CN111088921A

CN111088921A - Hinge and refrigerator-freezer

Info

Publication number: CN111088921A
Application number: CN201811236363.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 大岛雄希; 张春平
Original assignee: Nidec Sankyo Zhejiang Corp
Current assignee: Nidec Sankyo Zhejiang Corp
Priority date: 2018-10-23
Filing date: 2018-10-23
Publication date: 2020-05-01

Abstract

A hinge and ice chest with a hinge, which can generate resistance when a second hinge component rotates relative to a first hinge component to avoid rotating too fast, and can easily realize that large resistance is generated only after the second hinge component rotates a certain angle relative to the first hinge component. The hinge of the present invention includes a first hinge member and a second hinge member rotatably connected to each other by a rotation center shaft fixed to the first hinge member, a torsion coil spring wound around the rotation center shaft, and a second hinge member rotatable with respect to the first hinge member between a first position where the torsion coil spring releases the rotation center shaft and both end sides of the torsion coil spring are restricted by the first hinge member and the second hinge member, respectively, to generate an elastic restoring force to rotate the second hinge member toward a second position, and the torsion coil spring starts to embrace the rotation center shaft before the second hinge member reaches the second position.

Description

Hinge and refrigerator-freezer

Technical Field

The invention relates to a hinge and a refrigerator with the hinge.

Background

Hinges are a common means of movably connecting two parts in the mechanical field.

For example, in an apparatus such as a freezer having a lid and a body, a hinge may be used to pivotally connect the lid to the body.

When a main body such as a freezer and a lid are connected by a hinge, the lid can be opened and closed more easily and quickly than a case where the lid is opened and closed by sliding with respect to the main body.

A conventional hinge is generally composed of three parts, i.e., a first hinge member, a second hinge member, and a rotation center shaft rotatably connecting the first hinge member and the second hinge member,

in connecting the main body and the lid of an ice chest or the like using a conventional hinge, for example, a first hinge member may be fixed to the main body and a second hinge member may be fixed to the lid.

However, in the conventional hinge, since the second hinge member is rotatable relative to the first hinge member, when the main body of the refrigerator or the like and the lid are connected to each other by the conventional hinge so that the lid is rotatable about the horizontal axis, if the lid is heavy, the lid is liable to fall off and close quickly by an external force such as gravity after being opened, and the lid is liable to pinch or injure an operator.

In order to avoid this, it is conceivable to hold the cover body with one hand to prevent it from falling and to perform the operation with the other hand, but this results in limited operational flexibility for the operator, and in the case of a heavy cover body itself, the manner in which the cover body is held with one hand and the operation is performed with the other hand significantly increases the burden on the operator.

Therefore, when a main body and a lid of an ice chest or the like are connected by a conventional hinge, it is sometimes desirable to prevent the lid from closing too quickly by generating a certain resistance when the lid is closed with respect to the main body.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hinge in which resistance is generated when a second hinge member rotates with respect to a first hinge member to prevent the second hinge member from rotating too fast, and large resistance is easily generated only after the second hinge member rotates at a certain angle with respect to the first hinge member. In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide an ice chest with the above hinge.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a hinge, including a first hinge member and a second hinge member, the first hinge member and the second hinge member are rotatably connected by a rotation center shaft, wherein the rotation center shaft is fixed to the first hinge member, a torsion coil spring is wound around the rotation center shaft, the second hinge member is rotatable relative to the first hinge member between a first position and a second position, in the first position, the torsion coil spring releases the rotation center shaft, and both end sides are restricted by the first hinge member and the second hinge member, respectively, to generate an elastic restoring force to rotate the second hinge member toward the second position, the torsion coil spring starts to clasp the rotation center shaft before the second hinge member reaches the second position.

According to the hinge of the present invention, the torsion coil spring is wound around the rotation center shaft, and when the second hinge member rotates from the first position to the second position with respect to the first hinge member, the torsion coil spring starts to grip the rotation center shaft until the second hinge member reaches the second position, and the torsion coil spring grips the rotation center shaft, so that frictional resistance can be generated between the torsion coil spring and the rotation center shaft, and the second hinge member is prevented from continuing to rotate to the second position with respect to the first hinge member.

Further, according to the hinge of the present invention, when the second hinge member is located at the first position, the torsion coil spring releases the rotation center shaft, no frictional resistance is generated between the torsion coil spring and the rotation center shaft, and only after the second hinge member is rotated by a certain angle with respect to the first hinge member and the torsion coil spring grips the rotation center shaft, a frictional resistance is generated between the torsion coil spring and the rotation center shaft.

