcement unit 100 or the reinforcement element 10 is arranged on the opening and closing side of the refrigerator 200 opposite to the hinge 230 of the door body 220. Accordingly, the inertial force of the door 220 in the gravity direction G is simultaneously received by the reinforcement unit 100 and the hinge 230 located on the opposite sides of the door 220. This increases the moment arm of the force provided by the reinforcement unit 100 with respect to the hinge 230 and more effectively reduces the adverse effects caused by the inertial force of the door body 220. Of course, it is also conceivable to arrange the reinforcement unit 100 at other locations, for example in the middle of the center sill 211.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a reinforcement unit 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in fig. 3, the stiffening element 10 of the stiffening unit 100 is configured in an L-shape. The first portion 11 of the reinforcing element 10 has two first holes 13, through each of which a screw or pin is passed to be connected to the main body 210 of the refrigerator 200. The second portion 12 of the reinforcing element 10 does not have a second opening, so that the second portion 12 can rest against the lower end face of the door body 220 without a fixed connection, which avoids drilling in the door body 220. The dimensions of the reinforcing element 10 can be adjusted to the actual requirements.

As shown in fig. 3, the reinforcing element 10 has, by way of example, a reinforcing structure 15, which is configured, for example, as a rib. The reinforcing structure 15 increases the strength of the reinforcing element 10 and prevents the reinforcing element 10 itself from being deformed as much as possible. The reinforcing element 10 can have a plurality of reinforcing structures 15.

The reinforcing element 10 is illustratively made of metal. However, it is also conceivable for the stiffening element 10 to be made of a plastic with a high strength.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a reinforcement unit 100 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In contrast to the embodiment of fig. 3, the reinforcement unit 100 of fig. 4 further comprises a protective sheath 30, which at least partially envelops the reinforcement element 10. Particularly in the case where the reinforcing member 10 is made of metal, the generation of scratches at the portion where the reinforcing member 10 contacts the refrigerator 200 can be effectively prevented by the protective sheath 30. The protective sheath 30 here consists in particular of a silicone material, which has a soft property, so that a certain cushioning effect can be achieved in addition to the scratch protection. It is also contemplated, however, that protective sheath 30 may be composed of other rubber materials.

It is also conceivable that the protective sleeve 30 is provided with a recess at the first hole 13 of the first part 11 or the second hole 14 of the second part 12 of the stiffening element 10, whereby the impression of the screw on the body 210 or the door body 220 can be avoided.

Fig. 5 illustrates a partial view of a refrigerator assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in fig. 5, the reinforcement element 10 of the reinforcement unit 100 is cylindrically configured, wherein the first portion 11 of the reinforcement element 10 is directly inserted into and detachably connected to the body 210, and the second portion 12 is directly inserted into the door body 220. For this purpose, the first part 11 is configured, for example, with a screw thread, the body 210 with a corresponding screw opening (not shown here), and the door 220 with an opening 240 corresponding to the second part 12 in a corresponding position. When the reinforcement unit 100 is installed, the first portion 11 of the reinforcement member 10 is first screwed into the threaded opening of the body 210, and then the door body 220 is closed such that the second portion 12 is correspondingly inserted into the opening 240 of the door body 220, whereby the fixing member 10 shares the weight of the hinge 230 and achieves the reinforcement effect during transportation. It is also contemplated that the first portion 11 is fixedly engaged with the opening of the body 210 in an interference manner.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the second portion 12 does not engage into the door 220, but rather rests against a lower end face of the door 220. Opening 240 may thereby be eliminated.

The stiffening element 10 has, for example, a protective sheath which is wrapped around the surface of the stiffening element 10.

The reinforcing element 10 is designed, for example, with an irregular shape, for example, a first section 11 is designed cylindrically, while a second section 12 is designed plate-shaped.

As shown in fig. 5, the reinforcement unit 100 further comprises a cover 40 adapted to cover an opening 240 of the refrigerator 200 corresponding to the reinforcement element 10 after removing the reinforcement element 10, which opening may be provided in the door 220 and/or the main body 210. Thereby enabling the user to avoid seeing the openings and achieving an aesthetic appearance effect. The covers 40 for different openings can be designed identically or differently, wherein the covers 40 for threaded openings can be designed with a threaded connection.

As shown in fig. 6, the fastening element 10 of the reinforcement unit 100 is configured in a plate-like manner, wherein the first section 11 of the reinforcement element 10 is detachably fixedly connected to the main body 210 by means of screws 20, and the second section 12 is also detachably fixedly connected to the door body 220 by means of screws 20. The mount 10 is used particularly when the end face of the cross member of the body 210 is flush with the end face of the door body 220.

