Liquid storage device and refrigerator having the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a liquid storage device and a refrigerator having the same. The liquid storage device includes: a liquid storage container; a partition, which is arranged in the liquid storage container and divides the internal space of the liquid storage container into a first liquid storage area and a second liquid storage area; a liquid replenishing port connecting the first liquid storage area and the second liquid storage area is provided on the partition; and a liquid level switch, which is arranged in the second liquid storage area and has a switch body, which is used to open and close the liquid replenishing port according to the movement of the liquid level in the second liquid storage area, so as to allow or prevent the liquid in the first liquid storage area from entering the second liquid storage area through the liquid replenishing port. The liquid storage device of the present invention has an automatic liquid replenishing function, and there is no need to add liquid to the liquid storage container from the external environment, which is conducive to optimizing the electrochemical deoxygenation process of the refrigerator, making the deoxygenation process more intelligent and effective, thereby improving the intelligence of the refrigerator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a fresh-keeping technology, in particular to a liquid storage device and a refrigerator having the same. Background Art

[0002] In daily production and life, some equipment or some modules of the equipment need to consume liquid during operation. When the liquid is reduced to a certain level, if it is not replenished in time, it will affect the normal operation of the equipment or its modules.

[0003] In the prior art, the reaction chamber of the device or its module is an independent container. When liquid needs to be replenished, liquid from the external environment needs to be manually added to the device or container to be replenished. The degree of automation is low, the operation process is cumbersome, and the user experience is poor. In addition, for corrosive liquids, the manual rehydration process poses safety risks. In addition, if the parts that need to be replenished are highly concealed and the surrounding space is limited, this will make the operation process more difficult. Summary of the invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to overcome at least one technical defect in the prior art and to provide a liquid storage device and a refrigerator having the same.

[0005] A further object of the present invention is to enable the liquid storage device to have an automatic liquid replenishment function without adding liquid to the liquid storage container from the external environment.

[0006] Another further object of the present invention is to provide a mechanical automatic liquid replenishing device, which omits electronic components from the liquid storage device, simplifies the overall structure of the device, and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0007] A further object of the present invention is to improve the sealing effect of the fluid replenishment port when fluid replenishment is not required, thereby improving the reliability of the fluid storage device.

[0008] A further object of the present invention is to make the switch body of the liquid storage device easy to move along a clear and definite motion trajectory, thereby further improving the reliability of the liquid storage device.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid storage device, comprising: a liquid storage container; a partition, which is arranged in the liquid storage container and divides the internal space of the liquid storage container into a first liquid storage area and a second liquid storage area; a liquid infusion port connecting the first liquid storage area and the second liquid storage area is opened on the partition; and a liquid level switch, which is arranged in the second liquid storage area and has a switch body, which is used to open and close the liquid infusion port according to the movement of the liquid level in the second liquid storage area, so as to allow or prevent the liquid in the first liquid storage area from entering the second liquid storage area through the liquid infusion port.

[0010] Optionally, the partition is a horizontal plate wall portion in the liquid storage container, and the first liquid storage area and the second liquid storage area are arranged up and down.

[0011] Optionally, a light hole penetrating the thickness direction of the plate surface is provided on the partition as a fluid inlet; and the switch body is movably arranged below the light hole, and when the liquid level in the second liquid storage area rises, it rises to press against the lower periphery of the light hole to close the fluid inlet, and when the liquid level in the second liquid storage area drops, it drops away from the lower periphery of the light hole to open the fluid inlet.

[0012] Optionally, the hole wall of the light hole forms a lower annular flange on the lower surface of the partition to press against the upper surface of the switch body; the wall of the lower annular flange extends radially outward from the hole wall of the light hole, and the wall thickness of the lower annular flange increases gradually from bottom to top.

[0013] Optionally, the liquid level switch further includes a float, which is fixedly connected to the switch body or is an integral part with the switch body, and is used to drive the switch body to move through floating or sinking movements in the second liquid storage area.

[0014] Optionally, the float can be arranged to rotate around an axis; and the liquid level switch also includes: a rotating shaft, fixed to the second liquid storage area; and a connecting piece, fixedly connected to the float or integral with the float, with an axial hole formed thereon for the rotating shaft to be inserted therein and rotatably matched to achieve a rotatable connection; a mounting hole is also formed on the connecting piece for a part of the switch body to be inserted therein to achieve fixed assembly.