Further, according to the hinge of the present invention, when the second hinge member is rotated from the second position toward the first position with respect to the first hinge member, the torsion coil spring is deformed so as to loosen the rotation center axis, so that frictional resistance is less likely to be generated between the torsion coil spring and the rotation center axis, and the second hinge member is likely to be rotated faster.

In the hinge of the above configuration, it is preferable that one end of the torsion coil spring is held by the second hinge member, and the other end of the torsion coil spring abuts against the first hinge member at the first position and is separated from the first hinge member at the second position.

According to the hinge of the above configuration, since the one end of the torsion coil spring is held by the second hinge member, it is possible to prevent the torsion coil spring from deviating from the predetermined position and failing to function reliably, and on the other hand, the other end of the torsion coil spring is separated from the first hinge member at least in the initial stage of the rotation of the second hinge member from the second position to the first position, so that resistance is not generated by the elastic force action of the torsion coil spring, and the second hinge member can be easily rotated at a high speed.

In the hinge of the above configuration, it is preferable that the rotation center shaft includes a center shaft body and an annular friction portion that protrudes from the center shaft body toward a radially outer side of the rotation center shaft, and the torsion coil spring is wound around an outer peripheral side of the annular friction portion.

According to the hinge having the above configuration, when the second hinge member rotates from the first position to the second position and the torsion coil spring grips the rotation center shaft, the contact area between the torsion coil spring and the rotation center shaft is easily increased, and therefore, the frictional resistance generated between the torsion coil spring and the rotation center shaft is easily increased, which further contributes to preventing the second hinge member from rotating too fast.

In the hinge of the above configuration, it is preferable that the annular friction portion is formed separately from the center shaft main body.

According to the hinge with the structure, the annular friction part and the central shaft main body can be made of different materials, so that the friction resistance between the torsion coil spring and the central shaft of the rotating shaft can be easily increased, and the strength of the central shaft main body can be easily improved.

In the hinge of the above configuration, it is preferable that the first hinge member includes two first plate-like portions opposed to each other in the axial direction of the rotation center shaft and each having a first insertion hole through which the rotation center shaft passes, the second hinge member includes two second plate-like portions opposed to each other in the axial direction of the rotation center shaft and each having a second insertion hole through which the rotation center shaft passes, the two second plate-like portions are disposed inside the two first plate-like portions in the axial direction of the rotation center shaft, and the torsion coil spring is located inside the two second plate-like portions.

According to the hinge having the above configuration, the torsion coil spring is sandwiched between the two second plate-like portions from both sides, which contributes to preventing the torsion coil spring from coming off the rotation center axis and reliably functioning the torsion coil spring.

In the hinge of the above configuration, it is preferable that one of the second plate-like portions has a holding portion that holds one end of the torsion coil spring, and one of the first plate-like portions has an abutting portion at which the other end of the torsion coil spring abuts against the abutting portion, and at which the other end of the torsion coil spring is spaced apart from the abutting portion.

In the hinge of the above configuration, it is preferable that the holding portion has an engaging groove, and one end of the torsion coil spring is engaged with the engaging groove.

According to the hinge having the above structure, the torsion coil spring can be held by a simple structure, which contributes to reduction in manufacturing cost.

In the hinge of the above configuration, it is preferable that the abutting portion protrudes from the main body of the first plate-like portion in an axial direction of the rotation center shaft.

Further, in the hinge of the above-described configuration, it is preferable that the hinge further includes a damper which is located between the two second plate-like portions, through which the rotation center shaft passes, and which generates resistance to rotation of the second hinge member relative to the first hinge member when the second hinge member rotates.

According to the hinge of the above configuration, when the second hinge member rotates relative to the first hinge member, it is possible to increase the rotation resistance and reliably avoid the second hinge member from rotating too fast.

Further, in the hinge of the above-described structure, it is preferable that the damper includes: a case having a bottomed cylindrical shape and fixed to the second hinge member; a rotor provided in the housing and fixed to the first hinge member, the rotor having a movable valve element on an outer peripheral portion thereof, and a through hole in a rotation center portion thereof through which the rotation center shaft passes and is fixed; and a cover member that closes one end opening of the housing, a fluid chamber being formed between the cover member, the housing, and the rotor, and a working fluid being filled in the fluid chamber.

Further, to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an ice chest comprising: a main body; a cover body; and the hinge described above, wherein a first hinge member of the hinge is fixed to the main body, and a second hinge member of the hinge is fixed to the lid, thereby pivotally connecting the main body and the lid.