As shown in fig. 6, the first portion 11 of the reinforcing member 10 is fixedly attached to the upper end surface of the upper cross member 213 of the main body 210 of the refrigerator 200, and the second portion 12 is fixedly attached to the upper end surface of the door body 220, whereby the reinforcing member 10 can provide a vertically upward tensile force, thereby sharing the weight of the hinge 230 and preventing the door body 220 from sinking.

It is also conceivable for one and the same door body 220 to be provided with one fixing unit 100 at each of its upper and lower end faces, wherein each fixing unit 100 can have identical or different fixing elements 10, which can be selected from the exemplary embodiments explained above and used in combination.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above by taking a multi-door refrigerator as an example, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the idea of the present invention is not limited to the multi-door refrigerator, and the idea can be utilized as long as the refrigerator can withstand impact or vibration.

While specific embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, even where only a single embodiment is described with respect to a particular feature. The characteristic examples provided in the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative, not limiting, unless stated differently. In particular embodiments, several features may be combined with each other, where technically feasible, according to actual needs. Various substitutions, alterations, and modifications may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A reinforcement unit (100) for reinforcing a door body (220) of a refrigerator (200) during transportation, the reinforcement unit being configured to be adapted to be disposed between a main body (210) of the refrigerator (200) and the door body (220),

characterized in that the reinforcement unit (100) comprises at least one reinforcement element (10) which is designed in one piece, wherein a first part (11) of the reinforcement element (10) is designed to be suitable for a direct, detachable connection to the main body (210) and a second part (12) of the reinforcement element (10) is designed to provide a force against the direction of gravity (G) to the door body (220).

2. Reinforcing unit (100) for reinforcing a door (220) of a refrigerator (200) during transportation according to claim 1,

the reinforcement unit (100) is configured to be disposed on an opening and closing side of the refrigerator (200) opposite to a hinge (230) of the door body (220).

3. The reinforcement unit (100) for reinforcing a door body (220) of a refrigerator (200) during transportation according to claim 1 or 2,

the first portion (11) is configured to be detachably connected directly to an upper cross member (213) or a middle cross member (211) or a lower cross member (212) of the main body (210).

4. The reinforcement unit (100) for reinforcing a door body (220) of a refrigerator (200) during transportation according to claim 1 or 2,

the stiffening element (10) is designed in an L-shaped or plate-shaped manner or in a cylindrical or irregular manner.

5. The reinforcement unit (100) for reinforcing a door body (220) of a refrigerator (200) during transportation according to claim 1 or 2,

the first part (11) has at least one first hole (13) and the first part (11) is configured to be adapted to be connected to the body (210) by means of a screw (20) or a pin passing through the first hole (13).

6. The reinforcement unit (100) for reinforcing a door body (220) of a refrigerator (200) during transportation according to claim 1 or 2,

the first portion (11) is configured to be directly inserted into the body (210).

7. Reinforcing unit (100) for reinforcing a door (220) of a refrigerator (200) during transportation according to claim 1 or 2,

the second part (12) has at least one second hole (14) and the second part (12) is configured to be connected to the door body (220) by a screw (20) or a pin passing through the second hole (14).

8. The reinforcement unit (100) for reinforcing a door body (220) of a refrigerator (200) during transportation according to claim 1 or 2,

the second part (12) is adapted to abut against the lower end face of the door body (220) in a non-fixed connection manner.

9. The reinforcement unit (100) for reinforcing a door body (220) of a refrigerator (200) during transportation according to claim 1 or 2,

the second portion (12) is configured to be directly inserted into the door body (220).

10. The reinforcement unit (100) for reinforcing a door body (220) of a refrigerator (200) during transportation according to claim 1 or 2,

the stiffening unit (100) has a plurality of stiffening elements (10); and/or

The reinforcement element (10) is made of metal; and/or

The stiffening element (10) also has a stiffening structure (15).

11. The reinforcement unit (100) for reinforcing a door body (220) of a refrigerator (200) during transportation according to claim 1 or 2,

the reinforcement unit (100) comprises a protective sheath (30) which at least partially envelops the reinforcement element (10).

12. Reinforcing unit (100) for reinforcing a door (220) of a refrigerator (200) during transportation according to claim 11,

the protective sleeve (30) is made of silicone.

13. Reinforcing unit (100) for reinforcing a door (220) of a refrigerator (200) during transportation according to claim 1 or 2,

the reinforcement unit (100) further comprises a cover (40) configured to be suitable for closing an opening (240) of the refrigerator (200) corresponding to the reinforcement element (10) after removal of the reinforcement element (10), the opening being provided in the door body (220) and/or the main body (210).

14. A refrigerator assembly, characterized in that,

the refrigerator assembly comprises a refrigerator (200) and at least one reinforcement unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The refrigerator assembly of claim 14,

the refrigerator (200) is a single-door refrigerator or a multi-door refrigerator; and/or

The door body (220) of the refrigerator (200) is provided with an inner door and an outer door.