[0015] Optionally, the mounting hole is located between the shaft hole and the float, so that the switch body and the float are located on the same side of the rotating shaft.

[0016] Optionally, the central axis of the shaft hole extends in the horizontal direction and is perpendicular to the central longitudinal vertical symmetry plane of the float; when the switch closes the fluid infusion port, the central axis of the mounting hole extends in the vertical direction and is parallel to the central longitudinal vertical center line of the float; the float is in the shape of a hollow column, and its central axis is parallel to the central axis of the shaft hole; the two bottom surfaces of the column of the float are symmetrically convex to each other, thereby forming an arc-shaped curved surface; and the connecting piece is a cantilever, which is formed by tilting outward and extending upward from the upper side section of the side surface of the column of the float.

[0017] Optionally, the switch body is a rod-shaped plug cover, which has an assembly part and a sealing part; wherein the assembly part is rod-shaped and fixedly assembled in the mounting hole; the sealing part is plug-cover-shaped and connected to the top of the assembly part, and is used to open or close the fluid infusion port; and the middle section of the inner wall of the mounting hole extends radially inward to form a middle annular flange; the main rod diameter of the assembly part is the same as the hole diameter of the middle annular flange so that it can be inserted into the hole defined by the middle annular flange; the assembly part also has an upper annular boss and a lower annular boss extending radially outward from its main rod, which are respectively located above and below the middle annular flange to limit the freedom of movement of the switch body relative to the mounting hole.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a refrigerator, comprising: a liquid storage device as described in any one of the above items.

[0019] The liquid storage device of the present invention and the refrigerator having the same, since the partition of the liquid storage device divides the liquid storage container into a first liquid storage area and a second liquid storage area, and a liquid replenishing port connecting the two liquid storage areas is opened on the partition, the liquid level switch can automatically move according to the liquid level of the second liquid storage area to open and close the liquid replenishing port, thereby allowing or preventing the liquid in the first liquid storage area from entering the second liquid storage area through the liquid replenishing port. Therefore, the liquid storage device of the present invention has an automatic liquid replenishing function, and there is no need to add liquid to the liquid storage container from the external environment. This is conducive to optimizing the electrochemical deoxygenation process of the refrigerator, making the deoxygenation process more intelligent and effective, thereby improving the intelligence level of the refrigerator.

[0020] Furthermore, in the liquid storage device of the present invention and the refrigerator having the same, since the switch body of the liquid level switch can automatically move and open and close the liquid filling port according to the liquid level of the second liquid storage area, and the first liquid storage area is located above the second liquid storage area, when the liquid level in the second liquid storage area decreases and the switch body is away from the liquid filling port, the liquid in the first liquid storage area can automatically flow to the second liquid storage area by gravity, thereby completing the automatic liquid filling process. The present invention provides a purely mechanical automatic liquid filling device, which omits electronic components from the liquid storage device, which is conducive to simplifying the overall structure of the device and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0021] Furthermore, in the liquid storage device of the present invention and the refrigerator having the same, a lower annular flange is formed on the lower surface of the partition on the wall of the light hole of the liquid replenishing port to press against the upper surface of the switch body, and the wall thickness of the lower annular flange gradually increases from bottom to top, which is beneficial to improving the sealing effect of the switch body closing the liquid replenishing port, and can prevent leakage of the liquid replenishing port when liquid replenishment is not needed, thereby improving the reliability of the liquid storage device.

[0022] Furthermore, in the liquid storage device of the present invention and the refrigerator having the same, since the float of the liquid level switch can be rotatably arranged around the axis, the movement trajectory is clear and definite, which makes it easy for the float and the switch body of the present invention to move along the clear and definite movement trajectory, thereby improving the reliability of the liquid level switch device, reducing or avoiding problems such as poor sealing caused by the free movement of the float, which is conducive to further improving the reliability of the liquid storage device.

[0023] Based on the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will become more aware of the above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Hereinafter, some specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in an exemplary and non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings indicate the same or similar components or parts. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the accompanying drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a liquid storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another schematic structural diagram of the liquid storage device shown;

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a liquid level switch of a liquid storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of a liquid level switch of a liquid storage device shown in another perspective;

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic exploded view of a liquid level switch of a liquid storage device shown;

[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a float, a rotating shaft and a switch body of a liquid level switch of a liquid storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of a connecting member and a float of a liquid level switch of a liquid storage device shown;

[0032] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of the overall structure of the liquid level switch of the liquid storage device shown;

[0033] Fig. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a liquid storage device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another schematic structural diagram of the liquid storage device 10 is shown. The liquid storage device 10 is used to hold liquid. For example, the liquid held by the liquid storage device 10 can be used as an electrolyte for electrochemical reactions, or as a volatile reagent for providing volatile molecules (such as aromatherapy molecules, etc.) to the external environment.