(effect of the invention)

According to the present invention, since the torsion coil spring is wound around the rotation center shaft, and when the second hinge member rotates from the first position to the second position with respect to the first hinge member, the torsion coil spring starts to grip the rotation center shaft until the second hinge member reaches the second position, and the torsion coil spring grips the rotation center shaft, frictional resistance can be generated between the torsion coil spring and the rotation center shaft, and the second hinge member can be prevented from continuing to rotate toward the second position with respect to the first hinge member. In addition, when the second hinge member is located at the first position, the torsion coil spring releases the rotation center shaft, no frictional resistance is generated between the torsion coil spring and the rotation center shaft, and only after the second hinge member rotates by a certain angle with respect to the first hinge member and the torsion coil spring grips the rotation center shaft, a frictional resistance is generated between the torsion coil spring and the rotation center shaft. Further, when the second hinge member is rotated from the second position toward the first position with respect to the first hinge member, the torsion coil spring is deformed so as to loosen the rotation center shaft, so that frictional resistance is less likely to be generated between the torsion coil spring and the rotation center shaft, and the second hinge member is likely to be rotated faster.

Drawings

FIG. 1A is a schematic view showing the connection relationship between the hinge and the main body and the lid of the ice chest, and showing the state where the lid is closed with respect to the main body.

FIG. 1B is a schematic view showing the connection relationship between the hinge and the main body and the lid of the ice chest, and showing the state where the lid is opened with respect to the main body.

Fig. 2A is a partial perspective view schematically showing the structure of a hinge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2B is a partial perspective view schematically showing the structure of the hinge according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which a part of the members such as the rotor is not shown.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a damper included in the hinge according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the operation of the hinge according to the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which the second hinge member is located at the second position.

Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the operation of the hinge according to the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which the second hinge member is located between the first position and the second position.

Fig. 4C is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the operation of the hinge according to the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which the second hinge member is located at the first position.

(symbol description)

1 hinge

3 damper

4 first hinge Member

4a first plate-like part

4b first base

4e first through hole

4f locking groove

4g abutting part

5 second hinge Member

5a second plate-like part

5b second base

5c second through hole

5d third through hole

5e holding part

6 center axis of rotation

9 casing

9a cylinder part

9b contact surface

9c concave part

9d lateral surface

10 rotor

11 cover member

12 rotor body

12a through hole

12b tube part

12c valve body holding part

12f allocation groove

13 valve core

15 locking pin

22 torsion coil spring

Detailed Description

Now, a hinge according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 1A to 4C, in which fig. 1A is a schematic view showing a connection relationship between the hinge and a main body and a lid of an ice chest and showing a state where the lid is closed with respect to the main body, fig. 1B is a schematic view showing a connection relationship between the hinge and the main body and the lid of the ice chest and showing a state where the lid is opened with respect to the main body, fig. 2A is a partial perspective view schematically showing a structure of the hinge according to the embodiment of the present invention, fig. 2B is a partial perspective view schematically showing a structure of the hinge according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which a part of a member such as a rotor is omitted, fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a damper included in the hinge according to the embodiment of the present invention, fig. 4A is a sectional view schematically showing an operation of the hinge according to the embodiment of the present invention and showing, fig. 4B is a sectional view schematically showing the operation of the hinge according to the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which the second hinge member is located between the first position and the second position, and fig. 4C is a sectional view schematically showing the operation of the hinge according to the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which the second hinge member is located at the first position.

Here, for convenience of explanation, three directions orthogonal to each other are set as an X direction, a Y direction, and a Z direction, one side of the X direction is set as X1, the other side of the X direction is set as X2, one side of the Y direction is set as Y1, the other side of the Y direction is set as Y2, one side of the Z direction is set as Z1, the other side of the Z direction is set as Z2, and an axial direction of a rotation center axis of the hinge coincides with the X direction.

As shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the hinge 1 is a part that connects a lid CV of the refrigerator cabinet to a main body (not shown) of the refrigerator cabinet so as to be rotatable about a horizontally extending axis for opening and closing, for example.

Here, the hinge 1 includes a first hinge member 4 and a second hinge member 5 rotatably connected to each other by a rotation center shaft 6, wherein the first hinge member 4 is provided on the main body of the refrigerator cabinet, and the second hinge member 5 is provided on the lid CV of the refrigerator cabinet. Further, the hinge 1 further includes a damper 3, and the damper 3 generates resistance to rotation when the second hinge member 5 rotates in a predetermined direction (clockwise direction in fig. 1B) with respect to the first hinge member 4, thereby preventing the main body of the refrigerator and the lid CV of the refrigerator from being damaged due to impact caused by opening and closing the lid CV of the refrigerator without damping. Further, the lid CV of the refrigerator cabinet is rotatable via the hinge 1 between an open position (see the state of fig. 1B) and a closed position (see the state shown in fig. 1A) within an angular range of substantially 90 ° with respect to the main body of the refrigerator cabinet (this angular range can be appropriately changed as necessary).

The structure of the hinge 1 will be specifically described below.

(integral Structure of hinge)

As shown in fig. 2A and 2B, the hinge 1 includes a first hinge member 4 and a second hinge member 5, the first hinge member 4 and the second hinge member 5 are rotatably connected by a rotation center shaft 6, and the rotation center shaft 6 is fixed to the first hinge member 4, a torsion coil spring 22 is wound on the rotation center shaft 6, the second hinge member 5 is rotatable with respect to the first hinge member 4 between a first position (corresponding to fig. 1B and 4C) and a second position (corresponding to fig. 1A and 4A), at the first position, the torsion coil spring 22 releases the rotation center shaft 6, and both end sides are restricted by the first hinge member 4 and the second hinge member 5, respectively, to generate an elastic restoring force to rotate the second hinge member 5 toward the second position, before the second hinge member 5 reaches the second position, the torsion coil spring 22 starts to embrace the rotation center shaft 6.

(Structure of first hinge Member)

As shown in fig. 2A and 2B, the first hinge member 4 includes two first plate-like portions 4a, the two first plate-like portions 4a being opposed to each other in the axial direction (i.e., the X direction) of the rotation center shaft 6, and first insertion holes 4e through which the rotation center shaft 6 is inserted are formed, respectively.

Here, the entire first plate-like portion 4a is substantially perpendicular to the X direction, a first insertion hole 4e is provided at an end portion of the first plate-like portion 4a on the Y1 direction side, and a locking groove 4f recessed radially outward from an inner peripheral surface of the first insertion hole 4e is provided.

Further, as shown in fig. 2A and 2B, the first hinge member 4 further includes a first base portion 4B, and the first base portion 4B connects the two first plate-like portions 4 a.

Here, the entire first base portion 4b is substantially perpendicular to the Z direction, and the Y1 direction side end portion of the first base portion 4b is located closer to the Y2 direction side than the Y1 direction side end portion of the first plate-shaped portion 4a, that is, the Y1 direction side end portion of the first plate-shaped portion 4a protrudes in the Y1 direction than the Y1 direction side end portion of the first base portion 4 b.

Further, as shown in fig. 4A to 4C, in the two first plate-like portions 4A, the abutting portion 4g is formed at the end portion on the Y1 direction side of the first plate-like portion 4A on the X1 direction side, and at the first position, the other end of the torsion coil spring 22 abuts against the abutting portion 4g, and at the second position, the other end of the torsion coil spring 22 is separated from the abutting portion 4 g.

Here, the contact portion 4g protrudes from the main body of the first plate-like portion 4a in the axial direction of the rotation center shaft 6 (i.e., the X direction). Specifically, the contact portion 4g is formed of a protruding piece extending from the main body of the first plate-like portion 4a in the axial direction of the rotation center shaft 6, and the other end of the torsion coil spring 22 is brought into contact with a surface of the protruding piece (specifically, a surface on the Y2 direction side) (however, an engagement hole may be provided in the protruding piece, and the other end of the torsion coil spring 22 is brought into contact with an inner peripheral surface of the engagement hole).

In addition, the material of the first hinge member 4 is not limited, and may be appropriately selected according to the circumstances, and for example, it is made of metal, resin, or the like.

(Structure of second hinge Member)

As shown in fig. 2A and 2B, the second hinge member 5 includes two second plate-like portions 5a, the two second plate-like portions 5a being opposed to each other in the axial direction of the rotation center shaft 6, and having second insertion holes 5c through which the rotation center shaft 6 is inserted, respectively.

Here, the entire second plate-like portion 5a is substantially perpendicular to the X direction, a second insertion hole 5c is provided at an end portion of the second plate-like portion 5a on the Y2 direction side, and a third insertion hole 5d into which a screw 17 for fixing the housing 9 of the damper 3 to the second hinge member 5 is inserted is provided at a position on the Y1 direction side of the second plate-like portion 5a with respect to the second insertion hole 5 c.

Further, as shown in fig. 2A and 2B, the second hinge member 5 further includes a second base portion 5B, and the second base portion 5B connects the two second plate-like portions 5 a.

Here, the entire second base portion 5b is substantially perpendicular to the Z direction, and the Y2 direction side end portion of the second base portion 5b is located closer to the Y1 direction side than the Y2 direction side end portion of the second plate-like portion 5a, that is, the Y2 direction side end portion of the second plate-like portion 5a projects toward the Y2 direction than the Y2 direction side end portion of the second base portion 5 b.