[0035] The liquid storage device 10 may generally include a liquid storage container 200 , a partition 300 , and a liquid level switch 100 .

[0036] The liquid contained in the liquid storage device 10 is stored in the liquid storage container 200. The inner space of the liquid storage container 200 forms a liquid storage space for storing the liquid.

[0037] The partition 300 is disposed in the liquid storage container 200, and divides the internal space of the liquid storage container 200 into a first liquid storage area 210 and a second liquid storage area 220. That is, the liquid storage space is divided into the first liquid storage area 210 and the second liquid storage area 220 by the partition 300. The partition 300 is provided with a liquid infusion port connecting the first liquid storage area 210 and the second liquid storage area 220. That is, the two liquid storage areas are connected through the liquid infusion port.

[0038] The liquid level switch 100 is disposed in the second liquid storage area 220, and has a switch body 120, which is used to move according to the liquid level of the second liquid storage area 220, thereby opening and closing the liquid replenishing port, so as to allow or prevent the liquid in the first liquid storage area 210 from entering the second liquid storage area 220 through the liquid replenishing port. In other words, the liquid level switch 100 is used to control the opening and closing of the liquid replenishing port. The switch body 120 of the liquid level switch 100 moves according to the liquid level of the second liquid storage area 220, so as to close or open the liquid replenishing port, and the opening and closing process of the liquid replenishing port does not require electrical control. Figure 1 The diagram shows a situation where the switch body 120 of the liquid level switch 100 of the liquid storage device 10 closes the liquid replenishing port. Figure 2 The diagram shows a situation where the switch body 120 of the liquid level switch 100 of the liquid storage device 10 opens the liquid replenishing port. Figure 1 The switch body 120 shown can be reached by rotating clockwise around the axis Figure 2 The working position shown can be restored to the original working position by rotating counterclockwise around the axis.

[0039] In the liquid storage device 10 of the present embodiment, since the partition 300 divides the liquid storage container 200 into a first liquid storage area 210 and a second liquid storage area 220, and a liquid replenishing port connecting the two liquid storage areas is opened on the partition 300, the liquid level switch 100 can automatically move according to the liquid level of the second liquid storage area 220 to open and close the liquid replenishing port, thereby allowing or preventing the liquid in the first liquid storage area 210 from entering the second liquid storage area 220 through the liquid replenishing port. Therefore, the liquid storage device 10 of the present embodiment has an automatic liquid replenishing function, and there is no need to add liquid to the liquid storage container 200 from the external environment.

[0040] The first liquid storage area 210 is used as a liquid replenishment tank. The second liquid storage area 220 is used as a reaction tank. The liquid storage device 10 is integrated with the liquid replenishment tank and the reaction tank at the same time, so that the reaction tank can be prevented from being replenished directly from the external environment, thereby avoiding the risk of equipment damage and personal safety risks caused by the liquid replenishment process. The user only needs to fill the liquid replenishment tank with liquid.

[0041] In some optional embodiments, the partition 300 is a horizontal plate wall portion in the liquid storage container 200, and the first liquid storage area 210 and the second liquid storage area 220 are arranged vertically. That is, the partition 300 is plate-shaped and extends in the horizontal direction, thereby separating the internal space of the liquid storage container 200 into the first liquid storage area 210 located at the upper part and the second liquid storage area 220 located at the lower part.

[0042] Since the switch body 120 of the liquid level switch 100 can automatically move and open and close the liquid filling port according to the liquid level of the second liquid storage area 220, and the first liquid storage area 210 is located above the second liquid storage area 220, when the liquid level in the second liquid storage area 220 decreases and the switch body 120 is away from the liquid filling port, the liquid in the first liquid storage area 210 can automatically flow to the second liquid storage area 220 by gravity, thereby completing the automatic liquid filling process. Using the above scheme, this embodiment provides a purely mechanical automatic liquid filling device, so that the liquid storage device 10 omits electronic components, which is conducive to simplifying the overall structure of the device and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0043] In some other optional embodiments, the partition 300 can also be set as an inclined plate wall portion according to actual needs, but is not limited thereto. The partition 300 shown in the drawings is only exemplified by a horizontal plate wall portion. Those skilled in the art should be fully capable of expanding it based on understanding this embodiment, so it is not shown one by one in the drawings.