Further, as shown in fig. 2A and 2B, of the two second plate-like portions 5a, the two second plate-like portions 5a on the X1 direction side have holding portions 5e, and the holding portions 5e hold one ends of the torsion coil springs 22.

Here, the holding portion 5e has an engaging groove into which one end of the torsion coil spring 22 is engaged. Specifically, one end and the other end of the torsion coil spring 22 extend substantially in the YZ plane, and the one end of the torsion coil spring 22 has a hook 22a, and the hook 22a engages a part of the hook into the engaging groove of the holding portion 5e to hook the holding portion 5 e.

As shown in fig. 2A and 2B, the second hinge member 5 is disposed inside the first hinge member 4 in the axial direction of the rotation center shaft 6.

Here, in the axial direction of the rotation center shaft 6, the two second plate-like portions 5a of the second hinge member 5 are disposed inside the two first plate-like portions 4a of the first hinge member 4, the torsion coil spring 22 is located inside the two second plate-like portions 5a, and the damper 3 is also located between the two second plate-like portions 5a and on the X2 direction side of the torsion coil spring 22.

In addition, the material of the second hinge member 5 is not limited, and may be appropriately selected according to the circumstances, and for example, it is made of metal, resin, or the like.

(Structure of rotating center shaft)

As shown in fig. 2A and 2B, the rotation center shaft 6 extends in the X direction, both end portions thereof penetrate the second insertion holes 5c of the two second plate-shaped portions 5a of the second hinge member 5 and the first insertion holes 4e of the two first plate-shaped portions 4a of the first hinge member 4, respectively, and a portion of the rotation center shaft 6 protruding outward from the first insertion holes 4e is crushed and caulked to the first plate-shaped portion 4a, thereby preventing the rotation center shaft 6 from coming off the first hinge member 4 and the second hinge member 5.

Here, the rotation center shaft 6 includes a center shaft main body 61 and an annular friction portion 62, the center shaft main body 61 is in a rod shape extending in the X direction, the annular friction portion 62 protrudes outward in the radial direction of the rotation center shaft 6 from the center shaft main body 61, and the torsion coil spring 22 is wound around the outer peripheral side of the annular friction portion 62. Specifically, the annular friction portion 62 is formed separately from the center shaft main body 61, and in the center shaft main body 61 of the rotation center shaft 6, the cross section perpendicular to the X direction of the portion located inside the two second plate-like portions 5a is substantially polygonal, and the annular friction portion 62 has a substantially polygonal center hole matching the cross sectional shape of the center shaft main body 61, and by inserting the center shaft main body 61 into the center hole of the annular friction portion 62, the annular friction portion 62 can be prevented from rotating relative to the center shaft main body 61.

As shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the rotation center shaft 6 further includes a locking pin 15, and the locking pin 15 is provided at least one end portion of the center shaft body 61, penetrates the center shaft body 61 in the radial direction of the center shaft body 61, and is locked in the locking groove 4f of the first plate-like portion 4a of the first hinge member 4, whereby the rotation center shaft 5 can be reliably prevented from rotating with respect to the first hinge member 4.

The material of the rotation center shaft 6 is not limited, and may be appropriately selected according to the circumstances, and for example, it is made of metal, resin, or the like (it is preferable to make the annular friction portion from a material that easily generates a large frictional force, and to make the center shaft main body from a material having a large strength).

(Structure of damper)

As shown in fig. 3, the damper 3 includes: a case 9, the case 9 having a bottomed cylindrical shape and being fixed to the second hinge member 5; a rotor 10, which is provided in the housing 9, is fixed to the first hinge member 4, has a movable valve element 13 provided on an outer peripheral portion of the rotor 10, and has a through hole 12a in a rotation center portion of the rotor 10, through which the rotation center shaft 6 is fixedly inserted; and a cover member 11, the cover member 11 closing one end opening of the housing 9, a fluid chamber being formed between the cover member 11, the housing 9, and the rotor 10, and a working fluid such as oil being filled in the fluid chamber.