[0044] The internal space of the liquid storage container 200 is divided by the partition 300, so that the first liquid storage area 210 is used as a liquid replenishing area for replenishing liquid to the second liquid storage area 220, and the second liquid storage area 220 is used as a liquid consumption area for consuming liquid, and the device has a high degree of integration.

[0045] In some optional embodiments, the partition 300 is provided with a light hole 310 penetrating the thickness direction of the partition 300 as a liquid inlet. The partition 300 of this embodiment is a horizontal wall portion, so the thickness direction of the partition 300 is the vertical direction.

[0046] The switch body 120 is movably disposed below the light hole 310, and when the liquid level in the second liquid storage area 220 rises, it rises to press against the lower periphery of the light hole 310 to close the liquid inlet, and when the liquid level in the second liquid storage area 220 decreases, it descends away from the lower periphery of the light hole 310 to open the liquid inlet.

[0047] That is to say, the switch body 120 can rise and buckle against the lower edge of the light hole 310 when the liquid level in the second liquid storage area 220 rises, thereby closing the liquid inlet, so that the liquid in the first liquid storage area 210 cannot pass through the liquid inlet. It can also fall when the liquid level in the second liquid storage area 220 decreases, thereby deviating from and opening the liquid inlet, so that the liquid in the first liquid storage area 210 flows downward into the second liquid storage area 220 by gravity.

[0048] In actual application, the above-mentioned "closing" and "opening" are frequently alternated to ensure the relative constancy of the liquid level in the reaction chamber.

[0049] The hole wall of the light hole 310 is formed with a lower annular flange on the lower surface of the partition 300 to press against the upper surface of the switch body 120. The wall of the lower annular flange extends radially outward from the hole wall of the light hole 310, which can avoid blocking the light hole 310. The wall thickness of the lower annular flange gradually increases from bottom to top, which makes the lower annular flange in an inverted cone shape, so that the upper surface of the switch body 120 and the lower surface of the lower annular flange can be pressed more reliably, thereby achieving a more reliable seal to prevent leakage from the liquid infusion port.

[0050] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a liquid level switch 100 of a liquid storage device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The schematic structural diagram of the liquid level switch 100 of the liquid storage device 10 shown in another perspective. Figure 3 For the three-dimensional structure diagram, Figure 4 This is a top view.

[0051] The liquid level switch 100 may further include a float 110, which is fixedly connected to the switch body 120 or is an integral part of the switch body 120, and is used to drive the switch body 120 to move by floating or sinking in the second liquid storage area 220. In other words, the switch body 120 is "driven" by the float 110, and the power required for the float 110 to move is determined by the buoyancy it receives in the second liquid storage area 220.

[0052] For example, a portion of the float 110 is immersed in the liquid in the second liquid storage area 220, so that the float 110 is subjected to the buoyancy of the liquid. When the liquid level of the second liquid storage area 220 changes, the buoyancy of the float 110 will also change, so that the combined force of the buoyancy and gravity of the float 110 will change. For example, when the liquid level of the second liquid storage area 220 decreases, the buoyancy of the float 110 will decrease. If the combined force of the buoyancy and gravity of the float 110 is directed downward, the float 110 will move downward. Otherwise, the float 110 will move upward. The float 110 can rise or fall in a vertical direction, or can rise or fall along a curve.

[0053] In some optional embodiments, the float 110 can be arranged to rotate around an axis. That is, the float 110 of this embodiment does not move up and down along a straight line, but rises or falls in a manner of rotating around an axis. With such a design, it is only necessary to make the float 110 pivotally connected to a fixed axis, and there is no need to install a guide component with high dimensional accuracy. It has the advantages of delicate structure, simple assembly process, and good device reliability.

[0054] Since the float 110 is rotatable around an axis, the motion trajectory is clear and distinct, which makes it easy for the float 110 and the switch body 120 of this embodiment to move along the clear and distinct motion trajectory, thereby improving the reliability of the liquid level switch 100 and reducing or avoiding problems such as poor sealing caused by the free movement of the float 110.

[0055] Since the float 110 can automatically rotate around the axis as the liquid level changes, and drive the switch body 120 to move, thereby opening and closing the liquid filling port, the liquid level switch 100 does not need to install electronic components and has a simple and reliable structure, which is conducive to reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the overall structure of the device.