Here, the housing 9 has a bottom portion and a cylindrical portion 9 a. The housing 9 is disposed such that the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 9a coincides with the X direction. The bottom of the case 9 closes the end of the cylindrical portion 9a on the X1 side. A circular through hole (not shown) is formed in the bottom of the housing 9, and rotatably holds the X1-side end 12d of the rotor 10. A part of the inner circumferential surface of the tube portion 9a constitutes a contact surface 9b that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the tube portion 12b of the rotor 10. In the circumferential direction of the rotor 10 (i.e., the circumferential direction of the rotation center shaft 6), a recess 9c is formed in a portion of the cylindrical portion 9a where the contact surface 9b is not formed, and the recess 9c is recessed outward in the radial direction of the rotor 10. When viewed in the axial direction of the rotor 10 (i.e., the axial direction of the rotation center shaft 6), the contact surface 9b is formed within a range of approximately 240 ° with respect to the center of the cylinder 12b, and the recess 9c is formed within a range of approximately 120 ° with respect to the center of the cylinder 12 b. The shape of the recess 9c is a sector having the center of curvature of the cylindrical portion 12b as a center of curvature when viewed in the axial direction of the rotor 10. The outer diameter of the cylinder 9a on the side where the recess 9c is formed is larger than the outer diameter of the cylinder 9a on the side where the contact surface 9b is formed.

Further, the cover member 11 is fixed to the X2-side end portion of the cylindrical portion 9a of the housing 9, and closes the X2-side end portion of the cylindrical portion 9 a. The cover member 11 is formed with a circular through hole 11a, and the through hole 11a rotatably holds the X2-side end portion 12e of the rotor 10.

Further, the rotor 10 includes: a rotor body 12 having a cylinder portion 12b and a valve body holding portion 12c, wherein the cylinder portion 12b has a through hole 12a (which is a substantially polygonal shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the center shaft body 61 and into which the center shaft body 61 is inserted and fixed) formed in the axial direction, an X1 side end portion 12d of the cylinder portion 12b is held in the through hole at the bottom of the housing 9, an X2 side end portion 12e of the cylinder portion 12b is held in the through hole 11a of the cover member 11, and the valve body holding portion 12c is formed in the outer peripheral portion of the cylinder portion 12b in the axial direction of the rotor 10 (i.e., in the axial direction of the rotation center shaft 6); a valve body 13, the valve body 13 being provided in the valve body holding portion 12c so as to be rotatable about an axis parallel to the axial direction of the rotor 10; and an arrangement groove 12f formed in the X1 side end 12d of the cylindrical portion 12b and the X2 side end 12e of the cylindrical portion 12b over the entire circumference of the cylindrical portion 12b, respectively, the arrangement groove 12f being provided with a seal member (not shown) to prevent oil from leaking from the fluid chamber.

Further, as shown in fig. 3, when the housing 9 rotates counterclockwise relative to the rotor body 12, the oil in the fluid chamber flows in the recess 9c through the gap between the spool 13 and the housing 9, flowing from one side of the spool holding portion 12c (the left side of the spool holding portion 12c in fig. 3) to the other side (the right side of the spool holding portion 12c in fig. 3). When the housing 9 rotates clockwise relative to the rotor main body 12, the valve element 13 abuts against the outer side surface 9d of the recess 9c (i.e., the above-described gap disappears), thereby preventing oil from flowing from one side of the valve element holding portion 12c (the right side of the valve element holding portion 12c in fig. 3) to the other side (the left side of the valve element holding portion 12c in fig. 3) to generate rotational resistance.

Hereinafter, the operation of the hinge 1 when the cover of the refrigerator is opened and closed with respect to the main body will be specifically described by taking as an example a case where the first hinge member 4 is connected to the main body of the refrigerator and the second hinge member 5 is connected to the cover of the refrigerator.

(operation when opening the lid)

As shown in FIG. 4A, in the state where the cover CV of the ice chest is closed with respect to the main body of the ice chest (corresponding to the second position of the present invention), the other end of the torsion coil spring 22 of the hinge 1 is separated from the abutting portion 4g of the first hinge member 4.

Then, the lid CV of the ice chest is rotated counterclockwise with respect to the main body of the ice chest from the state shown in fig. 4A around the rotation center axis 6 to the state shown in fig. 4B (a third position between the first position and the second position of the present invention, in which the other end of the torsion coil spring 22 starts to abut against the abutting portion 4g of the first hinge member 4). During this time, the torsion coil spring 22 is biased in the direction in which the second hinge member 5 is wound and loosened, so that frictional resistance is not easily generated between the torsion coil spring 22 and the rotation center shaft 6, and the damper 3 does not generate resistance, and therefore, only by overcoming the weight of the lid CV of the refrigerator, the second hinge member 5 can be easily rotated together with the torsion coil spring 22, and the lid CV of the refrigerator can be easily rotated.