[0056] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic exploded view of a liquid level switch 100 of a liquid storage device 10 is shown.

[0057] The liquid level switch 100 may further include a rotating shaft 130 and a connecting member 140 .

[0058] The rotating shaft 130 is fixed to the second liquid storage area 220. For example, the rotating shaft 130 can be fixed to the inner space of the second liquid storage area 220 and fixedly connected to the inner wall of the container of the second liquid storage area 220. The rotating shaft 130 is used to fix the float 110 so that it can only rotate around the axis.

[0059] For example, a “columnar feature” may be injection molded in the second liquid storage area 220 to form the “rotating shaft 130”, and then other components of the liquid level switch 100 may be installed. Alternatively, a hole may be opened at the installation location, and then the “rotating shaft 130” may be inserted and passed through the connector 140 at the same time.

[0060] In some optional embodiments, the rotating shaft 130 can also be detachably fixed to the second liquid storage area 220, so that the height of the rotating shaft 130 can be adjusted according to actual needs, thereby adjusting the liquid level height in the container at the start of liquid replenishment. For example, when the physical properties (material, volume, structure) of the float 110 are determined, by adjusting the height of the rotating shaft 130, the height of the required controlled liquid level can be set accordingly.

[0061] The connecting member 140 is fixedly connected to the float 110 or is an integral member with the float 110, and is formed with an axial hole 141 for the rotation shaft 130 to be inserted therein and rotatably matched therewith so as to achieve a rotatable connection. In other words, the connecting member 140 assembles the rotation shaft 130 and the float 110 into an organic whole, so that the float 110 can rotate around the rotation shaft 130.

[0062] By opening the shaft hole 141 on the connecting member 140 and making the rotating shaft 130 rotatably matched with the shaft hole 141 , the float 110 can be rotatably assembled to the rotating shaft 130 , which has an exquisite structure and a simple process.

[0063] The switch body 120 is rod-shaped. The connecting member 140 is also formed with a mounting hole 142 for a portion of the switch body 120 to be inserted therein for fixed assembly. In other words, a portion of the switch body 120 is fixedly assembled with the connecting member 140, thereby indirectly achieving fixed connection with the float 110. For example, the portion of the switch body 120 can be assembled with the mounting hole 142 of the connecting member 140 by interference fit.

[0064] The rotating shaft 130 and the switch body 120 are respectively assembled to the connecting member 140 which is fixedly connected to the float 110 or is an integral member with the float 110 , thereby forming the liquid level switch 100 with a strong structural integrity.

[0065] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a float 110, a rotating shaft 130 and a switch body 120 of a liquid level switch 100 of a liquid storage device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows two different relative positions of the float 110, the rotating shaft 130 and the switch body 120. In this embodiment, the float 110 and the switch body 120 are located on the same side of the rotating shaft 130, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 For example, the mounting hole 142 is located between the shaft hole 141 and the float 110 , so that the switch body 120 and the float 110 are located on the same side of the rotating shaft 130 .

[0066] In some optional embodiments, the float 110 and the switch body 120 are located on both sides of the rotating shaft 130, such as Figure 6 After understanding this embodiment, those skilled in the art should be able to easily understand the structure of the liquid level switch 100 in which "the float 110 and the switch body 120 are located on both sides of the rotating shaft 130", so it is not shown in the drawings.

[0067] The switch body 120 and the float 110 are on the same side, which means that the switch body 120 is located between the rotating shaft 130 and the float 110. This is the key to make the switch body 120 move in the same direction as the float 110 according to the liquid level height of the internal space of the container. When the liquid level in the internal space of the container rises, the float 110 also rises accordingly under the action of buoyancy. At this time, the switch body 120 also rises and gradually approaches the liquid infusion port until it is sealed, thereby achieving the purpose of closing the liquid infusion port. When the liquid level in the internal space of the container drops, the float 110 also drops accordingly under the action of buoyancy and its own gravity. At this time, the switch body 120 also drops and continues to move away from the liquid infusion port, thereby achieving the purpose of opening the liquid infusion port. If the float 110 and the switch body 120 are located on both sides of the rotating shaft 130, the two will not "move in the same direction" but will "move in opposite directions". At this time, the entire device needs to add an additional conversion structure to make the switch body 120 and the float 110 move in the same direction, which will not only reduce the reliability of the device but also increase the cost.