Then, the cover CV of the ice chest is rotated counterclockwise with respect to the main body of the ice chest from the state shown in fig. 4B to the fully opened state shown in fig. 4C (corresponding to the first position of the present invention where the other end of the torsion coil spring 22 is held in contact with the contact portion 4g of the first hinge member 4). During this period, the torsion coil spring 22 is still urged by the second hinge member 5 in the direction in which the winding becomes loose, and frictional resistance is not easily generated between the torsion coil spring 22 and the rotation center shaft 6, and the damper 3 does not generate resistance, so that the second hinge member 5 can be rotated relatively easily, and the lid CV of the refrigerator can be rotated relatively easily, only by overcoming the gravity of the lid CV of the refrigerator and the elastic restoring force of the torsion coil spring 22.

(operation when the lid is closed)

In the state shown in fig. 4C where the cover CV of the refrigerator cabinet is fully opened with respect to the main body of the refrigerator cabinet, the other end of the torsion coil spring 22 abuts against the abutting portion 4g of the first hinge member 4.

Then, the lid CV of the ice chest is rotated clockwise with respect to the main body of the ice chest from the state shown in fig. 4C around the rotation center axis 6 to the state shown in fig. 4B (a third position between the first position and the second position of the present invention, in which the other end of the torsion coil spring 22 is just about to start to separate from the contact portion 4g of the first hinge member 4, and in which the torsion coil 22 is in a natural state, and is just about to clasp the rotation center axis 6). During this time, the torsion coil spring 22 is returned to the natural state so as to be wound and tightened, but the torsion coil spring 22 does not tightly hold the rotation center shaft 6, and frictional resistance is not easily generated between the torsion coil spring 22 and the rotation center shaft 6, so that the second hinge member 5 can be relatively easily rotated together with the torsion coil spring 22 even though a certain resistance is generated by the damper 3, and the lid CV of the refrigerator can be relatively easily rotated.

Then, the lid CV of the ice chest is further rotated clockwise with respect to the main body of the ice chest from the state shown in FIG. 4B to the fully closed state shown in FIG. 4A (corresponding to the second position of the present invention where the other end of the torsion coil spring 22 is separated from the abutting portion 4g of the first hinge member 4). During this period, the torsion coil spring 22 is tightly held around the rotation center shaft 6, and the winding is continued to be tightened by the second hinge member 5, so that a large frictional resistance is likely to be generated between the torsion coil spring 22 and the rotation center shaft 6, and a constant resistance is likely to be generated in the damper 3, thereby easily preventing the lid CV of the refrigerator cabinet from rapidly becoming a completely closed state.

According to the present invention, the torsion coil spring 22 is wound around the rotation center shaft 6, and when the second hinge member 5 rotates from the first position to the second position with respect to the first hinge member 4, the torsion coil spring 22 starts to embrace the rotation center shaft 6 until the second hinge member 5 reaches the second position, and frictional resistance is generated between the torsion coil spring 22 and the rotation center shaft 6 by the torsion coil spring 22 embracing the rotation center shaft 6, and the second hinge member 5 is restrained from continuing to rotate toward the second position with respect to the first hinge member 4, thereby helping to prevent the second hinge member 5 from rotating too fast, and helping to prevent the cover of the ice chest from becoming completely closed too fast when the hinge 1 is used to rotatably connect the main body and the cover of the ice chest.

Further, according to the present invention, when the second hinge member 5 is in the first position, the torsion coil spring 22 releases the rotation center shaft 6, no frictional resistance is generated between the torsion coil spring 22 and the rotation center shaft 6, and frictional resistance is generated between the torsion coil spring 22 and the rotation center shaft 6 only after the second hinge member 5 is rotated at a certain angle (for example, 60 °, but not limited thereto) with respect to the first hinge member 4 and the torsion coil spring 22 grips the rotation center shaft 6, so that it is easy to realize that a large resistance is generated only after the second hinge member 5 is rotated at a certain angle with respect to the first hinge member 4, and it is helpful to avoid an excessively long time required for closing the cover of the ice chest when the hinge 1 is used to rotatably connect the main body and the cover of the ice chest.

Further, according to the present invention, when the second hinge member 5 is rotated from the second position to the first position with respect to the first hinge member 4, the torsion coil spring 22 is deformed so as to release the rotation center shaft 6, so that frictional resistance is not easily generated between the torsion coil spring 22 and the rotation center shaft 6, the second hinge member 5 is easily rotated at a high speed, and when the hinge 1 is used to rotatably connect the main body and the lid of the ice chest, it is possible to prevent the ice chest from taking much time and opening work.

The present invention is described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, and it is to be understood that the specific implementations of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the hinge of the present invention is used to rotatably connect the main body and the lid of the refrigerator cabinet has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the hinge of the present invention can be applied to other cases where two members are required to be rotatably connected.