[0068] The switch body 120 and the float 110 are located on the same side of the rotating shaft 130, which can also reduce the space occupied. If the switch body 120 and the float 110 are located on both sides of the rotating shaft 130, then under the same force arm ratio, more space will be occupied, which will not only reduce the reliability of the system, but also increase the cost. Figure 6 As shown in (a), the force arm L2 of the switch body 120 is Figure 6 (b) shows the lever arm L1 of the switch body 120.

[0069] The switch body 120 is fixed on the connecting member 140 which is fixedly connected to the float 110 or is an integral part with the float 110, and the switch body 120 and the float 110 are located on the same side of the rotating shaft 130, so that a larger "arm ratio" (compared with the traditional float type) can be obtained. Since the arm of the switch body 120 is much smaller than the arm of the float 110, the lift at the switch body 120 is amplified in inverse proportion to the arm of the lever, so that the buoyancy obtained by the float 110 (after deducting the weight of the float 110 itself) is multiplied and converted to the lift of the switch body 120, so that a greater closing force is obtained between the switch body 120 and the infusion port, and the corresponding sealing effect will be better. Assuming that the arm of the switch body 120 of the present embodiment is 1, and the arm of the float 110 is L3, then the force at the switch body 120 is equal to L3 multiplied by the welfare, that is, the buoyancy is amplified by L3 times at the switch body 120.

[0070] In some optional embodiments, the central axis of the shaft hole 141 extends in the horizontal direction and is perpendicular to the central longitudinal vertical symmetry plane of the float 110. For example, for a cylindrical float 110, when the two bottom surfaces 111 of the float 110 are arranged opposite to each other in the horizontal direction, the central longitudinal vertical symmetry plane of the float 110 is the longitudinal central section of the float 110 extending in the vertical direction. Figure 4 The dotted line passing through the shaft hole 141 shows the central axis direction of the shaft hole 141.

[0071] When the switch body 120 closes the liquid inlet, the central axis of the mounting hole 142 extends in the vertical direction and is parallel to the central longitudinal vertical centerline of the float 110, so that the switch body 120 can close the liquid inlet upright, thereby improving the sealing effect of the switch body 120 closing the liquid inlet. Among them, the central longitudinal vertical centerline of the float 110 is the longitudinal centerline of the longitudinal central section of the float 110 extending in the vertical direction. The directional terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" are all relative to the actual use state of the liquid level switch 100, and the longitudinal direction is roughly the vertical direction.

[0072] In some optional embodiments, the float 110 is in the shape of a hollow column. The cylinder of the float 110 of this embodiment is a hollow structure, which can further enhance the buoyancy (the overall density is less than the liquid density). The central axis of the float 110 is parallel to the central axis of the shaft hole 141. Among them, the central axis of the columnar float 110 is collinear with the centers of the two bottom surfaces 111 respectively. Since the central axis of the shaft hole 141 extends in the horizontal direction, the central axis of the float 110 also extends in the horizontal direction, and the two bottom surfaces 111 of the float 110 are arranged opposite to each other in the horizontal direction. Figure 4 The dotted line passing through the float 110 shows the direction of the central axis of the float 110 .

[0073] The two bottom surfaces 111 of the column of the float 110 are symmetrically convex to form an arc-shaped curved surface. The two bottom surfaces 111 of the column of the float 110 can be convex to form a part of a spherical surface.

[0074] The liquid level switch 100 of the liquid storage device 10 of this embodiment can overcome the influence of the surface tension of the liquid on the movement of the float 110 and improve the sensitivity of the device because the two bottom surfaces 111 of the column of the float 110 are symmetrically protruding outwards to form an arc-shaped curved surface, and the side surface 112 of the column of the float 110 is also an arc-shaped curved surface.

[0075] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a schematic perspective view of a connecting member 140 and a float 110 of a liquid level switch 100 of a liquid storage device 10 , in which a rotating shaft 130 and a switch body 120 are omitted.

[0076] In some optional embodiments, the connecting member 140 is a cantilever, which is formed by obliquely extending outward and upward from the upper side section of the cylindrical side 112 of the float 110. Here, "outward" refers to radially outward along the cylindrical side 112. The upper side section of the cylindrical side 112 of the float 110 refers to Figure 7 The arc section between A and B, or the arc section between A and C.

[0077] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 The schematic perspective view of the overall structure of the liquid level switch 100 of the liquid storage device 10 is shown.

[0078] The switch body 120 is a rod-shaped plug cover, which has an assembly portion 121 and a blocking portion 122. The assembly portion 121 is a rod, and is fixedly assembled in the mounting hole 142. The blocking portion 122 is a plug cover, and is connected to the top of the assembly portion 121, and is used to open or close the liquid infusion port. The plug cover can be cylindrical, and its upper surface is flat. Compared with the matching structure of the traditional conical head plug and the water spout, the matching mechanism of the plug cover and the lower annular flange of this embodiment has the advantage of high position tolerance, and the plug cover does not need to be precisely aligned with the liquid outlet of the lower annular flange, as long as the upper surface of the plug cover can cover the conical water spout. The plug cover and the rod of this embodiment are an integral part.

[0079] The middle section of the inner wall of the mounting hole 142 is radially inwardly extended to form a middle annular flange 142a. The rod diameter of the main rod 121c of the assembly part 121 is the same as the hole diameter of the middle annular flange 142a, so as to be inserted into the hole defined by the middle annular flange 142a. The assembly part 121 also has an upper annular boss 121a and a lower annular boss 121b extending radially outward from its main rod 121c, respectively located above and below the middle annular flange 142a, to limit the freedom of movement of the switch body 120 relative to the mounting hole 142.

[0080] By designing the hole structure of the mounting hole 142 and the rod structure and plug structure of the switch body 120 , the structural stability of the overall structure obtained by fixing and assembling the switch body 120 and the mounting hole 142 can be improved.

[0081] In some optional embodiments, the switch body 120 is made of an acid-resistant and alkali-resistant elastic material, such as EPDM or fluororubber, and relies on its own elastic deformation to squeeze the liquid infusion port that seals with it, thereby achieving sealing. The rotating shaft 130 is made of an acid-resistant and alkali-resistant material, such as a chrome-plated metal material, a ceramic material, or a plastic material. The float 110 can be made of an acid-resistant and alkali-resistant material such as polytetrafluoroethylene or polybutylene adipamide.

[0082] Fig. 9 1 is a schematic block diagram of a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerator 1 may include a liquid storage device 10 according to any of the above embodiments. The liquid storage device 10 may be an electrochemical deoxygenation device, which is used to consume oxygen inside the refrigerator 1 through an electrochemical reaction to reduce oxygen.

[0083] For example, an electrochemical reaction element (anode plate, cathode plate, etc.) may be disposed in the second liquid storage area 220, and the electrochemical reaction is performed in the second liquid storage area 220. The second liquid storage area 220 may store an electrolyte, such as a sodium hydroxide solution.

[0084] The cathode plate is in airflow communication with the internal space of the storage compartment of the refrigerator 1. When powered, the cathode plate is used to consume oxygen in the storage compartment through an electrochemical reaction. For example, oxygen in the air can undergo a reduction reaction at the cathode plate, namely: O2+2H2O+4e - →4OH - .

[0085] The anode plate and the cathode plate are disposed in the second liquid storage area 220 at intervals. When powered, the anode plate is used to provide reactants (e.g., electrons) to the cathode plate through an electrochemical reaction and generate oxygen. - Oxidation reaction can occur at the anode plate and generate oxygen, namely: 4OH - →O2+2H2O+4e- The oxygen can be exhausted to the external environment through the exhaust port.

[0086] Water or electrolyte can be stored in the first liquid storage area 210. Since the electrochemical reaction in the second liquid storage area 220 consumes water, a trace amount of electrolyte may be taken away when oxygen is discharged to the external environment. By using the first liquid storage area 210 to replenish the second liquid storage area 220, the influence of the electrochemical reaction on the reduction of electrolyte can be reduced or avoided. Therefore, the electrochemical deoxygenation device of this embodiment has the characteristics of good integration, high degree of automation and excellent deoxygenation effect.

[0087] The liquid storage device 10 of the present invention and the refrigerator 1 having the same, since the partition 300 of the liquid storage device 10 divides the liquid storage container 200 into a first liquid storage area 210 and a second liquid storage area 220, and a liquid replenishing port connecting the two liquid storage areas is opened on the partition 300, the liquid level switch 100 can automatically move according to the liquid level of the second liquid storage area 220 to open and close the liquid replenishing port, thereby allowing or preventing the liquid in the first liquid storage area 210 from entering the second liquid storage area 220 through the liquid replenishing port. Therefore, the liquid storage device 10 of the present invention has an automatic liquid replenishing function, and there is no need to add liquid to the liquid storage container 200 from the external environment, which is conducive to optimizing the electrochemical deoxygenation process of the refrigerator 1, making the deoxygenation process more intelligent and effective, thereby improving the intelligence level of the refrigerator 1.