In the above embodiment, the other end of the torsion coil spring 22 abuts against the abutting portion 4g of the first hinge member 4 between the state shown in fig. 4C and the state shown in fig. 4B, and the other end of the torsion coil spring 22 abuts against the abutting portion 4g of the first hinge member 4 between the state shown in fig. 4B and the state shown in fig. 4A, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the torsion coil spring 22 may be provided so as to always abut against the abutting portion 4g in a range from the state shown in fig. 4C to the state shown in fig. 4A, and of course, a holding portion (for example, a structure similar to the holding portion 5e of the second hinge member 5) may be provided instead of the abutting portion 4 g.

In the above embodiment, when the second hinge member 5 is rotated from the first position to the second position with respect to the first hinge member 4, the torsion coil spring 22 is in the natural state at the third position between the first position and the second position, and the other end of the torsion coil spring 22 is just about to start to be separated from the contact portion 4g of the first hinge member 4, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the torsion coil spring 22 may not be in the natural state at the third position.

In the above embodiment, the damper 3 is provided, but the damper 3 may be omitted in some cases.

In the above embodiment, the annular friction portion 62 is formed separately from the center shaft main body 61 in the rotation center shaft 6, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the annular friction portion 62 may be formed integrally with the center shaft main body 61, and in some cases, the annular friction portion 62 may be omitted.

In the above embodiment, the specific shapes of the first hinge member 4 and the second hinge member 5 may be changed as needed.

Claims

1. A hinge comprising a first hinge member and a second hinge member, the first hinge member and the second hinge member being rotatably connected by a rotation center shaft,

the rotation center shaft is fixed to the first hinge member,

a torsion coil spring is wound around the rotation center shaft,

the second hinge member is rotatable relative to the first hinge member between a first position and a second position,

in the first position, the torsion coil spring releases the rotation center shaft, and both end sides are restricted by the first hinge member and the second hinge member, respectively, to generate an elastic restoring force to rotate the second hinge member toward the second position,

the torsion coil spring starts to clasp the rotation center shaft before the second hinge member reaches the second position.

2. The hinge of claim 1,

one end of the torsion coil spring is held to the second hinge member,

at the first position, the other end of the torsion coil spring abuts against the first hinge member,

in the second position, the other end of the torsion coil spring is separated from the first hinge member.

3. The hinge according to claim 1 or 2,

the rotation center shaft includes a center shaft body and an annular friction portion,

the annular friction portion protrudes from the center shaft main body toward a radially outer side of the rotation center shaft,

the torsion coil spring is wound around an outer peripheral side of the annular friction portion.

4. The hinge of claim 3,

the annular friction portion is formed separately from the center shaft main body.

5. The hinge according to claim 1 or 2,

the first hinge member includes two first plate-like portions that are opposed to each other in the axial direction of the rotation center shaft and that are respectively formed with first insertion holes through which the rotation center shaft passes,

the second hinge member includes two second plate-like portions that are opposed to each other in the axial direction of the rotation center shaft and that are respectively formed with second insertion holes through which the rotation center shaft passes,

the two second plate-like portions are disposed inside the two first plate-like portions in the axial direction of the rotation center shaft, and the torsion coil spring is located inside the two second plate-like portions.

6. The hinge of claim 5,

one of the second plate-like portions has a holding portion that holds one end of the torsion coil spring,

one of the first plate-like portions has an abutting portion, and at the first position, the other end of the torsion coil spring abuts against the abutting portion, and at the second position, the other end of the torsion coil spring is spaced apart from the abutting portion.

7. The hinge of claim 6,

the holding portion has a locking groove, and one end of the torsion coil spring is locked in the locking groove.

8. The hinge of claim 6,

the contact portion protrudes from the main body of the first plate-like portion in the axial direction of the rotation center shaft.

9. The hinge of claim 5,

the hinge device further includes a damper that is located between the two second plate-like portions and through which the rotation center shaft passes, and that generates resistance force that hinders rotation of the second hinge member relative to the first hinge member when the second hinge member rotates.

10. The hinge of claim 9,

the damper includes:

a case having a bottomed cylindrical shape and fixed to the second hinge member;

a rotor provided in the housing and fixed to the first hinge member, the rotor having a movable valve element on an outer peripheral portion thereof, and a through hole in a rotation center portion thereof through which the rotation center shaft passes and is fixed; and

and a cover member that closes one end opening of the housing, a fluid chamber being formed between the cover member, the housing, and the rotor, and a working fluid being filled in the fluid chamber.

11. An ice bin, comprising:

a main body;

a cover body; and

the hinge of any one of claims 1 to 10,

a first hinge member of the hinge is secured to the body and a second hinge member of the hinge is secured to the cover to pivotally connect the body and the cover.