[0088] At this point, those skilled in the art should recognize that, although multiple exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications that conform to the principles of the present invention can still be directly determined or derived based on the content disclosed in the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood and recognized as covering all these other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A liquid storage device, comprising: liquid storage container; A separator is arranged in the liquid storage container and divides the internal space of the liquid storage container into a first liquid storage area and a second liquid storage area; a liquid replenishing port connecting the first liquid storage area and the second liquid storage area is opened on the separator; a lower annular flange is formed on the hole wall of the liquid replenishing port on the lower surface of the separator, and the wall thickness of the lower annular flange gradually increases from bottom to top; as well as a liquid level switch, disposed in the second liquid storage area, and having a switch body made of an elastic material, the switch body being used to move according to the liquid level of the second liquid storage area so that the top surface of the switch body is separated from or abutted against the lower annular flange, thereby opening and closing the liquid replenishing port, so as to allow or prevent the liquid in the first liquid storage area from entering the second liquid storage area through the liquid replenishing port; The switch body is a rod-shaped plug cover, which has a mounting portion and a blocking portion; the mounting portion is rod-shaped; the blocking portion is a plug cover, the upper surface of which is flat and connected to the top of the mounting portion, and is used to open or close the fluid infusion port; The projection of the lower annular flange on the upper surface of the plug cover is located within the circumferential edge of the top surface of the switch body, so that the upper surface of the plug cover covers the lower annular flange.

2. The liquid storage device according to claim 1, wherein: The partition is a horizontal plate wall portion in the liquid storage container, and arranges the first liquid storage area and the second liquid storage area up and down.

3. The liquid storage device according to claim 1, wherein The separator is provided with a light hole penetrating through the thickness direction of the plate surface as the liquid replenishing port; and The switch body is movably disposed below the light hole, and when the liquid level in the second liquid storage area rises, it rises to press against the lower periphery of the light hole to close the liquid inlet, and when the liquid level in the second liquid storage area drops, it descends away from the lower periphery of the light hole to open the liquid inlet.

4. The liquid storage device according to claim 3, wherein: The wall of the lower annular flange extends radially outward from the hole wall of the light hole.

5. The liquid storage device according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid level switch also includes a float, which is fixedly connected to the switch body or is an integral part of the switch body and is used to drive the switch body to move through floating or sinking movements in the second liquid storage area.

6. The liquid storage device according to claim 5, wherein: The float is rotatably arranged around an axis; and The liquid level switch also includes: a rotating shaft fixed to the second liquid storage area; and A connecting piece is fixedly connected to the float or is an integral piece with the float, and is formed with an axial hole for the rotating shaft to be inserted therein and rotatably matched therewith to achieve a rotatable connection; a mounting hole is also formed on the connecting piece for the assembly part to be inserted therein to achieve fixed assembly.

7. The liquid storage device according to claim 6, wherein: The mounting hole is located between the shaft hole and the float, so that the switch body and the float are located on the same side of the rotating shaft.

8. The liquid storage device according to claim 6, wherein: The central axis of the shaft hole extends in the horizontal direction and is perpendicular to the central longitudinal vertical symmetry plane of the float; when the switch closes the liquid replenishing port, the central axis of the mounting hole extends in the vertical direction and is parallel to the central longitudinal vertical centerline of the float; The float is in the shape of a hollow column, and its central axis is parallel to the central axis of the shaft hole; the two bottom surfaces of the column of the float are symmetrically convex to each other, thereby forming an arc-shaped curved surface; and The connecting piece is a cantilever, which is formed by obliquely extending outward and upward from the upper side section of the column side of the float.

9. The liquid storage device according to claim 6, wherein: A middle section of the inner wall of the mounting hole extends radially inward to form a middle annular flange; The main rod diameter of the assembly portion is the same as the hole diameter of the middle annular flange so that it can be inserted into the hole defined by the middle annular flange; the assembly portion also has an upper annular boss and a lower annular boss extending radially outward from its main rod, which are respectively located above and below the middle annular flange to limit the freedom of movement of the switch body relative to the mounting hole.

10. A refrigerator, comprising: A liquid storage device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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